Failure to Launch.....

Well, my plan failed! :( I literally tried EVERYTHING that is supposed to induce labor and nothing...except a lot of false alarms.

It started Thursday night. I went to eat some eggplant Parmesan with 2 of my friends. Surprisingly I really liked it...and ate it all! Well I went to bed and woke up at 4am with some serious cramps and back pain. I thought "no way this really worked!" But after an hour of irregular contractions it went away....and then came back an hour later! So I got really nervous and was thinking this was it! But I was wrong! I called in to work (since I had been up since 4) and thought the day would bring more predictable contractions, but it stayed irregular. I even walked the dog for 30 minutes and walked the mall but nothing came out of it.

Saturday was more of the same...I slept really well but had irregular cramps/contractions all day.

Sunday am I was awoken at 4am AGAIN with more contractions...but these were even stronger. I had 2 good ones 20 minutes apart and then they got irregular again. But this time I was also nauseous! (WTF!!??)  I have heard of women being nauseous in the throws of active labor, but before?? This was no fun. :( Anyone else experience this prior to going into labor?? 
SO..apparently full moons, weather fronts, and eggplant DO NOT induce labor. :(

I am trying so hard to be patient, but being the planner that I am....I like to know when things happen. But I keep telling myself that God is in control and he knows when this baby will be born and that has to be good enough for me! :)

So, here is the update! (Maybe the last one? ;)

*How far along?: 38 Weeks 3 days!

*How big is baby?:  Dr said 7.5 lbs!

*Weight Gain: 41 lbs total...but I lost one this week!

*Sex: Sweet Baby Boy!

*Maternity clothes: Nothing fits...and fall is in the air (YAY!!). I am still wearing flip flops every day since thats all that fits haha!

*Stretch marks: I have a few faint ones next to my appendix scar that showed up since he dropped...hoping they are low enough to be hidden under a swim suit :)

*Sleep: Actually pretty good....just re-positioning a lot

*Symptoms: Fat feet, fat ankles, fat face, but feeling energized :)

*Movement: Yes but its a lot slower.

*Food cravings: Loving apple juice again

*Labor signs: Last week I was 1cm and 70% effaced. I have had TONS of braxton hicks, cramps and back pain. Hopefully it means more progress!

*Belly button in or out: I think its an outie now...never thought it was possible!

*What I miss: Being able to sit up, taking a deep breath, walking normal, sleeping on my back, sleeping through the nite, not peeing every 5 minutes, my ankles! I think you get the idea ;)

*What I'm looking forward to: Having a baby! I have another Dr. appt Wed so hoping for more progress!

*Best moment of the week: Dinner with my sweet friends!!

The Plan!

Ok! So, I might be a little ahead of myself but I am going to do everything I can to get the baby out this weekend! 

Yesterday I was not in a good mood. I had cramps, I was tired, and pretty much feeling like I was going to be pregnant FOREVER! I had  a Dr's appointment schedule, but was not expecting anything. Last week I wasn't dilated at all and the doors were very tightly closed. I actually wasn't even planning on getting checked this week, but the Doc had other plans.

At first I wasn't thrilled, because being checked is not the most pleasant experience. ( But I know there is a lot worse to come! ) So I reluctantly agreed and to my surprise we had made progress!! I was now 1cm dilated an 70% effaced. The Doc was very pleased with my progress in just a week and said, "You have done really well this week, it could be soon!" So I asked, "Sooner than 2 weeks? (Since that is my EDD) and he said "oh yeah"! 

I know it still doesn't mean anything...and I shouldn't get my hopes too high.....but I have decided on a "plan" for this weekend! Well it actually starts tonight!

2 of my friends and I are going to dinner tonight to get some Eggplant Parmesan! I think this is a local thing, but MANY claim it can put you into labor. I am more than willing to give it a shot.

 (not sure if I will like it but I will eat it anyways!)

AND the moon is full and there is a front coming in this weekend, so I have mother nature on my side! ;) I also plan on walking a TON. Last weekend I walked around a festival Saturday and then Sunday walked the mall for 2 hours AND walked the dog. I could barely move by Sunday night but I think thats what helped get things moving!!! 

There is also one more thing  (*cough *cough) thats helps get labor started, so I think Ill give that a whirl too! ;) If anything, it will help with progress...and hopefully by next week SOMETHING will happen. I am SO ready to meet this little guys I cant stand it!

If you know of any other wives tales that can help please share......but I am NOT drinking Castor oil...I want to go into labor, not die!

Stick a fork in me...Im done!! (Hopefully?)

37 weeks!! We made it to FULL TERM!!! Not that I was worried since I have had a textbook pregnancy...but now, I really don't worry about anything! I know that if I go over a bumpy road or lift something, that everything is going to be just fine! And maybe I will put myself into labor, haha! 

I have to say I have really felt great this week! Last week I felt sooo bad that I didn't know how I was going to make it through 3 more weeks of this...but I guess I got a second wind! Last night I got home and after dinner was antsy, and so Josh and I went to the Mall to get him  a few things. (I figured the walking couldn't hurt either) This is completely out of the norm for me lately! Once I am on the couch after dinner...I rarely move! :) But, I am liking this new found energy, and hope it means something! 

Tonight Josh and I are going on a date. :) I decided this week that I need to be patient and enjoy these last few weeks Josh and I have- just the two of us. I have been sooooo caught up in getting ready for the baby, so I think now that I feel ready, Josh and I can enjoy the last few calm weeks. :) I will take some nursery pics this weekend and post them soon. The room is done except for wall decor which I haven't decided on. But, Brett will be in our room for the first few weeks so I have a little more time.

37 weeks!!

I think the black is slimming (ha!) I don't think I grew too much this week, but my belly is ALL IN my lap when I sit. He definitely feels a lot lower.

*How big is baby?:  19-20 in and 6 1/2lbs

*Sex: Sweet Baby Boy!

*Maternity clothes: I hate all my maternity pants and shorts...they are tight now! Its amazing to me because some of them were too big for a while..and now they don't fit at all! Every day I come home and put on one of Josh's t-shirts and yoga pants! I am so excited to wear normal clothes again soon! Even if I will have a beer belly! ;)

*Stretch marks: Nothing new...hoping he comes out soon so it stays that way!

*Sleep: OK...still waking up a lot...not sure why, just uncomfortable

*Symptoms: Fat feet, fat ankles, fat face, but feeling energized :)

*Movement: Yes, but I think it has slowed a little. He doesn't have much room so is more like slow movements and limbs sliding around

*Food cravings: Not really anything lately...I feel like Im not as hungry lately.

*Labor signs: Lower back pain and menstrual cramps but NO PROGRESS :( The Dr. said baby is nice and low at -1 station, but the doors are still closed!

*Belly button in or out: Flat on the bottom but the top sticks out...

*What I miss: Being able to sit up, taking a deep breath, walking normal, sleeping on my back, sleeping through the nite, not peeing every 5 minutes, my ankles! I think you get the idea ;)

*What I'm looking forward to: Having a baby.....there is a full moon on the 23 so Im keeping my fingers crossed!

*Best moment of the week: Being full term!

Are we there yet!?!?!?!??

Remember when you were a kid and you took a car trip.....no matter how long the ride, you would drive your parents crazy asking "Are we there yet??".  Well this is what I ask myself everyday! I'm 36 weeks pregnant today and really want to "get there"! I know I technically have 4 weeks until my due date...but seriously...have you seen my belly!? There is no more room in this Inn!  

 It probably doesn't help that everyone I talk to thinks I will go early. I would be thrilled if Brett was ready to make his entrance into the world, as long as he is healthy! I feel like we are ready at home- we have the room done, the clothes washed, and the hospital bags packed! Now we just have to wait......

I do have a few more things I want/need to get done this weekend. Josh needs to put the swing together and we need to set up the pack n' play in our room, since that where he will be sleeping for the first little while. But other than that, I feel ready to bring home a baby! Well, as ready as you can be with NO experience! :)

Update!

Im thinking he dropped a little....dont you?????

*How far along?: 36 weeks- 9 months!

*Total weight gain?: 37 total- The feet probably weigh 5 lbs each haha!
NO these are not Professor Klump's feet, they are mine! Shocking I know!

  *How big is baby?:  19-20 in and 6 lbs

*Sex: Sweet Baby Boy!

*Maternity clothes: Im running out of things that fit! :( Including shoes!

*Stretch marks: Nothing new...belly is still good. Im keeping my fingers crossed that the worry is over!

*Sleep: Not great..not terrible. I wake up every hour until 3 and then sleep til 6-7. It is SOOO hard to roll over and get in and out of bed!

*Symptoms: Fat feet, fat face, sore hands, sore hips.....

*Movement: Yes, but I think it has slowed a little. He doesn't have much room so is more like slow movements and limbs sliding around

*Food cravings: Not really anything lately...I feel like Im not as hungry lately.

*Labor signs: Having some period type cramps occationally and also some Lightning/sharp pains in the cervical area....which I read means things are progressing! I get checked for the forst time next week and HOPE I am making progress!

*Belly button in or out: Flat on the bottom but the top sticks out...

*What I miss: Being able to sit up, taking a deep breath, walking normal, sleeping on my back, sleeping through the nite, not peeing every 5 minutes, my ankles! I think you get the idea ;)

*What I'm looking forward to: Dr. Appt. Wednesday...hoping we are making some progress!

*Best moment of the week: Baby shower at work :)

35 weeks and my Birthday!!

Wow, 35 weeks- the weeks are really flying by now, and I like it! I hope they don't go this fast after Brett gets here, but I'm sure they will :(.  This weekend was awesome. I took off Friday and we had Monday off for Labor day ( also my 27th Bday!) so I had a 4 day weekend!!

I managed to get a lot done, had some fun with friends and actually got some sleep!!

My birthday and our friend Chris' birthday are 1 day apart so we decided to celebrate together with our friends by "Shooting the Hooch" over the weekend! I was a little nervous taking to the tube at 35 weeks pregnant but, I knew that laying there, floating at a whopping 1 mile per hour would be pretty safe..and it was! The weather was GORGEOUS- 85 and not a cloud in sight. Its a good thing there were no clouds because the water was FREEZING!! Thankfully, I had a nice fat raft that kept out of the water.  My poor husband, however, chose to use a raft with a mesh bottom....he literally had blue lips at the half-way point! But, my brother generously offered Josh stole my brothers raft and managed to warm up by the end of the 3 mile float. ;) 

After tubing, we had everyone over to our house for a cookout. Everyone was pretty worn out from tubing and the night ended by 11 so I was happy! 

On Monday I rested most of the day (It was my Bday!) but I did get a lot of baby B's stuff washed and folded! I also exchanged some stuff at target and was able to get the lamb swing for only $30! It was on sale and I had $90 worth of returns :)

We ended my Bday with a family dinner at our house! I have to mention that my hisband worled very hard this weekend- he cleaned the house Monday morning after our friend cookout and then worked in the yard all day, cutting grass and re-doing the flower beds in our front yard. He cooked the food both nights ion the grill and cleaned up afterward! I tried to help  a little, but I get tired very quicky! Im very lucky to have such a wonderful, helpful husband! :)

UPDATE!

HUGE belly!!!

*How far along?: 35 weeks!

*Total weight gain?: 36 total- Pretty sure Im retaining the same amount of water as Lake Lanier :(

  *How big is baby?:  19 in and 5 1/2 lbs

*Sex: Sweet Baby Boy!

*Maternity clothes: Im running out of things that fit! :(

*Stretch marks: Ugh- I found a few tiny ones on my inner thigh...WTF!?!? But they aren't visible unless sitting in an un-lady like position ha-ha and still none on the belly! :)

*Sleep: eehhh....waking up every hour from 11-2 then only ever few hours until 7. Im just uncomfortable and still having heart burn, numbness in my hands, and reflux :( But surprisingly I dont feel exhausted during the day.

*Symptoms: Fat feet, fat face, sore hands, sore hips.....

*Movement: Yes, but I think it has slowed a little. He doesn't have much room so is more like slow movements and limbs sliding around

*Food cravings: Not really anything lately

*Labor signs: Having some period type cramps occationally and also some Lightning/sharp pains in the cervical area....which I read means things are progressing! I get checked for the forst time next week and HOPE I am making progress!

*Belly button in or out: Flat on the bottom but the top sticks out...

*What I miss: Being able to sit up, taking a deep breath, walking normal, sleeping on my back, sleeping through the nite, not peeing every 5 minutes, my ankles! I think you get the idea ;)

*What I'm looking forward to: Fall clothes!!!!

*Best moment of the week: Having 4 days off!