38 Weeks, 5 days....

Listening to: Pandora Radio, Korn channel :)

Hmm, I wonder why my Pandora commercials are in Spanish? Haha, it's kind of funny.

I am a fairly simple girl with few luxuries, but yesterday was all about pampering myself. We get our house cleaned once in a while, thanks to my mom's business, so we thought yesterday would be a great time to do it. I treated myself to an egg, cheese, (cheddar and cream cheese, thank you very much) and ham bagel in the morning then had my eyebrows and nails done. I was seriously starting to look like Frida Kahlo. I have never had such long nails before, because I have had the worst nail-biting habit for as long as I can remember! Those prenatal vitamins sure work wonders! I don't know why, but whether I'm doing my nails myself or have others do them, I find it to be very relaxing. The house smells clean, carpets are vacuumed, everything is dusted and put away, counter tops are spotless and I can eat off the kitchen floor. There is nothing like it!!!

So, even though baby is head down at the moment, last week on the ultrasound she showed to be facing posterior, as in facing my belly. That isn't ideal for the way our pelvis is shaped, meaning if she does not turn around, I will have a very long, painful labor. Also known as "back labor". The majority end up being pitocin/epidural/c-section deliveries so I hope- so very badly- that she will get into the anterior position before I go into labor! I've been doing exercises from Spinning Babies, and have seen a homeopathic chiropractor to hopefully get my pelvis & spine back into alignment. I've always had back/hip issues, I wish I would have addressed this sooner. My dad is so funny, calling me last night to tell me it was a full moon and asking if I was prepared. I wish I could tell him that yes, I have a feeling she will come that soon but I really don't. I joke and say I hope she comes Sunday the 22nd because my birthday is the 23rd, I can always say I had her when I was 30 and not 31. LOL! Ah, my birthday. That's right! To be completely honest, I had forgotten all about it. It's funny because in my family, we've always made a big deal about our birthdays. I always made sure everyone knew mine was coming up. The morning of any one of our birthdays, we loudly play "Las mananitas", a spanish song about your special birthday. We've always had cake and presents. Matt's family does the same thing, with the exception of las mananitas. ;) The plan is to have the PAMF girls over for brunch at the house Sunday, then both families over for pizza and cake. Sounds like the perfect day to me! I find it interesting that I've been so consumed with baby stuff that I actually forgot my birthday! Hah!
Now, if baby makes her appearance before then, we'll have to revise the entire thing. ;)
Matt seems eager to give me my gift now, but I told him we should wait for both families to open presents. I wonder what it is?!

After my second day of my chiro appointment, I feel so much better. I don't feel like my pelvic bone is being shredded to pieces every time I stand! Baby has definitely dropped because I can breathe much better, and my walk today wasn't so strenuous. I feel good! Heavy and slow, but painless.

So it's officially 9/20 now, since it is after midnight. Baby has hiccups. It is pretty amazing- I feel them more now than ever since she's bigger and stronger. I have an OB visit tomorrow with a female MD I have only met twice for my follow up NST. I had thought about checking to see if I'm dilated or effaced at all, but after some thought I figure I will wait until I see my regular OB on the 25th, if there haven't been any signs of labor. If it isn't necessary, why chance an infection? I'm not comfortable with them poking around in there just because I happen to be curious. I don't remember if I wrote about last Saturday, then again I don't remember much of anything these days. After Meg, Anthea and Char left & the amazing day we had here at my house, I started to get cramps. They seemed to be getting progressively worse, so naturally I was starting to think OK this is it! I got on my birthing ball, rolled around for a bit, took a shower, went to bed only to wake up around 3am feeling pretty terrible still. My doula, Deidre, was out of town so I started to get really nervous. I woke up again around 8am feeling the same but as the day progressed I felt fine. After a while, they came back but it was constant, nothing I could really time. I was almost sure I'd have this baby by Sunday night or Monday. By Monday night, though I was back to normal. I read that with a "sunny side up" baby, this can happen. Your body may trick you into thinking you're about to go into labor, but nope! Just kidding. I emailed Deidre to tell her about my cramps and she explained that what I was going through sounded a lot like very early labor. It is a full moon mid-week so I must be prepared. She advised me to take warm baths, to try to relax as much as possible. Honestly, I don't know how women do this without a doula. The support is nothing short of amazing.

So now we are very close to the 39th week, and I haven't gotten any other signs. I was just telling Matt that as much as I already love this little person growing inside me, I think it is time she start considering making her debut. I'm heavy, tired, big, and have other lady part stuff going on that I'd rather not go into detail about. I barely share these things with my own husband! Don't get me wrong, we're pretty intimate (duh) and there are no secrets between us, but does he really have to know about leaking nipples or weird discharge? I think not. Thankfully, I don't have either but you get the idea. That's why I have other women to talk to, and my very much appreciated doula!

I'm such a fatty. I'm in my kitchen, eating leftover coffee cake from Hobbe's and chocolate soy milk. They are so ridiculously good, especially at this hour. I didn't even take a nap today, what gives?

Oh! Now that I think of it. Another strange occurrence: Sgt refused to sleep downstairs in his bed last night, where he has been sleeping for the past 4 years. He came up next to the bed on my side, giving me puppy eyes. How could I resist? We set his bed up on the floor next to me, and he was perfectly content as he fell asleep. I was sure I'd go into labor then. Nope, false alarm. He has been incredibly needy since I'd say around the 8th week of pregnancy. He may have been before that, I just hadn't noticed. Animals are so smart and amazing. There is a possibility that I just spoil him with so much affection that he expects it all the time? Who knows, all I know is that he senses something is different, and he is no longer the baby of the house. There will be a new member in the pack & he will be the less dominant one. Aww, my little boy. We will still show him we love him, and I know he will be great with baby.

I should really sleep. Big day ahead of me tomorrow...lol! Not really. I started watching Breaking Bad but it just isn't really my thing. I can't get into Orange is the New Black, everyone raves about it but I just don't see what the big deal is. I could care less about the whiny main character, and even less about the rest. It's crude, nasty, and just not entertaining to me. I finished Sister Wives pretty quickly, and now I have to look for season 3 since it isn't on Netflix. I think it's pretty interesting, to see how polygamists live. To them, it's a completely normal lifestyle. I feel that if they aren't hurting anyone, they aren't taking advantage of tax payers' money, then who are we to judge how they live? They are happy, they serve their community, whatever! To each their own. The government should be worried about WAY bigger fish to fry. Now I am rambling.
We'll see how I sleep tonight, I have another appointment with the chiropractor Saturday, and I'm looking forward to that one since Matt can come with me.

Ok, officially tired. Until next time...maybe baby will be here by then, you never know. :o)

Another Day...

These last few weeks are looooong and dragging. I was up until almost 3 am last night, I just cannot sleep. No matter what position I get myself into, I am not comfortable. I cuddled with hubs as it is the only way I can fall asleep, but it's a matter of time before I wake up from either pain or having to use the restroom. This morning I woke up from a muscle spasm in my back, and my god was it painful! Matt got up to plug in my heating pad, and lovingly placed it underneath me. Talk about immediate relief! And yay for such a great husband, am I right? I slept for another 2 hours or so. That seems to be the pattern lately. I got up around 9, lazily made myself a couple of waffles and 2 eggs, checked my email and continued my Sex and the City marathon. After I finished eating I took the Sarge for a walk, and was surprised to find that it was really a nice day, warm but with a breeze. It was refreshing. Got back, had some grapes, and started scouting for freezable meals to make. I made an awesome tuna noodle casserole, but now my feet are killing me. I don't have the energy to clean up, and I hate it! I wonder how well the casserole will freeze?

I read an article online about what pregnant women hate to hear. Among those were: "You're about to pop!" "Are you carrying twins?" "You better get all the sleep you can now before baby comes!" (or do things now that you like to do- wait, what?) "Can I touch your belly?" Or do it without asking. "You are going to need that epidural!" And the list goes on and on.

I've gotten the twin comment by a thin woman who did my pedicure once. It bothered me at first, but I realized how unimportant she is to me. The only one that particularly bugs me is the implication that my life is officially over by having a baby, it's absurd. Believe me, I plan on taking my little girl places. Nothing stops me from having a good time...seriously, since when does the world stop just because you have a baby? Obviously, our lives will be different, things will change but it is up to you how you handle those changes. You can either make it really difficult for yourself, or embrace it and enjoy it as much as possible. They take naps, do they not? I have 3 different carriers so I can have her with me everywhere I go for the first few months of her life. Last I checked, I don't recall hearing about any permanent damage done to a baby due to car rides, Disneyland, camping, parks or walks. I plan on still going on dinner, movie and concert dates with hubs. My mother did not get a crib to keep in their home for nothing! I still plan on seeing my friends for brunch or lunch, or pedis or whatever I feel like! Matt still plans on playing hockey on some weekends. My point is, our lives will not come to a complete stop and will not be totally consumed by this little creature we've created. Her life will be full of adventures as well, even from the start.

I am frequently asked by people if they can touch my belly and it doesn't bother me at all. The comments about getting the epidural used to bug me, but at this point I smile politely and just nod my head. It's none of their business how I plan to birth my child. Nor am I obligated to tell them why I think a natural delivery is best. Believe me, sometimes I do want to open my mouth, but it is most certainly not my place. Why is motherhood such a competition? I love to hear people's birth stories, whether it was a positive or a negative one because all births are different and I know mine will be unique. To each their own! There is no point in getting all worked up and being overly sensitive. Sometimes people are awkward when they don't know what to say. I personally don't like to feel like I'm walking on egg shells with someone, I certainly wouldn't want anyone to feel that way about me. Whew. It feels good to vent and rant, rant rant!

Now that I've taken this break, it is time to make yet another meal to add to the freezer. Man, I'm on a ROLL! ;)

The Joys of Pregnancy! 37 weeks...

Listening to...the sound of the fan going, because it is crazy HOT today!!!
This entry is not by any means to complain about the changes I'm going through; though it may seem that way. It's just a vent. I'm allowed, right? I never post anything on those baby website message boards, because I've read some threads where people can be pretty mean. I don't understand how us women can be so petty with one another, especially while hiding behind a computer. Does it make them feel better about themselves? What's the point? I feel that as women, we should empower each other, respect our differences, learn from and support one another. I stay far far away from the useless drama. I have far more important things to do, things to worry about. It seems like some of these girls are only on the boards to ridicule others. I say girls because that's exactly what they are. Ok, rant over. HAHA hormonal much?

I know very well how lucky I am that I was able to conceive when we wanted to, not everyone has that opportunity. I am sure those people would do anything to be in my shoes. Please believe me when I say that I am happy, very happy that we are growing our family and I am going to be a mom! What a blessing! However, it does not mean that it doesn't come with its challenges, as I'm sure many other first time moms can relate.

I've realized that from here on out I will have my good days, when I feel just fine enough to cook a couple of meals to freeze for after baby is born & to do other household chores, then I have my days when I feel like my body has been hit by a moving train- a perfect example of that was this morning. I do not recall doing anything remotely strenuous yesterday, I wasn't on my feet or sitting for too long, so I don't exactly know what triggers it. I guess it's just pregnancy. I am a chronic tummy sleeper, which I know is terrible for my back, but it's the way I've always fallen asleep. Now that I can't sleep that way, it's been a difficult night right after the next. I sleep on my left side a lot, but there are certain pressure points that hurt when I lay that way all night. We have a fairly new firm mattress, which I otherwise love but we also have a memory foam mattress top thinking it would help me sleep better during pregnancy. In addition to that I use a pregnancy pillow, which is as tall as I am and supports both my back and in between my knees. I can barely roll over to the other side though; my groin, back, pelvic and hip muscles are in so much pain, I'm almost in tears when I try. I get temporary relief when I actually get onto the other side, but my hands and fingers ache from carpal tunnel, so at that point I'm usually awake enough to feel the intensity from it all. I cannot bend my fingers, because when I go to grab my blanket or pillow, I cringe from the pain. Not only that, but my hands can get tingly and numb because my entire arm falls asleep. Sometimes I feel like I can't breathe, so I prop myself up with all of my pillows but again, I am on my back. Sorry, doc it is the only way I can get a good 4-6 hours of quality sleep. Of course that is if I don't have to pee 7 times throughout the night. But even in that position, my bum is sore from sitting on it all night. If I get on my side that way, by back is out of alignment and it's hellooo major back pain! Matt says I snore now. I've actually woken myself up from how loudly I snore! Pretty funny, actually. Well, if you look on the bright side, at least I don't have that awful rash anymore, eh? I also do not have hyperemesis like some pregnant women do, it's rare to have it throughout pregnancy but it does happen. I used to treat those women with hydration. They actually almost deterred me from ever having children! So, thankfully I do not have that condition. I actually did not vomit once. I know.

I'm experiencing "lightening crotch" now, actually since around the 35th week or so. Apparently it means that baby has dropped into the pelvic canal. It isn't a pleasant feeling. The term used for this phenomenon is pretty self explanatory. It's been quite a few times now that when I walk, I almost can envision her little head coming out of me. I may sound a bit dramatic, but it's the only way I know how to describe it. I've read that I should probably feel less pressure on my ribs, but that isn't quite so. Even as I sit up straight, I am still out of breath so maybe she's just a big baby. :) I'm so glad we are both healthy. I do admit to being nervous about the birthing process, only because it is the unknown, but I am thankful for our doula and the support I have found with other moms that have delivered naturally. Of course, our families are huge supporters as well.

I am so incredibly excited to meet our little one. It is only a matter of time.

Labor Day weekend

Today has been exactly the kind of day I needed. I think I did way too much yesterday and my body was screaming at me. I should probably learn to listen to my body especially since I'm only 4 weeks away from my 40th week of pregnancy! I fell asleep quickly last night propped up with pillows, and found that it lessened the pelvic pain immensely. YAY, this makes me so happy! I woke up the first time at 3:45 am to pee, then again at 6 am. By that time it was already pretty bright out, but I managed to sleep for another 2 hours. I was incredibly hungry so Matt and I made a huge breakfast. He talked about washing the carpet downstairs so I went back to my bed with the intention of reading our hospital booklet & listen to Live 105 since they're playing "old school" music all weekend that makes me nostalgic and perfectly content. Before I knew it, I woke up from a nap an hour later. I found out that during my nap, Mr. Rhoads had done laundry, went grocery shopping at Costco, and washed the carpet twice. Do I have an amazing husband, or what??

Making me brownies because I was craving them...

Cutting wood to add to the deck, adding glow-in-the-dark stars to the nursery's ceiling....
and those are only a few of the things he's been up to. I have zero doubt in my mind that this man will make an excellent father.

We can't wait to meet baby...the reason why I keep calling her baby is because we plan on keeping her name a surprise. We had people at our baby shower vote for one out of 3 names we had picked out and the winner was clearly one of them.
Wow, I cannot believe I'm going to be a mom....a MOM!!!!