Call The Midwife!

I have received numerous e-mails regarding my home birth experience so I'll just write it down here so I can refer whomever to it! I am not a home birth guru by any means but I did have one "cabin birth" so I can only talk of my experience.

I have a wee bit of an obsessive personality so when we had discussed the option of doing a home birth I spent hours and hours and hours researching. After reading about births for countless hours and discussing the two different options with my midwives I felt a home birth was right for me. I feel that home births and midwives still have a little bit of a stigma surrounding them. I find BC to be a little bit more progressive than the rest of Canada. I don't understand why some provinces aren't even legislated?! Crazy talk! When I was spending the month in Comox, locals would ask me if I was doing home birth or hospital birth? I liked that. It's nice having options and it's nice to see people more open minded. A lot of friends and families responses were, why would you do a home birth? That is too scary! I'm scared for you! Why a midwife, we aren't in the stone age? You are such a hippie! They were saying all of these things because it is foreign to them and they were just worried but Midwives go to school for four years and specialize in births. My midwives were extremely professional, caring and simply wonderful. At each prenatal appointment you are given 45minutes with them, and not once did I feel I was being rushed out. We didn't just discuss pregnancy we talked about life as well so you establish a great relationship with your midwife. They always have a midwife on call as well so if you have any concern or any little question they encourage you to call. I LOVE midwives and would really encourage you to use one if you have the option when having a baby!

Jon's biggest concern was what if something was to go wrong and we weren't in a hospital, what would we do? The midwives honestly bring the hospital room to you. The amount of "stuff" they lugged in was insane. They are prepared for routine births as well for any kind of emergency situation that may arise. From resuscitation equipment to a baby scale, they got it all! Our midwife also said that in a serious emergency situation they don't mess around. If they feel an intervention like a c-section is needed, they would rush you to the hospital. The hospital was five minutes from our cabin.

I was considered low risk so I felt super comfortable with a home birth. If it was my first baby I might not be as comfortable as I was. I kind of new the drill from my first birth so I was more at ease.  I know things can change so quickly and you can go from being low risk to have something go very wrong in a split second, but I felt very comfortable with my midwives and my body. I loved being able to labour freely and not worry about rushing to a hospital. Hospitals are so sterile, as they should be, to me it just doesn't seem like a right place to have a baby. I wanted to feel cozy. I could light my candles, eat food, make tea, laze on the couch, sit in the dark and not be hooked up to monitors. And where what I wanted while roaming around our teeny cabin. It was really freeing! I liked not feeling like a sick patient and more like a healthy woman about to give birth to her babe.

I obviously didn't have a true home birth as I was in a randoms cabin. If they only knew what went down in there, oops! I wish I would have bought plastic to put on the sheets. I was so concerned with soaking their bed with blood that I wasn't able to fully relax after I gave birth. You clearly just want to sleep and cuddle your babe after delivery but I just was so worried about that damn bed. I had incontinence pads down which did the trick but I was constantly adjusting them. So for the bedroom buy plastic, incontinence pads, and use old sheets! Oh and don't forget about hydrogen peroxide, that stuff gets everything out! I must remind you that when you have a home birth the midwives do the initial clean but after they are gone it's all up to you. Scratch that, it's all up to your partner! So if your partner isn't ok with cleaning up blood , a home birth might not be for you. Make sure you are sleeping in a bed closest to the bathroom! Poor Jon cleaned and cleaned and cleaned. We were also paranoid with leaving any little spot because it wasn't our cabin. If I were to do it again I would have covered that cabin in towels and plastic before I went into labour.

We also forgot about the placenta, ohhh placenta. I guess when you deliver the placenta it needs to go somewhere. So one of the midwifes ran into the kitchen and grabbed a huge bowl. So there sat my placenta, in a bowl, for a good 24 hours. Jon gave it to the ocean because we just felt weird tossing it in a garbage bag for some reason.

After you have your babe the midwife comes over to your place a few hours later to check up on you and the babe. Then the next day and then every second day. After the first week, you go to them at the clinic at two weeks, four weeks and six weeks. My midwives called me every other day for the first couple of weeks because we came back to Ukee and didn't feel like driving that far. They are also always on call so you can call them whenever you need.

The care I got from my midwives was phenomenal. When you have a home birth you have a midwife and an attending midwife, and mine were the best! So to answer the biggest question, yes I highly recommend a home birth if you can birth in your own home and are low risk. And if you choose a hospital birth, find yourself a good midwife to catch your babe!

PS Happy International Day of the Midwife!! 

38/39/40/41 Weeks Pregnant

(I wrote this on Dec.23rd, the day before I    gave birth)

Well ladies and gentleman, boys and girls.... I am still pregnant. My intuition for pregnancy totally blows. I thought this babe was going to be an early one as I am so huge but no such luck! We arrived at our cabin at 37 1/2 ish weeks and everyone was telling me I was crazy for leaving town so late. I was pretty nervous myself as I wasn't prepared to give birth in the car on a mountain with no cell service. So I had a wee bit of anxiety until we arrived at our cabin where there are services.

When we first arrived I was so stoked and at ease. The cabin is a teeny tiny one bedroom, one bath and everything else is jammed into the main living area. It's very cozy and charming and being right on the water isn't so bad either. The first week I soaked up the salty air, took a lot of pictures, kept Willow super busy, it was perfect. My mom arrived the second week we were here and took over Willow duty. My mom is staying at a friends place who is out of town which has worked out really well! 

My due date which was Dec.15th-20th so my due "week" has come and gone. Daddio arrived on the 16th so I was happy the babe didn't come before then. But sheesh he has been here for over a week, you can come out anytime baby! 

I am slowly losing my mind. I had even said a couple of weeks back to my midwife that I felt sorry for women who go past their due dates and that waiting game must be so hard. Aw man, what a way to jinx myself haha. I think the waiting game wouldn't be so bad if I was at my own house, with a little more space to myself. 

I am not normally a negative Nancy but I am over being pregnant. I feel like my body was just not made for this big of a baby. My pelvis is so sore so walking very far is out of the question. And my skin honestly will not stretch anymore without ripping. I loaded on bio oil the other day and I broke out in hives all over my belly which has made me even more itchy. Sleep, what is that? My body won't allow me to rest as I have been having contractions for the past week that wake me and my bladder is also guilty for this as well. I know this will all be worth it in the end and those newborn snuggles will be just the best ever! 

Please baby come out soon before your momma goes crrrraaazzzyyy.

I am really hoping this will be my very last pregnancy picture!! 

37 Weeks

I am going to be meeting my guy soon! I officially finished work on Tuesday which made it a little bit more real that I get to spend all of my days and nights with not one but two precious little ones.

When we get to our cabin we are staying in we will decide if we are going to do a "home" birth or hospital birth. I know I forsure want to labour in a bath so I can relax as much as possible during my contractions. We will go for a hospital tour and then decide from there. 

Symptoms: My skin won't stretch any further without those lovely little marks popping out. I lucked out with Willow and didn't get any stretch marks but this little guy is not letting me get away scot-free! 

Some days I want to eat my face off and other days I have to force myself to eat something. 

I am getting more Braxton hicks contractions. 

I am nesting big time. I have everything for the babe washed and ready! 

Movements: He isn't moving as much as he used to. There just isn't enough room for him to do his ninja moves. When he does do a little stretch it feels like he is going to bust through my skin. 

Cravings: Icey gingerale, Icey water, juicy grapes 

Weight gain: last week I was up 21lbs. And he was measuring at 32.5 weeks. Totally shocking news as I thought I was measuring bigger than what I should be. 

Sleep: I am restless at night but my naps are still amazing! 

35 & 36 Weeks Pregnant

Warning: whine sesh is about to go down!

I am starting to feel a little bit of anxiety with this birth. Only because of where we live. We don't get into our rental until Dec.1 and I would just like to be there already. Fortunately we live in a fabulous town filled with fabulous people but unfortunately it is at the edge of Earth and you must travel over a slippery mountain with no service for over an hour to get a hospital and 2.5 hours to my midwives. So just say this little guy wanted to make an early appearance the chance of having him in the car is higher than normal. Also my parents haven't booked their flight out here yet and I worry about Willow even if we are in  Comox. I don't want her to be at the birth.

On a good note, a friend gave me a box filled with newborn & 0-3 month clothes. So exciting! I washed them all up and they are ready to be filled with squishy cuteness.

Symptoms: this babe and my body are totally getting ready for the big day. I am larger than life and just walking is really hard on the old pelvis. I am having a lot of contractions and cramping that make me keel over. He is hugging my bladder more than ever. I have developed a full on waddle, I am still peeing my pants, and I groan when I sit down or stand up. Soooooo sexy! Ohh and my belly button popped, it never did with Willow and this little guy has stretched me out so bad that my belly is getting new stretch marks every day. 

I really want to continue with my long beach walks and hikes but I am honestly a little bit scared. When I was out walking with Willow and Jon the other day I had to lay down on the beach for a half bc I was getting really dizzy, nauseated and crampy. I wouldn't be as concerned if we were a wee but closer to my midwives.

Cravings: icy cold gingerale and peanut anything.

Movements: Big, strong movements all of the time. Not a lot of room for him to roll around anymore! So lots of hard jabs that shock me every time.

Sleep: naps are the BEST! Not sleeping at night all that well but boy oh boy do I love that Willow loves to nap!! We are pro nappers. 

Mood: happy! Obviously more irritable than norm but I am happy and can't wait to meet my other BFF! 

I am looking forward to my midwife appt this Friday! Maybe I will ask her to do a cervix check to ease my mind! Ohhh boy the time is getting near!!! 

My apologies for the cheese ball selfies. Someone teach me how to selfie, please!

35 Weeks 

36 weeks

33 Weeks Pregnant

Sorry baby, but posts about my pregnancy with you are a wee bit pathetic. I will try and blog your first year of life better :)

I have another appointment with my midwives next week and am looking forward to checking out the place we will call home next month.

Size: Baby is the same size as a pineapple. I am hilariously large.  Eating almost a full box of Halloween chocolates to myself is probably not helping this situation. Whooooooooppppsssss. I have gained close to 30lbs but I feel more like 60 extra lbs at the moment.

Symptoms: Still peeing my pants daily. It's only happened at home so far so it's not as embarrassing.

Yesterday, I was having some crazy contractions which left me in the fetal position on my bedroom floor. I only had two in a row, Dr. Jenna googled what to do in between contractions. And downing a whole whack load of water and laying on my left side seemed to help. I have had some light Braxton hicks today but nothing like yesterday. Thankfully Jon is home now so I have some help if need be.

My belly button didn't pop with Willow, but this time it is on the verge. My belly button is so huge right now, it looks freakish.

I am leaking some colostrum now. The boobies are getting ready to be ravaged.

Movements: This guys is strong! He is still very active and since he has grown so big he packs quite a punch/kick.

Mood: Getting sleepy again

Just over a month a way little fella. We can't wait to cover you with smooches and snuggles.

When I look at this picture I can't even believe it's me!

30 weeks Pregnant

Ahhhh, 30 weeks feels like such a feat! The end is near and I will get to meet this wild little newborn so soon. Oooooh I cannot wait for those squishy cuddles.

We booked the cabin we will be staying in while waiting for our babe. A cute little place right on the ocean. We have to leave home before we have the babe bc we live too far from the closest hospital. And the mountain range we have to cross doesn't have any service.

Size: Baby weighs the same as a cabbage and is approximately 15inches long

Symptoms: I am getting some Braxton Hicks contractions  here and there. 

I thought your hair wasn't supposed to fall out when preg. Mine is coming out in handfuls. Eek, what's going to happen when I start breast feeding!? 

I pee my pants daily. 

Movements: I have one crazy mofo in this belly of mine. 

Mood: feeling good! Getting a bit tired again but otherwise, happy :) 

Maternity Clothes: I am going to have to pick up some more clothes this weekend. My shirts just aren't convering this swollen belly. I ripped a huge hole in the bum of my fave pants. Luckily I did it at home! 

29 Weeks

30 weeks

The problem with having a really tall husband is I look extra short and stumpy :p I blame it alllllll on him! 

26 Weeks

Size: baby is the length of a green onion. I am the size of a manatee. The pictures don't show my true size, I really am quite big in real life.

Symptoms: I have a bleeding nose most mornings. My back is pretty darn sore most days. Jon bought me a massage for Mother's Day that I haven't used and a facial for our Anni. I feel a spa day is in order in the near future! 

I am hot all of the time. Normally I have the opposite issue and am always frozen. 

Movement: this little guy is still a crazy ninja fool. So set times, mostly just all day and night. Not sure if he ever sleeps or if he is just super active when he is sleeping. Willow still hasn't felt any kicks but Jon has felt plenty. 

Maternity Clothes: duh! I have two pairs of jeans that I rotate all of the time. This hot hot heat we have been having has had me throwing on dresses as of late. 

Cravings: ice cream and bagels with cream cheese. 

Weight: I haven't looked at a scale yet, I am much to afraid! 

My face is a tad constipated bc Willow started running into the woods at that moment. But there he is buried in all that dress

21 Weeks (gender reveal)

 So blogging hasn't been fun for me lately because our internet is awfully slow and I just end up getting mad when it takes me a half hour to upload one photo. I also haven't figured out how to manage my photos on my MacBook. I end up getting frustrated and locking it up in the closet for a month at a time. I am waitng for my patience to come back and it's just not showing any signs of returning as of late. Anywho, let's get to the good stuff!!!

It's been two whole weeks since we found out the gender of our babe. We went in for our ultra sound so anxious to find out the sex of our second babe and our poker faced technician wouldn't give us any hints at all. She said we would have to talk to our doc and see if she would tell us. I knew my doctor would tell us because she was so excited we were going to find out this round. She left her first a surprise and the second babe she found out too!  So we just enjoyed watching our babe bounce around. The baby was so very active, doing some high kicks, using both hands to try to feel out its surroundings. It was sooooo great. Poor little Willow wasn't too sure what was going on though. And that morning when I told her she would get to see our baby she said " noooo mommies baby nooooooo!!". Hahaha she will be the best big sister when the time comes though, I know it! 

Cuuuuute eh!? 

As soon as we left the appointment I called my doctors office and wouldn't you know it, my doc was out of town until the next week. I tried not to sound disappointed on the phone but the receptionist assured me she would get the doctor to call me as soon as possible. I figured I gueesssss I could wait another weekend. Well I didn't have to because they called the very next day! Yipeeeee!!!

We were on our favourite beach playing with all of the velella velellas that have washed up on shore when we heard the news. Jon and I were smiling ear to ear! So excited to have a little guy to join our clan. 

We love our little boy soooo much already and are just so excited to meet him!!

17.5 Weeks

 Oh yeah Oh yeah, I am getting my energy back. I feel as I am not as boring with my summer program kiddies as I have been the last few months. My competitive self is still dominating in tag.

Size: The babe is the size of a turnip. It must be a genetically modified turnip bc I am feeling huge. I can still fit into my regular clothes and for that I am grateful. I know I will be very huge in no time.

Movement: I can feel this babe move every once in awhile. I almost forgot how strange and exciting such a feeling is.

Gender: We are going to find out what we are having this time. The shock of Willow being a little girl was too much for me. I was so convinced that I was having a boy that when she came out I was in denial. Obviously I was soooo happy to have a sweet baby girl just totally blindsided. Unfortunately I have to wait three more weeks as we will be in Manitoba during the time I can go for my u.s. The anticipation is kiiiiillling me! 

Mood: Not a terrible B. I think I am more my happy self. Just way more emotional than I normally am. On the weekend a humming bird stopped and stared at me for a good while and was right in my face and I bawled my eyes out. I have been crying about it ever since hahaha it was just so beautiful! (I may or may not lose my patience with Jon more often than not, so I guess I may be still a horrible B, shoot)

Cravings: no cravings to report of 

Birth Story Part 3

Birth Story Part 3

I had been in labor for 13.5 hours and the time had come to push with all my might. During the first sets of contractions I felt like I was doing it all wrong and not pushing "right". This didn't last long because I could feel the babe slowly moving lower and lower. Also, I am totally one of those people that needs to be praised so when the doctor and nurse told me how well I was doing and that I was a natural, the little teachers pet in me glowed. I wanted to show them I was the best damn pusher on this planet :p.  I loved the feeling of my body telling my brain to push at each contraction and then pushing with all my might. In the crazy state I was in I will never forget how in awe I was of my own body. I felt on top of the world, which is kind of crazy because you are feeling pain, pooping, peeing, sweating, and are totally vulnerable. But I had a goal and that was to introduce the most precious little being in my and J's life to our little world.

I had a thing about raising my hands into the sky when the contractions were at there peak. At one point I lifted them up so high I ripped the iv out of my hand and blood started pouring out. No one noticed and I couldn't seem to get the words out. Finally J noticed after me flailing my hand in his face saying "Blood..it's out... I'm bleeding" and he and the nurse put it back in. He said he really liked feeling needed then, because it is true the poor dad just sits there and feels helpless. So he was happy to help when he could. He did in fact help in more ways than he realizes. Just him being there by my side the entire time meant the world to me. Although I did yell at him once. He was doing the "push countdown" like a drill sargeant. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 at what seemed to be at the top of his lungs. I politely said "Would you shutup? You are too loud" he continued with light countdowns which I appreciated. I remember him being so excited to see her hair when her head was making it's first appearance. The excitement in his voice is something I wish I could have on tape and press repeat. It was way too sweet.

The pushing part seemed to fly by. It took just under an hour, I think 52min. The crowning of the head didn't hurt as much as I thought it would and people say the shoulders hurt a lot too but the doctor helped pop them out of there. It really isn't as scary and painful as everyone makes it out to be. Would I do it again tomorrow? No! It's not that easy, but the reward at the end makes it allllll worth it. J told me he was panicked when her head was coming out because it looked like a long skinny eggplant and than it just kind of popped into a normal shape when it was fully out. He said the whole birthing process was a life changing experience for him.

 J's intuition was right, I was shocked when he finally announced it was a girl. When she came out he said "IT'S A BOY, IT'S A GIRL, IT'S A BOY". The doctor quickly corrected him and told him it was a girl haha. I thought the whole time I was definitely having a little boy. What a sweet surprise!

 I would like to introduce WILLOW RAE HOPKINS!!

6lbs14oz & 19inches of pure perfection

I am so over the top happy about how my labor and delivery went. Right after Willow entered the world she was put on my chest and it was instant utopia. I was able to cuddle and love her with every ounce of energy I had left. She started breastfeeding right away and then the nurse and J took her to weigh her and check her and brought her right back to my chest. The only downfall of the entire experience is I did tear and require 4 stitches. I tore at a different spot which my dr didn't want to stitch as it would be waaay to sensitive. That was not fun. After I gave birth my eyes immediately turned to slits, they had never felt so heavy in my entire life. I also popped blood vessels from  pushing with my face, whoops! But, wow, what an experience. She is totally a J Jr. Every face that Willow makes I see J in her. She is too precious for words, we are soooo in love.

Pretty alert for a babe that's only a few hours old!

Birth Story Part 2

Birth Story Part 2

J was able to get some much needed R&R (bastard :p) and I watched him sleep from 4:00am until 7:00am. The doctor had said the day before she was going to induce me at 8:30am if my contractions hadn't started. Well they were strong all night and of course when she came in they slowed down and were light again. When she checked me that morning I was only 3cm dilated, UGH! She said she didn't want to induce me just yet and see if my contractions would pick up again. I was quite happy about that. I jumped out of bed and started walking the halls to try and walk that babe out of me. J and I did many laps around the hospital and my contractions were back to being fierce again. I was pumped! My nurse, Judy (who was absolutely amazing) suggested I have a warm shower to take the edge off. I hopped in and that really made my contractions closer and much stronger. The shower felt so good and I was so happy to feel such strong contractions, I highly recommend a nice warm shower during labour. After the shower I had to be monitored again to check my vitals, babies heartbeat and my contractions. The contractions were very close together and everything was looking great. The doctor came back and checked me again and I was dilated 6-7cm.

In my "zone" haha

 As soon as I could I jumped out of bed and hopped on the birthing ball. The nurse showed J how to give me a fabulous massage and he massaged me for over an hour while I was on the ball. The nurse told me that when I was experiencing a contraction to try and relax my shoulders and breathe in each breath for my baby. She said breath is your drug, let your breath touch your toes. I totally thought of yoga and kind of went into a meditative state. The power of breath is so strong. J was also the PERFECT partner. He knows that when I'm in my "zone" I don't like to be talked to, touched (except for massage), but I do need someone to squeeze & have lip chap ready for me when needed :p. He had his hand, arm, head and shoulders ready for me to squeeze at all times. He had said later he always thought I was a weakling but I have a dang good grip. I couldn't have asked for a better support person, and I think that's what made my labor such a positive experience.

After being on the ball for close to two hours I got back in bed to try and rest my body. My contractions had slowed again!!! They were still strong but were about 4-5min apart. The nurse suggested giving me pitocin which I really didn't want, but at this point I said what the hell?!

Getting the pitocin

 As soon as she put me on the "drip" my contractions were fierce. I was totally riding the wave, I would get this strong pain in my legs and then I knew a contraction would be there to follow. It would peak and pain would be at its worst but I just kept thinking surf this wave down with pride haha. So wacky, but it totally helped. The pain was getting harder and harder to just use the "ride the wave" method. Judy said she can always tell how strong a contraction is by how far back the toes curl into the foot. Well my toes were flexed almost all the way back to my foot. I got checked after an hour and was at a 8. I was slowly progressing. The nurse offered me to take some kind of pain relief, she said that I may progress more quickly if I had more rest. I had opted out of having an epidural because I like to be in control of my body. The thought of not being able to move my lower half makes me craazzzyyy. This definitely was never an option for me. She had told me about Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) earlier that morning. I had decided that a couple of inhales of that would do me good and I had the option of inhaling it whenever I felt necessary. Well you all know how that goes, I would inhale about every third contraction and then it felt too good so I started inhaling it with every contraction... damn drugs!! At one point I asked the nurse where I could buy it. It basically feels like you have had a couple of bottles of wine. I would inhale as soon as I would start feeling the tingle in my legs and would keep breathing into it until the contraction would subside. Than I would be able to fully rest in between contractions. Ooooh I could go for some laughing gas right now :p.

The nurse said I would know the moment I felt I needed to push and they didn't have to check me again. I was nervous I would not know or miss the feeling but ohhh boy you know!!! J helped me to go pee and I knew the time was near. I was digging my fingers so far into poor J's shoulder. When I got back to the bed the nurse was feeling my belly and was pretty sure the babe was sunny side up. So she asked me to get on all fours for just a minute. As soon as J helped me assume the position I screamed "I'M GONNA PUUUUUUUSSSSSSHHHHHHH" and pushed with all my might. The nurse quickly got me flipped over, called the doctor and it was time!!!

I have the Crrrazy look in my eye. (I don't know why I took my hair down, it drove me mad when I was pushing)

Birth Story Part 1

Sorry blog friends for my lack of blog posts lately. I have been super busy loving, kissing, feeding, staring, cuddling, changing, adoring my precious baby GIRL!

I didn't have a chance to write my 39 week post as I was giving birth that day but here is a picture of my hot bod in a bikini two days before. Ohhh yeaaaah, I was workin' it :p

 Birth Story Part 1

The entire week before I gave birth I was experiencing menstrual type cramps, was not feeling "right", and had little to no energy. Pretty typical for this phase of pregnancy. The end was so close I could taste it! I loved absolutely every part of pregnancy but when you get so close to the end you get pretty tired of the whole being pregnant bit and just want your  little babe in your arms. Anywho, at my check up my water actually broke in the doctor's office. As soon as I felt the pop and warm gush of fluid I made J run to the car to grab pants and full back undies. I was definitely wearing white capris and a thong. Ladies, when you are that far along don't wear white and thongs. I never realized how much fluid GUSHES out of you (and for a long time). It's so uncomfortable, every gush feels like a super heavy period or pee. Poor J was so frantic, when the doctor told us to head to the hospital he was in absolute panic mode and I'm pretty sure he thought I was going to give birth within the hour (which would have been nice). After being congratulated by people in the waiting room we headed to the car where J was running full speed too... he forgot the keys. I laugh thinking of what a mess the poor guys was.

When we got to the hospital the nurses checked my vitals. My temperature was pretty high but it's because it was so stinking hot that day and I had just walked up a hill to get to the hospital. So I enjoyed some cherry popsicles and ice water until my temp dropped.

 The nurse said I was getting pretty frequent contractions but I couldn't feel them. They wanted to keep us there for the night as we live two hours away from the hospital. So I headed to the recovery ward to get some rest and relax for the night.

 I didn't relax at all. My contractions were not frequent but when I would get them, they were pretty strong. At 12:30AM, July.12th they really started to pick up. They were about 3-4 minutes apart and very strong. They sent J and I over to labor & delivery. I definitely didn't want to just lay in bed, I wanted to roam free through the hospital. So as soon as we got down there J and I dropped off our stuff in the room and headed straight for the stairs so I could go up and down them. J was shocked at how "normal" I was acting. I had been texting my friend Bre and she had told me to walk lots and concentrate on my breathe so that's exactly what I did and that was my life saver. I was walking up and down the stairs and would break only for a small dance session or to breathe through my contraction. Every contraction I had I thought to myself, this is a good thing, you are one step close to meeting your babe. I was really in awe at how my body and baby were doing so much work to prepare, it was an amazing experience. After going up and down many flights of stairs we went back to the room to try and get some sleep as I hadn't slept a wink yet. However, my contractions did not want me to sleep!

38 Weeks

I didn't realize my eyes were half shut until I saw this on the computer. Woopsies

2 more weeks...
I can't even believe a whole week passed since my last post!!! I am getting HUGE

Size: Baby is as long as a leek, approx more than 19 1/2 inches long. Weighing at nearly 7lbs.

Weight: I gained a pound since last week. I am now up 32lbs...eeeek!

Heartbeat: The babies heartbeat was the same as last week, in the 140's.

Stretch Marks: I got a couple more on my hips this week.

Movements: Still a lot of movements, very BIG and slow. Watching the baby move around in my belly never gets old. Well that's not true, rib shots and cervix bumps don't feel so great, but everything else is amazing :) I was sitting outside enjoying the sun and J put a ice cold drink on my belly and baby went crazy!! It moved to the opposite side of my body and wouldn't stop kicking me.

Symptoms: A lot of cramping and pressure on my pelvis. It feels like the baby is trying to torpedo its way out sometimes. Peeing every 20 minutes. My belly touches my legs when I sit and my boobs rest on my belly. Very tired most of the time. My right boob is leaking quite a bit, I thought it was cool at first but now it's not so cool haha. My boobs and nipples are pretty sore, I can only imagine how they will feel when the milk comes in! I am kind of nervous about breastfeeding because I have very sensitive nips. I will try my darndest to power through!!!

J says he doesn't think I'll ever go into labor. He and I thought I would be much more crotchety and miserable. haha He constantly tells me I don't seem pregnant and than I flash him my belly and he says "Oh yeah"
 
Cravings: Why have I only just now discovered Wunderbar ice cream?! Ohhh myyy is it ever delectable. Pink lemonade and chocolate.

I had my first taste of fast food since I have been pregnant. Not going to lie, it tasted pretty good.

J has been awesome. Back rubs, foot rubs and shhhh don't tell him I told you but he even gave me a pedicure. We are both soooo excited to meet this little mixture of us. The waiting game is testing our patience that's for sure!! We finally have everything ready for the little one. Commmeee onnn baby!!!

37 Weeks

I remember the first few months I found out I was pregnant like it was yesterday. Time Flies! I would wear clothes that would only show my "baby bump" which was pure gas and food.

I am now 37 weeks and will wear anything that will fit over this baby bump. Even if it means I wear a tank top and leggings that make me look like I'm wearing a unitard haha. (I was wearing a t-shirt over the tank but I was too hot)

I am officially full term, holy smokes!! 20 more days until d-day

Size: Baby is as long as swiss chard, a bit over 19inches and is weighing in at approx 6 1/3lbs.

Heartbeat: Babies heartbeat has been consistently in the 150's, my last appointment was in the 140's. My Dr. said it's pretty common for the heart rate to drop down in the last couple of weeks because baby is not as active.

Weight: I gained 5lbs since my last appt 2 weeks ago, yeesh! I guess that will happen when you eat ice cream almost everyday and can't stop snacking. I am now up 31lbs all together.

Stretch Marks: No new ones. The one on my boob keeps getting bigger .

Movements: Still moving like mad in there. You can tell the babe is so uncomfortable, baby is constantly trying to get into the perfect position and makes my body look totally deformed.

Symptoms: Still cramping a lot and have lots and lots of pressure on my pelvis. Walking is starting to get pretty uncomfortable but I won't stop going for my walks! My back gets pretty sore from sitting in one position for a long period of time. I pee constantly, I mean constantly.

I leaked out of my left boob the other night. I was excited haha. I know it will be constant leakage soon enough but the first one is pretty darn exciting.

Cravings: Ice Cream, edamame beans, frozen/icy drinks, & pink lemonade.

J & I are both starting to get anxious. He had a little melt down today because the stress of everything hit him at once. We are both so so so excited & anxious for this babe to come. It's pretty funny when I wake up to go pee in the night J shoots up and always says "Everythings ok? You're ok? You feel ok?" haha yessss I am just going pee.

I am ready to have this babe now. I know it's healthier for the baby to stay in there for only 3 more weeks but I just can't wait to meet this little one. Now that we have everything the babe needs all set to go I am just playing the waiting game. Also, I am getting more and more uncomfortable and I don't understand how my belly can stretch anymore. The babe will come when it's good and ready, but commmee onnnn. :p

36 Weeks!

uhm, what? Next week I am full term?!

Size : Baby is as big as a crenshaw melon and is almost 6lbs, packing on the pounds at a rate of an ounce a day. The babe is approx 18 1/2 inches long.

Stretch Marks: No new ones, two on my hip and one on my boob.

Movements: It was so funny to see J's reaction to the HUGE visible movements that is going on in my belly. Instead of little jabs and kicks here and there the babe is totally sticking its butt out or giving me huge pushes. Baby hates the sound of the vacuum and tries to move away from the sound. It's pretty funny to watch, but pretty uncomfortable for me. Poor little thing is running out of room to stretch out. It doesn't feel very nice when the baby head butts or punches my cervix. The babe does this about 5 times a day and every time I let out a pathetic welp.

Symptoms: Still feeling a lot of pressure in my vagine and bum. Very constipated and if I am not constipated I am the total opposite. Yep, not fun. I am getting more and more tired lately. I am happy to say I still don't get out of breath from going up and down the stairs or going for walks. I am getting some cramping quite a bit as the babe and my body are better preparing for the big day.

Cravings: ice cream, pink lemonade, and oreos with a glass of cold milk. Some days I can't stop eating and other days I am forcing myself to eat.

Sleep: I wake more often now that I'm back to sharing a bed with my man. Thinking of booting him out until the babe is born, but I won't :p.

Mood: Happy most days but I find I am becoming more irritable and moody. J came back for the best part... poor thing

This week my husband came in, the stroller, the car seat, and the crib. So awesome.

Today when J & I were at the store it was so cute because everyone was offering to carry the stuff in my hands. I had these pipes that didn't even weigh a pound and this old man kept on trying to take it out of my hand. I insisted they weren't heavy and I could handle it he replied with a "You shouldn't even be out in your condition". Hilarious.

Still loving being pregnant, just getting more and more uncomfortable.

35 Weeks

 Eeeek, I am getting bad at doing my weekly blog posts. I really have no excuse, sorrrryyyy.

Weight: Baby weighs as much as a honeydew melon. Approx 5 1/4lbs and is just over 18inches long. I gained 3lbs in the past 2 weeks so I am up all together 26lbs. J's last weigh in was at 20lbs haha love it. I don't feel like a house but I am starting to look like one. :p No tees or tanks fit me, they show at least 2 inches of my belly. I just bought a couple new LARGE shirts to cover this baby bump up. I just can't even believe my belly is going to grow even bigger. What the?!

Movements: Baby is still moving A LOT!! The movements are just slower and stronger. The movements sometimes stop me in my tracks they are so powerful.

Symptoms: Feeling a lot of pressure in my pelvis. Ooooh it especially hurts down there when I am putting on my pants or shorts.

Cravings: Ice Cream, Ice Cream, Ice Cream, chocolate.

Sleep: I don't go to bed until really really late. But I sleep throughout the entire night. I get up to pee at about 8am and then go back to sleep. I am feeling more sleepy and during the day I have about a half hour nap.

Stretch Marks: I finally got two on my right hip! Is it weird I got excited about that?

I am loving not having a period. I was thinking about how amazing it has been to not have a period for so long. Hopefully I don't bleed for too long after baby. ew. Speaking of vagina's, lawn maintenance is sooo hard hahaha. I am close to giving up!! But I won't, but I want too. It's weird to look down and not see a crotch haha!!!

I am still loving being pregnant. I am soaking up every single minute of this amazing miracle. The only complaint is I can't get comfy if I am trying to just sit and relax.

 I am starting to get pretty anxious. My life as I know it is going to change drastically. J and I will be 100% responsible for another little person for the next 18years. My goodness gracious. I am confident J and I are going to be pretty awesome parents. It's just an overwhelming thought. So this babe can hang out in my uterus for another 5 or 6 weeks. Oh and nesting, what is that? I still haven't started the nesting phase. Everyone I know who is or was pregnant had everything all set up for the little babe by this point. I guess I should start preparing?

33 Weeks!!

My first awkward vlog post

31 1/2 Weeks

Woops, I forgot to do my 31 week post and I am almost 32 weeks. I am such a dork and forgot to bring my memory card to a fabulous wedding I attended last night. I will do a post about the wedding when I get some pictures sent to me :) I took some terrible belly shots with my cell...

I was hoping I would grow a little bit of a booty in this pregnancy haha but no such luck.

I was giving a thumbs up, not flexing my huge pipes :p

 Weight: Baby weighs as much as four navel oranges, approximately 3.3lbs and is over 16 inches long.

Symptoms: Nothing has really changed here except I am getting more and more red dots on my body. I will post a picture in my next post.
 I find I make a hideous grunting sound when I bend over to pick something up haha That started happening a few weeks back now. :p It hurts and is awkward to bend over.

Movements: The baby isn't moving around as much as before. I guess there isn't as much room anymore for the babe to do wacky dance moves like the worm. But when the babe does move I feel very strong pokes and prods (I think of the baby doing the Elaine dance off of Seinfeld) When the baby does stick out a foot or a bum or whatever is sticking out of my belly I just poke it and it moves away. Soooo crazy.

Sleep: I wake up at 5:30AM every morning to pee and stretch. I don't usually go to be until 1:00AM.

Stretch Marks: None to report yet.

Yesterday I got spoiled at the spa and got a pedicure. It is becoming almost impossible to paint and cut my toenails. So what a luxury that was!!

I felt so bad as J scheduled his flight around my Dr.s appointment on Wednesday. I had told him my appointment was at 1:40 so he scheduled a flight for 4:00. It's an 1 1/2 drive to get to my Dr.s
so we decided to go in early to go for a nice lunch and pick some things up. J made me double check my appointment card to make sure the appointment was at 1:40 and not a t 1:30. Uhhhm I was reading last months card and we had just missed my appointment by a half hour. I quickly called the office and explained we were two minutes away but my Dr had just left for her two week vacation. I missed her by 10 min. J was not to happy with me because all of us pregnant ladies know how uneventful the appointments are but J has never been home to hear the heartbeat. I felt really bad but he got over it after 5 minutes :)

30 Weeks

I don't realize how big I am until I look at pictures. Yikes!! Baby, you sure are turning your mommas belly into one huge beach ball!

Size: Baby is as heavy as a large cabbage weighing in at approx 3lbs and is about 15 3/4 inches long.

Weight: I weighed myself at my friends house last night. If that scale is correct I am up 23lbs. I will get a more accurate weight at my docs this week. I feel like I have gained more than 4lbs since my last appt!

Symptoms: I have to go pee every 20 minutes during the day, I am so surprised I don't pee my pants in bed as I am still hardly going during the night. Have any of you sneepeed/peezed yet? Pee when you sneeze? I am so good with doing my kegals every day and I have peed during a large sneeze about four times. Actually last night when I took these pictures I had just changed into new leggings because I had just peed myself. haha Luckily I didn't do that at my friends Birthday. That would have been a little embarrassing.

My back is sore all of the time. Sore if I sit, lay, or walk to long. Can't win. J has been soooo sooo sooo good with giving me back rubs and foot massages daily. Man, I don't want him to leave again.

Movements: The babe is moving so much, but they are becoming more and more uncomfortable. They look like a wave going across my belly. So cool but totally freakish. Baby loves to play with my ribs!

Stretch Marks: None of those dreaded things yet.

Belly Button: Still looking ridiculous. Not really an innie or and outie just kinda flat.

Sleep: Waking up a few times in the night to stretch but I go right back to sleep.

J & I went for a hike yesterday. We thought the hike was about 2kms long but it turned out to be 5kms. There wasn't many inclines so I wasn't out of breathe. I did get dizzy a couple of times but I think my body was just telling me to drink more water, so I did, and I felt fine. We than went to our friends Birthday and stayed until about 1am. Today I feel hungover haha. My head is always telling me I still am so full of energy and that my body hasn't changed much but man I am physically exhausted today!! Early night sleep for this gal.

So blessed with having a very easy pregnancy. Thank you body and baby :)

P.S Happy Mothers Day to all of you wonderful mommas out there!!!
Love these two beauts. J & I are more than lucky to have you both in our lives. xoxoxo

J surprised me with some flowers this morning... cuuuute.

29 Weeks

Size: Baby is the size of a butternut squash. Aprroximately 2 1/2lbs and just over 15 inches long.

Symptoms: Sore back after going for long walks. Stuffy nose in the mornings. My headaches come back back quite often.

Movement: The babes kicks are very strong, but I still love them. It's funny how you can love being kicked so much. The baby seems to like to punish my left side more than the right. Maybe the babe is a lefty just like its momma.

Stretch Marks: My old ones on my hips are more noticeable now that I  am bigger. No new ones so far.

Belly Button: My button looks ridiculous. I had a little slit for a belly button and now its huge and is starting to flatten out. The scar where my bully button ring was looks pretty nasty, it's all stretched out and huge.

Sleep: I am so lucky I lasted so long not having to get up and go pee in the night. I wake up a couple of times a night to stretch, pee, and drink some water. I am loving my mid day naps again.

I caught a flu bug this past week. The flu is already the worst but when your pregnant you seem to feel 10 times as awful. As soon as I felt like I was going to throw up the babe would do a little dance and push me over the edge. My heaves were so strong I even peed my pants!! :(

I went for my glucose test when I felt better. The orange drink that everyone curses isn't really that awful. The last couple of sips are a little bit hard to swallow because it's so sweet. But I just kept on pretending I was drinking flat orange soda.

Still feeling good and getting hilariously bigger.