Nesting

Since moving into a new house, a certain amount of nesting is inevitable. However, I can say that now I'm fully nesting! I can spot a speck of dirt a mile away and can't rest until it's gone.

Today's example: the ledge above the window in the bathroom has been collecting dust for who knows how long. Today, I finally hopped up onto the toliet so that I could reach and wiped the dust away. In the process, I noticed also noticed the paint was chiped on the window and seriously considered painting it. I would've too, if I didn't have to go down the steps to get the paint! In addition, I hung a set of curtains, did loads of laundry, swept the floors, cleaned the bathroom, wiped off the wall where Rosco eats and splashes water everywhere, and wiped off some unknown yellowish substance from the front door! I even cleaned the baseboards - apparently that's the nesting cliche.

It's a good thing my nesting instincts are put into check my enormous belly, aching back, and swollen feet/hands. Otherwise, we'd really be in trouble.

I feel bad for Jared because the things that I want done that I can't do, he has to do. And, that's a lot! Luckily, he takes it all in stride and always gets things done (even if it is on his timeline and not mine). =)

Week 35

Here's the baby bump at Week 35. Where's my head though??? =)

Still growing...

Pregnancy Survey

About the mommy.
Name: Mandy
Age: 29
Is this the first child?: yes

About the daddy.
Name: Jared
Age: 27


Finding out.
What day did you find out you were pregnant?: Thursday, January 17th, 5:30 AM
How did you feel when you found out?: mostly shocked because I thought I had problems getting pregnant. But, I also felt apprehensive about telling Jared because we had recently decided to wait another year. I only really felt truly excited after Jared said he was excited!
Who was with you?: I was alone because Jared was working in California. I was a couple days late, but hadn't really thought much about it. But, I took a test as soon as I woke up that morning and it turned positive right away. I could hardly believe it! I started sobbing and wanted to take another one, but couldn't pee anymore. I even checked the directions to make sure I was seeing a positive sign. Then, I called Jared. It was 3:30 in the morning in California and I woke him up sobbing on the phone. Of course, he asked what was wrong? I said, "I'm pregnant." He said, "What??" I don't know if he said that because he was shocked or if he couldn't understand me because I was crying so hard. So, I said it again, "I'm pregnant." Jared said, "So, why are you crying?" He couldn't understand why I was crying so hard - and truthfully I wasn't sure either (mostly shocked and scared Jared would be upset). But, as usual, Jared calmed me down as soon as he said, "I'm excited!" So, then we talked for about 30 minutes sharing our excitement together - it was a really special moment even though it was over the phone.
How did the daddy react?: Total excitement right from the get-go.

Telling the grandparents.
How did your parents react?: excited! Mom about flipped when we told her because I said, "Well, are you ready to be a grandma times 3?" She thought we were having triplets! Really, I just meant because she already has 2 grandkids, that this would make 3. Ha ha!
How did his parents react?: Very happy, I guess! Jared called and told nearly everyone before I got home from work! I only got to hear his mom's reaction - which was total excitement at the news that she was going to be having a grandbaby.

About the pregnancy.
When is your due date?: September 24th
How far along are you right now?: 35 weeks tomorrow
Have you had an ultra sound?: Yes, the initial ultrasound at 8 weeks - our first glimpse of baby boy. Then, we had a 3D ultrasound on May 5th where we learned we are having a boy (note: This was one of the most special days of my life.) I have one more ultrasound scheduled for next Thursday (9/28) to check baby's size and position (hoping he's still a boy!).
Have you heard the heartbeat?: yes, I hear the sweet sound every time I go to the doctor.

Sex of the baby.
What do you want. Boy or Girl?: We both wanted a boy.
Do you know what you are having now?: Yes, a boy!
Are you happy with what you are having?: Yes, beyond excited! Jared can't wait to play basketball with his little man. I'm just happy that we didn't have a pink explosion!

About the birth.
Who is going to be with you?: Jared, Mom, and Darla
Are you going to video tape it?: I haven't decided yet....probably.
Natural or medicated?: medicated, no doubt
Do you think you will have a c-section?: I hope not, but will do whatever's best for baby.
Do you think you will cry when you first hold your baby?: Definitely. I bet Daddy will too!
Do you know what you will say to the baby when you first hold it?: Not sure, but likely "Happy Birthday little one. It's nice to finally meet you!"
Are you scared about the labor?: Yes, but at the same time, there is no going back now! I just hope I can get through it without having a panic attack (which it typical when I'm in a high-stress situation where I don't really know what's going to happen). As long as Jared is there, I will be okay because he'll make me feel safe and make me laugh!

Names.
Do you have a name picked out?: No, we're struggling here. Jared and I both have a name we like and unfortunately, it's not the same one! We're both being stubborn too.
Is your baby going to be named after anyone?: Hopefully, his middle name will be Robert after Jared, Jared's dad, my dad, Uncle Jon, and my grandpa.
Did the daddy help pick the name?: To be determined...

Other random questions.
Have you felt the baby move?: Absolutely, he's quite active. He usually has two or three days of nearly constant movement and then one day of quiet.
What was your first symptom?: My gums were swollen and sore!
What is the babys room theme?: Cocoa Baby - Jungle Safari
Are you ready to be a mommy?: as ready as I'll ever be!
What do you think the baby will be a "daddys girl/boy" or a "mommys girl/boy"?: I'm hoping for a mommy's boy, but at the same time know that our little man will completely adore his daddy!

He's "dropped"...

Last night was an interesting one! From the time I got home from work, Rosco was acting really strange. She was pacing back and forth and followed me everywhere (even into the bathroom). She would put her nose on me and just stare at me. Well, Jared and I were convinced that she could sense something was happening.

I couldn't sleep - again... I woke up around 1am and stayed awake until abou 4 just thinking and watching the olympics. After I finally fell asleep, I woke up this morning to find a surprise. Just before I got in the shower, I happened to glance in the mirror. Woah! What happened? All the sudden my belly looks a lot lower. Apparently, what Rosco was sensing was the movement of the baby as he "dropped."

Now, I can breathe easier, but I have to pee more often. The biggest change is the fact that this event makes it even more apparent that Jared and I could be parents any day now. Yikes! I'm 34 weeks, 2 days today. Ideally, baby will wait another 3 weeks until after Labor Day at which time he'll be 37 weeks. According to the "What to Expect" book though, babies typically arrive 2 to 4 weeks after they "drop" in first time moms. Of course, he could go full term or even be late. But, still, this event makes us realize just how close we are to baby boy's arrival.

I'm starting to panic a bit! The school year just started and teachers need lots of support establishing reading and writing workshop. Plus, I'm in charge of several committees that have meetings scheduled for the next few weeks. On top of that, the baby's room isn't finished. We still have no crib or bassinet, clothes need to be washed and organized, decorations need to be hung, etc. I've put in request for help from friends and family, but we're so busy, we hardly have time to do anything. Not to mention that after a long day at work, I have no desire to do anything but put my feet up and sleep! Oh, and another thing not done - we haven't decided on a name!!!

On the other hand, I know that work will continue just fine without me and the things that need to be done around the house will get done. I'm very excited to meet our little man, but of course prefer him to be robust and healthy!

My next doctor's appointment is scheduled for August 28th. That will be the first time Dr. Collins checks for dilation. At that time, we're also getting another ultrasound - to determine position and estimate weight. I can hardly wait until then to get another glimpse of baby boy.


Who knew having a baby would be such a rollercoaster ride of emotions???

10 weeks to go!

8 weeks to go!

A baby boy at 32 weeks.


Wow! Just think, back in February, I was thrilled to be 8 weeks along because I was able to go to the first doctor's appointment and get the first glimpse of baby boy. Now, here I am, beginning month eight of pregnancy, well into the 3rd trimester.

So, how am I feeling now that I'm in the third trimester. Well, it depends on the day and time.

For example, if you ask me this question first thing in the morning, I'm likely to say "tired." It's very difficult to sleep because I have to switch sides so often - who knew that rolling from one side to the next could be so exhausting and time consuming? It's seriously a long process to wrestle with the pillows, gather the energy to roll, and then get in a comfy position where my arms won't fall asleep and I can breathe (baby boy is crowding my lungs). Then, once I'm comfortable in my new position, baby boy spends a few minutes squirming and kicking into a new position to fit mine. It's quite the dance every hour or two. Not only is it difficult to get comfortable, I don't stay asleep long because I have to pee five to eight times a night. Thank goodness I can walk straight from the bed to the bathroom, pee, wash my hands, and come back to bed all without turning on a light.

Other times, I feel uncomfortable. The growing belly makes it difficult to get around these days. I walk slower, have trouble bending over, and have lots of body aches by day's end. Plus, sometimes I just feel so enormous - like I might burst any second!

However, there are times when I feel energetic. Like tonight, for example. At about eight pm, I got a burst of energy - enough to take Rosco for a walk around the neighborhood, come home sweep the floors, and then scrub every little spot of dried paint off the hardwood floors in the baby's room (done by scooting around the floor on my bottom with a scrubby and sponge).

Mostly, though, I feel hopeful and excited. Jared and I spend hours a day talking about the baby and wondering what he'll look like and act like. We can guess that he will be active as he is VERY active in the womb - kicking, punching, squirming, and wiggling (especially when he hears daddy's voice). We are anxious to meet him!

But, we're also nervous about the whole labor and delivery thing! Jared and I went to the childbirth class a few weeks ago. That was interesting to say the least, we certainly learned a lot. We spent a lot of time going through the stages of labor and watching our over-enthusiastic instructor "moan and groan" as she modeled for us how to breathe through contractions and push. We watched a few videos, including the one of baby's head crowning (which at that point, I wondered why I ever thought having a baby was a good idea). We also were able to tour the hospital which was impressive. By then end of the eight hour day, however, we were so babied out though that we didn't want to see, hear, or talk about babies and birthing for at least 24 hours.

Now, though, reality is setting in that in a few weeks, we will be birthing and raising a baby boy. I'm already feeling Braxton-Hicks, or practice, contractions regularly. Today, at my doctor's visit, she said baby boy is already head down and told me the position of his body. A couple nights ago, as Jared and I watched baby reposition himself, we wondered what body part was lumping out on my stomach. As it turns out, the body part we consistently feel and see is none other than baby boy's bottom. =) On occassion, we feel an elbow or knee (quite pointy). And, of course, there is the consistent thumping by the feet.

What's New...

We have been very busy lately, thus the long time between posts. Jared and I bought and moved into our first home at the end of June. It's a 3bedroom house in south St. Louis city. We have a nice fenced yard, 2 car garage, and a mostly finished basement with a studio for Jared. Although the house was already painted nicely, we changed the colors and in the process painted nearly every room. Now that we've been here a couple weeks, it's starting to feel like home! Rosco's getting used to the hardwood floors (at first she wouldn't walk on them) and even goes up and down the steps (wouldn't do those for awhile either). The neighborhood is nice - very quiet with a great location close to all that South Grand and South city has to offer. Another plus is that I've cut my drive to work in half and can completely avoid the dreaded 270 North traffic. Hallejuah!

The baby's room is coming along. Previously, the room was Sesame Street crazy with neon yellow walls, a sesame street border, "Elmo's World" painted in neon pink, and even an obnoxious sesame street fan! It took us awhile to get all the wallpaper decals and stickers off the walls along with at least one coat of primer before painting! The sesame street border came off relatively easy, but in the process, we discovered that was covering another border (purple and pink flowers). The hidden border was not so easy to get off since the previous owners had painted over it! So, we got as much as we could off, but will have to put our own border up to cover the previous ones. Oh well, it will just add to the decor of the room. Here's the theme:

Once we put up the border, put the furniture together, and add some finishing touches, we'll add a picture of the actual room.

The way our families have helped us out with the move and preparing for baby have made us truly grateful. We feel truly blessed to have such great family!!!

update on Noah

We finally received more test results for Noah. Unfortunately, they're still mixed results. The doctors just don't know if the tissue still remaining inside Noah is positive or negative. At this point, the doctors advise against putting Noah through chemo. They suggest waiting and following up with future scans and tests. Noah has to have another scan done in three weeks to see if things have stayed the same, been reduced, or spread. Most likely, this type of wait and see, test and follow-up routine will continue on a frequent basis for the rest of his life.

As you can imagine, this is difficult news to hear as the cloud will be lingering over everyone's heads for awhile. Fortunately, though, Noah is young enough that he doesn't understand the gravity of the situtation and can just be his happy, adorable self (letting the adults do the worrying for him).

Please continue to pray for Baby boy's cousin, Noah. I know that Jared and I can't wait to have the two play together and be buds for life!

Our new pastime - belly watching...

Even right now, as I'm in the middle of writing a paper for grad school, I can't help but be distracted and amazed by the movement within my belly. It seems as though belly-watching has become our new favorite pastime.

Most evenings, when the day's work is done and I'm able to lay back and relax, baby boy seems to think it's time to play. So, he begins punching, stretching, kicking, flipping, and twisting - exercising his rutabaga-sized body within my belly. I'm sure he's been doing this for many weeks now, but only within these last two or three has it become so apparent to daddy and me.

When baby boy exercises, we watch with joy at his strength as my belly ripples, rolls, and bounces! As soon as I feel him start to move, I give Jared a nudge and we watch closely hardly daring to breathe - waiting for the next movement. Sometimes, we play back by giving a gentle poke or prod to see how baby boy reacts. He usually responds to our play with another kick or punch. Then, we laugh out loud - such force for a little guy that weighs less than two pounds!

Last night, Jared climbed into bed well after I was asleep and as always, began rubbing my belly. Baby boy must've recognized daddy's touch and began to play with him by kicking and punching - bouncing daddy's hand right off my belly!

Although we can't actually see our son, I'm sure this is the beginning of endless hours of watching him in amazement. Only in a few months, we'll go from belly-watching to baby-watching! We can't wait.

Baby Bump weeks 12 - 23