37 Weeks

Week 37

FULL TERM : )

Our baby is officially "baked" this week!! This means I "could" go at any minute. What a terrifying, exciting and overwhelming concept all rolled into one! I am getting pretty antsy about meeting this little guy and am getting excited about learning the name of him! Jeff and I decided from day one that we were not going to tell anyone the name because we didn't want to hear other peoples' opinions. This is the only surprise we have left, but it's a surprise I want to know now because we still have not picked one! A couple months ago we had it narrowed down to 3. Then, it went up to 5 names. Last week I thought we were down to 2 and as of last night we are up/down to 3 - haha - never ending! We sit here and write the names down to see how they look. We call out the names to see how it sounds when we could be yelling at him or cheering him on at a sporting event. Good thing we only have a couple weeks left!! Names.....to be continued!

How a baby looks at Full Term:

That little tyke sure does look cozy in there. As squished as Baby D is getting inside my belly, he is still moving around a ton. The movements are now INTENSE to say the least. He literally makes me jump sometimes because he jabs or kicks me so hard....especially on the right side. At night, he moves his entire body on my right side. You can see him and my lopsided belly clear as night.

Bed Rest Update:

I am on day 16 of bed rest - yikes!

 I think I am handling it a lot better then I thought I would be. I still allow myself a little time to do things even though I get grief from Jeff every time I do. If I didn't leave the house at times he'd be dealing with a very depressed and moody human being, so he should be thankful that I do little things, but know my limits and my limit seems to be one hour!

My friends and family have been so great during this time. I went through 6 days in a row where people came over and hung out with me - it was fabulous and I appreciated it so much, so THANK YOU to those who took the ride to entertain me! Another thing that has been a savor are the daily texts, emails, and phone calls from people. Talking to people is key in keeping your spirits up while being home all day long! Yesterday was the first day no one came over, but I had a doctor's appointment, so I was still able to leave the house. I even curled my hair since I had so much time on my hands! haha - I haven't curled my hair since the last wedding I went to!

Jeff met me at the doctors because I actually went to the doctors the day before because I was not feeling well at all. I was laying down at home and I was dizzy and sweat was dripping down my forehead. I am not one to really complain about not feeling well, but I was concerned enough to actually call the doctor and go in. I def have a touch of some bug, but the weird thing was that my blood pressure had gone down!! They were the best numbers I had seen in over a month.

We went into the room and they hooked me up for my non stress test that I go through each and every time I go now. This was the first time Jeff has experienced this one and of course he had the video camera! haha. My blood pressure again was looking pretty good and all my tests show absolutely no signs of preeclampsia anymore!! Bed Rest actually works! We were expecting to pick a date for induction at this appointment, but it turns out, since my numbers all seem to be getting better they may not have to induce me, which is GREAT, but I was secretly getting pumped up to meet him a little earlier then expected. So...as of right now we are waiting for my body to run its course naturally!! Come on body!!! Bring this baby on.....naturally!

How far along? 37 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 35 pounds
Maternity clothes? leggings and yoga pants everyday 

Stretch marks? I think I may have one...sometimes you can't tell if it's a stretch mark or if your pants are leaving marks for being so tight ;  )
Sleep: 2 a.m. wake up call every night to lay in bed and think....
Best moment this week: Visits from friends to keep me company
Have you told family and friends: : )  
Miss Anything? Being active and working out
Movement: Baby D loves jabbing me in the ribs!! 
Food cravings: Still loving ice cream and decaf coffee
Anything making you queasy or sick: not really
Have you started to show yet: HA
Gender prediction: It's a BOY
Labor Signs: getting crampy feelings each day
Belly Button in or out? even..not in...not out
Wedding rings on or off? Off :  (
Happy or Moody most of the time: getting excited and nervous that the date is creeping up
Weekly Wisdom: Keep feet up
Looking forward to: Baby D's arrival

Joys of Bed Rest

The Joys of Bed Rest

Bed Rest sucks....sorry mom....there just isn't a polite and lady like way of saying it! Laying on a couch or bed all day is torturous if you are like me. My head is filled with all of these things that I could be doing, but I simply can't....even though I feel ok to do so. I ask the question....why can't I if I feel ok? The answer: "You're feeling ok because you are doing so little, so it's NOT ok to cheat. You are allowed to get up to go to the bathroom or to make myself a sandwich. Everything else is off limits." Awesome....sounds like a fun time!

Since I have WAAAAAY too much time on my hands I've been doing alot of looking online at things. I found a site of helpful hints for those on pregnancy bed rest. Let's see if any of them will help me.....keep in mind....this is only day 7 of bed rest! hahaha.

1. Shop online.  

HA! I got that one mastered Friday! From talking to a few people the last couple of days I realized I needed a few items, so what better way to get them then to click, click, click away! Shhhhh - don’t tell Jeff! However...I’m only doing what the doctor told me to do! Relax and enjoy my alone time while it lasts!

First item: Return Labels......ohhhhhh ahhhhhh!! So exciting huh? I figured we'd need some for birth announcements or something so why not. Thanks Vistaprint!

Second item: A Nightgown.....yes I said it.....a nightgown and no I didn't have to go to my grandmothers old clothes bin! Someone told me that after delivery you will want that johnie out of site and will want sweats on. BUT....if you wear sweats it will be a big pain because doctors and nurses will constantly be checking you out down under.....therefore a nightgown is more practical. Can you all picture me in a nice floral lace 1960's nightie?? I bought a tee-shirt night gown from VS and it was on SALE!

 

Third item: A Vera Bradley Wristlet to go with my diaper bag. Many girls responded to my post about what should go in a diaper bag. One thing that I never really thought about what carrying a diaper bag and then carrying my purse along with it. I don't want to be a "Bag Lady" so one piece of advice was to get the wristlet that can hook right on to the diaper bag. It was on CLEARANCE too!!  : ) 

http://www.verabradley.com/product/Category/Wallets-and-Wristlets/Wristlet/1001625/defaultColorVariantId/176833/pc/638/c/0/sc/890/p/1001625.uts

2. Catch up on photo albums/scrapbooking. I think I'll wait until after Baby D arrives for this one. I don't keep many albums anymore.....everything is on the computer or Facebook.

3.  Journal.   Most of my writing has been done right here on my blog. I'd like to write a letter to the little guy, but I think I'll wait another week or so for that one :  )

4. Play with your kids. Can't really do that one : ) 

5. Watch a lot of movies/TV shows. I've talked to my girls and have started DVRing every known trashy reality TV show known to man! haha. I need something to keep me entertained!

So far my TV watching goes as scheduled:

1. Wake up and turn on the TODAY show.
2. Kelly and Michael at 9
3. TODAY show again with Hoda and Kathie Lee
4. DVR programs: 
1. Teen Mom, 
2. Dance Moms, 
3. Millionaire Matchmaker, 
4. Shahs of Sunset
5. Beyond Scared Straight, 
6. Catfish,
7. Revenge
8. Vanderpump Rules
9. Tosh.0

There are a few others, but can't think of them right now.....those are just the ones I watched the last couple of days! haha. Then at 4 it's Ellen and then I pray to God that Jeff comes home before I go LOCO!

6. Do crafty things. Does PINTEREST count???  : )  My boards are going to be filled with ideas! I may not be able to indulge in all my craftiness laying here, but at least I can pin some goodies! Organizing is at the top of my list.

7. Read and read and read and read.  A coworker gave me some reading material to get started on...thanks Jenn! I am not a baby book reader....kind of freaks me out, but this one is a little different. I've heard great things and a good laugh is never bad! I have it on my bed stand.

8. Take your friends up on their offers of help.  My mom came over yesterday and washed some baby clothes....anyone that gets bored feel free to come over...anytime!!! You don't have to do anything for me......just sit next to me!! haha

9. Stay social. Thank goodness for e-mail, the phone, and Facebook to keep from feeling completely isolated from the outside world.  My maternity sub even texts me throughout the day, so I still feel connected at work! I'm awaiting a FACETIME lunch conversation with my lunch crew! That should be hilarious!

10. Crossword puzzles.  Not me.

11. Blog.   On it!

12. Let yourself feel just a little bit bad for yourself every once in a while.  It’s okay to feel a little bummed out that this is happening.  It’s a bummer, but my goodness....I DON'T want to be one of those people who complains and then facebook complains about every little thing!! I am so thankful and blessed for this bundle of joy coming our way! Laying around isn't the worst thing in the world although it may seem like it...it can always be worse! Keep your head up and stay positive!

13. Live vicariously through others.  This one might be a little hard.....if I should have been there I don't know if I want to hear all the details....it will make me feel like I'm missing out! haha

14. Enjoy the restful/alone times while they last.  This is the one I’m trying to stay focused on. While it can be boring and crazy-making, it is also a really restful time in my life and I should take advantage of it.  While Jeff is at work, I can play music, read, nap, or watch something with no internal guilt over “I should be DOING something.”  Those busy days will come again. There will be a newborn and I will be washing dishes, doing laundry, cooking and cleaning again — for now, I rest. You all heard me! I admitted that I will rest!

I'm going to add my own to this list.

15. Call a cleaning service. This may not seem important, but to me I feel VERY GUILTY about just laying here while Jeff works hard all day long. If I were him I would be aggravated that my wife is home all day and is in the same place when he leaves and comes home with the house looking exactly as it did hours before. I know I am not supposed to be doing anything, but I think I would feel better if the house was spic and span clean and I didn't have to worry about it or secretly hope Jeff would pick up a toliet brush or broom!! I got some recommendations from neighbors and plan on calling someone next week.

I feel like I started today's blog sounding negative and ended by sounding on the upside! Hmmmmm.....blogging helps put things into perspective - haha. However...if anyone has any tips or ideas of things for me to do let me know!

The most important thing is a healthy baby!!

35 Weeks

35 Weeks

Baby Boy doesn't have that much room in that belly of mine now! This week he is compared to a honeydew melon. I have the perfect basketball belly, which I am so surprised about. I totally didn't think I would carry the way I am carrying....I guess I shouldn't complain though!!

I've had high blood pressure since before Christmas and was officially diagnosed with gestational hypertension. Some say it's one of those silent killers. I get the occasional headache and my heart races, but other then that I feel ok....however.....I do get very red throughout the day (but to me I'm red alot of the time so didn't think much about it) Doctors have been monitoring it and checking it weekly. For those that want to know more about high blood pressure during pregnancy these two sites are pretty good.

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/hbp_preg.htm

http://www.webmd.com/baby/tc/preeclampsia-and-high-blood-pressure-during-pregnancy-topic-overview

Since all of my appointments have been in the afternoon they wanted me to come in before work one day to see if there was a difference in the numbers. Tuesday was the big day! My appointment was at 9:15, so I got to sleep in and take my time.....Score!! I felt relaxed and even did some deep breathing on the ride in.

I got there and they called me right away. The nurse took my blood pressure 3 times in a row and I just knew what she was thinking!! Dam....that deep breathing didn't help at all! She left and I awaited the doctor. The door opened and I got the look I have dreaded getting! Her first words..."you know what I'm about to say." TEARS GALORE!!!! Noooooo!! Please don't!!!! Yup....done with work and bed rest. I simply just couldn't believe it. I guess I was in pure denial. I knew I had been having high blood pressure, but I really didn't think she would make me stop working. I mean....I've been feeling fine! Because it's my first pregnancy half of the time I just think what I'm feeling is a part of pregnancy. I've had such a good pregnancy for the most part. I really just couldn't believe it....and quite frankly still don't want to believe it.

For most people, they would be so excited to hear those words, but for me, it was my worst nightmare. In my head, I still had 4 weeks left with my kids. It went from 4 weeks to a half day in a matter of seconds!! I begged her to let me finish the week....no such luck!! My last day officially teaching was that afternoon.   :  (  PANIC!!! My thoughts and emotions were allllll over the place. Going into work right after was not fun. I hated having to tell the principal I was done. I hated telling my kids. I hated the fact that I knew how much planning I had to do in order to leave! I ended up staying at work until 7:30 - haha. Not exactly taking it easy, but for those who know me shouldn't be surprised! I needed some sanity and by me staying and prepping gave me piece of mind. Being a teacher isn't easy. It's not a desk job. I can't just say it's my last day and walk away! 

So for now....Bed Rest it is! Ahhhh...I am soooooo not a Bed Rest kind of person! However, I have to do what's right for the little guy. Work is not what is important....or so they say : ) I am lucky to have found a great replacement who I am confident will do an amazing job! Rachel...if you are reading this - Good Luck with my kiddos! You will be a great teacher! This is an awesome opportunity for you and it is a lesson you could never learn in books!

The only good part about that day was getting a bonus ultrasound to make sure our baby boy was ok : )

His estimated weight so far is 6 pounds 2 ounces.....I know everyone says not to trust this, but if it is true then he's measuring a week ahead of time! I loved seeing his cute little face with chubby little cheeks! I even spotted some hair!! : )

How far along? 35 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 31 pounds
Maternity clothes? yes.

Stretch marks? No stretch marks but that belly is stretching!
Sleep: Insomnia....just can't sleep! Toss and turn thinking, thinking, thinking!
Best moment this week: surprise ultrasound
Have you told family and friends: everyone knows....even strangers
Miss Anything? work - haha
Movement: Yup...punches and kicks in the ribs - good times!
Food cravings: Twizzlers are my friend this week! I bought them for the hospital bag - haha. I bet they don't last the weekend!
Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Have you started to show yet: The belly is getting rather big....I think I will even miss it once our little guy arrives
Gender prediction: It's a BOY
Labor Signs: shortness of breath.....fast heartbeat......blood pressure and being swollen
Belly Button in or out? my never ending innie is getting pretty dam close to popping
Wedding rings on or off? Off...
Happy or Moody most of the time: emotional!! 
Weekly Wisdom: Keep those feet up
Looking forward to: Arrival!

Baby Shower

<3 BABY SHOWER <3

January 5, 2013

Our baby shower was absolutely perfect for us!! There was alot of love in that room! Jeff and I were completely overwhelmed by the generosity of our family and friends. Our Baby boy is one spoiled guy, but is so extremely lucky to have these amazing people in his life!

Baby Bump at the end of 34 weeks.....

I have to give a big shout out to my sister! She went above and beyond to make this day so special for us! Everything was perfect and I was obsessed with the decor! Pinterest watch out!! She worked her little butt off on crafts throughout the week to make the room have the best baby boy chic decor.

Some of my girls....

Feb and April babies....

The cake.....so delicious!

Jeff lucked out with people being extremely nice about the battle of the sports teams! 

Part of my sister's gift was a first outfit for every holiday starting with a newborn onsie for Valentine's Day to 9-12 month gear for Christmas and Hanukkah!

My mom even gave me my very first baby blanket!!

I said people were nice....not perfect!! Love the Red Sox diaper boy!! Jeff looks thrilled!

Back to him happy.....Davidson 34 - Jeff's old football number! Glory Days!

Celtics jersey to celebrate where we met and had our first date!! Perfect!

Love them!! <3

The boys relaxing after....well earned to my brother in law Mike! He was a saint. He played the part of Valet for all the girls and loaded ALL and I mean ALL of our gifts by himself into our cars!

He is the best!

Parents To Be!!!!

Thank you to all!!

34 Weeks

34 Weeks

BABY MOON

I've already told you how wonderful my hubby is for booking this amazing trip! Our trip started with a 4 a.m. wake-up call for our road trip to Mount Washington.

3 hours later and we drive up to this! Can you imagine driving up and seeing this view???

December 30, 2012

Day One of our Baby Moon adventure was spent at the Spa. This was not an ordinary spa....it was remarkable. Jeff would usually be on the ski slopes with his snowboard, but he spent the day with me at the spa.....not something he is totally used to, but I think he could get used to! We checked in, changed into our robes and enjoyed the spectacular scenery outside of the relaxing sitting room while waiting for our first treatment.

Massages - Ahhhhhhh heaven! I was really curious to see how my massage would go. I pictured a massage table with a hole in it - haha - not quite. It was a regular table and had special pillows on top that strategically aided with the belly and other bulging body parts :  ) I actually laid on my belly! It felt so good! I haven't been able to lay on my stomach for 8 months....I only lasted 20 minutes in that position, but those 20 minutes were great. I usually don't want to talk at all during a massage....I mean who wants to make small talk with a complete stranger when you are trying to relax? Well...this girl talked the entire time and I actually didn't mind it. Everything was about pregnancy. As she massaged certain spots she would tell me which areas can trigger labor, she taught me how to do a baby massage, she massaged my belly and just shared stories of her kids.

Facial time...this may have been my favorite. It's been a long time since I have gotten a facial. I remember it hurting the last time, but this one was so incredibly relaxing and hydrating. My skin felt awesome after and still does. Bonus that it didn't make me break out as well :  ) Hearing Jeff's explanation of what the girl did to him is so funny....this is not word for word, but you will get the jist.

K - "So Jeff, tell me what you thought about your first facial."
J - "Well she washed my face with some stuff and then sprayed some other stuff on it. Then she put some cream on it and covered my eyes and then rubbed some other stuff on it...."

In my opinion.....this is such a typical guy explanation of a facial. Us girls would know all of the products and why she's doing what she's doing.

Pedicures - This was Jeff's second pedicure ever. I'm not sure if he wants everyone to know that, but it is. His first was on our Wedding Day with some of his groomsmen. It was nice to get this done with him because it was the only treatment we did together that we actually got to talk to each other.

Yup....a girl's dream day.....SPA DAY!


That night we stayed around the hotel........it is such a cozy place and is very family oriented. There were kids everywhere!!
 It was def a fun place to do another one of my all time favorite things to do - people watch!

Jeff played guitar hero......

We played Checkers......he clearly won.

We had dinner at Stickney's Steak House......
calamari, lamb chops, salmon, and tiramisu..mmmmmmm

and ended the night with playing table shuffle board and listening to a band at "The Cave."

December 31st 2012 - New Year's Eve Day

The next morning we had breakfast in the Ballroom......ummmmmm pretty much anything you desire would be at this buffet! Jeff's favorite was the blueberry sausage and my favorite was the berry stuffed french toast! I wish I took pictures of the food.....we usually do! It was delicious!

After breakfast we did a few scenic pics.....
The lounge area with my favorite chairs! Really though....how cool are these chairs?

Later in the day we went for a private sleigh ride around the grounds <3 very romantic!

This was our horse....Ralph! We had to laugh out loud when we heard his name because during my whole pregnancy my mom has called Baby D - Baby Ralphie! haha - is it a sign?? 

Will we have a baby Ralphie?? 

Our matching hats that have built in speakers! Thanks Nancy!

Our New Year's Eve Night started with an awesome fireworks show to music. It was one of the best firework displays I have ever seen.....I think the music adds so much to it!

I got pretty emotional watching the show. Out of nowhere tears just started streaming down my face. As I stood there I couldn't stop thinking about what 2013 was going to bring to Jeff and I. I was really just overcome with joy, but could not stop crying!!

As you can see Jeff was taking my emotional cry very seriously!

After the fireworks we ended up at a little restaurant called Bailiwicks - very nice!!
I even got stuck in my chair at one point and couldn't get up.....dam belly! haha

After dinner we went back to the hotel and walked around a bit and somehow ended up getting in "Studio 54" for free. The guy noticed I was pregnant and just let us in! Sympathy VIP, but I'll take it!

Look at that belly! No wonder I got stuck!

Can you see all the teenie boppers in the background?! Jeff and I had fun looking in disgust how the girls were dressed! Wow am I old!

Last pic of 2012!

Happy New Baby Year!!! I actually made it till midnight!! SHOCKER! I think we were out of that room and back to our Inn with 30 minutes after that - haha.....boy have times changed : )

January 1st 2013: Last day of the Baby Moon : (   

We woke up and did another big breakfast....no berry stuffed french toast that day....BUMMER!
We had planned to take the ski lift to the top of the mountain to see the views and hang out, but it was obnoxiously cold and windy. I am always hot with this bun in the oven, but it was even too cold for my hormones! Look at these views!

Can you tell I'm frozen?

First belly pic of 2013 - 34 weeks

Adios Baby Moon and Thank you hubby! It was honestly so nice to get away and just be with Jeff. This will most likely be our last getaway for the next 18 years! haha....from now on it's the Cape, Edaville, StoryLand and Disney......

How far along? 34 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 30 pounds
Maternity clothes? I have finally discovered Gap Maternity Leggings!!! Heaven!

Stretch marks? Praying they stay away!
Sleep: Not bad....started waking up in the middle of the night again for a BR break...
Best moment this week: Baby Moon of course
Have you told family and friends: : )  
Miss Anything? my rings
Movement: movements are def more intense....the little booger is a  great kicker
Food cravings: I love ice cream this week....mocha chip!
Anything making you queasy or sick: nope
Have you started to show yet: HA
Gender prediction: It's a BOY
Labor Signs: BP is still up...praying it does not go up more....
Belly Button in or out? In....but moving out
Wedding rings on or off? Off :  (
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy and getting nervous that I'll have to stop working
Weekly Wisdom: Keep feet up
Looking forward to: Baby Shower : )  : )