Pregnancy Update

Zach, Lolli, Molly and I went to see Lynda yesterday. The short version: everything's going great! If you're bored, feel free to read more ;)

I got the results of the 1-hour glucose test I took on May 1st. I had been so sure I would fail it, I even ate some chocolate the night before the test because I didn't even see a point in trying. I had tested my own glucose levels a couple times with Dad's glucomometer and my 1-hour level had been high (230's, I think?) but my 2 and 3 hour levels had been fine, so I wasn't really concerned about Gestational Diabetes, just sure I would fail the 1-hour test and have to take the dreaded 3-hour test. That morning I ate breakfast then a few hours later went to the lab, drank my 20 ounces of 100% purple grape juice (apparently midwives don't make their clients chug that Glu-Cola stuff, hooray!), and 1 hour later they drew my blood. I needed to be below 140 to "pass." My score: 106!!! Woohoo!

So anyway, yesterday I was 32 weeks 5 days. I was measuring 33.5 centimeters, which was actually lower than we'd expected (have been measuring 2 or 2.5 cm ahead consistently). That's because the baby is moving down lower into my pelvis! Which I knew, because I'm peeing more often now :) The baby's heartrate was high 130's, low 140's. My blood pressure was 106/168, which is good.

Lynda helped Zach feel the baby's rump (easy to find!) and follow the curve of the baby's back (which was on the left side for a change!) down to the head (not as easy to find). Zach was able to "hold" the baby's head in his hand, which I am a bit jealous of because I can't really reach. It was fun to watch him get to "hold" the baby again (he found the head one other time when we were doing belly mapping for fun).

Lolli knows the drill now, and starts saying "baby baby baby" as soon as I hop up on the table in the exam room. She loves hearing the heartbeat. I hope she's not disappointed when the baby comes and there's no more "whoosh whoosh whoosh" in mommy's belly :)

We also got a list of basic supplies to have available on our birth day. Most of it we already have (large bowl for placenta, receiving blankets for baby, towels, etc). We'll get our official Birth Kit Supply list in a week or so, and then get to go shopping for the things Lynda doesn't bring with her. Our next visit is June 3rd and after that it's time for the Home Visit on June 15th!

We're 1/3 of the way done with our Hypnobabies classes and so far we really like it. I have scripts on CD to listen to every other day and Zach reads me scripts on the other days. I also have a wonderful "Joyful Pregnancy" affirmations cd that I listen to in the car and I love it! The ultimate goal of Hypnobabies is pain-free birth, so we'll see. My analytical mind is still skeptical, but when we're doing a session, I feel soooo relaxed that I'm starting to think it may be possible to train my mind to feel only pressure, not discomfort. Even if I don't get good enough to feel no pain, I am 100% sure that doing this will help me relax, which is what I was unable to do during my last labor (I think). Wish us luck!

I went to the chiropractor for the first time on Friday. I'm hoping that getting adjusted for the remainder of my pregnancy will really help baby in the birthing process to come out quickly and effeciently (and hopefully comfortable for her!). At the very least is took away the pain in my left hip, which hadn't been bothering me terribly, but it's nice to have it gone! I go again on Wednesday.

I'm still drinking my RRL, alfalfa, nettles and peppermint tea every day. And drinking my 100 ounces of water and adding chlorophyll to 1 bottle. Taking my vitamins and being sure to get boatloads of healthy proteins. I've been on a fruit kick lately but have been trying not to fill up on it too much so I can fit in all the other stuff I need to be eating. I blame Farm Fresh Delivery ;)

Our "birth suite" is ready, except for the tub which won't come until I'm about 39 weeks. I still need to work on getting food in the freezer. The baby's clothes are washed and put away, ready for baby! We still need to get a pack of disposible diapers for the first week and then our cloth stash for after that (the smallest we had for Lolli fits 15lbs and up). I wanna clean up the car seat a little bit and wash the sheets on the Amby and Co-sleeper, so that whichever one we decide to use will be ready to go. I really feel like this second baby thing is easy to prepare for, 'cause we already have almost everything we need. I'm sure there will be things we'll realize we need after baby is born, but getting out of the house is good for us, so a-shopping we will go :)

Prego survey

How far along? 32 weeks, 4 days



Total weight gain/loss: 24 lbs



Maternity clothes? Mostly, although I still wear some non-maternity shirts.



Stretch marks? The ones I acquired while growing Lolli are just now starting to get a little big longer. Not too bad, though.



Sleep: I am incredibly tired. I never sleep for longer than 2 hours in a row and since we get up early, I'm only in bed for about 8 hours a night. I'm exhausted!!!



Best moment this week: Hmm... Watching how excited Zach was when got to feel the baby having hiccups.



Movement: Pretty active, but usually stays in the same spot. Arm and hand movement is felt way down low and the legs kick up in the center of the top of my belly.



Food cravings: Lately it's been fruit



Gender: Sex is female, hoping the gender is, too, but I guess we won't know that 100% for a couple decades!



Labor Signs: None, really. Having lots of pressure waves, but no actual sign of the birthing day coming any time soon (which is good)



Belly Button in or out? Getting close to flat



What I miss: Sleeping. Being comfortable (even laying on my side is totally uncomfy at this point). Being able to have a glass of wine at night. Being able to bend over without pain.



Weekly Wisdom: Babies come on their birth days, not when a doctor decides



Milestones: Started Hypnobabies class last week! And in 3 more weeks and 3 days, I'll be full term (36 weeks) and eligible for home birth!



Next appointment: Tomorrow. I think we'll get our list of supplies to buy for the birth. Fun!

18 Month Well Visit

Lolli's 18 Month Well Visit was today, even though she's coming up on 20 months old. She measured 32 inches tall, weighed in at 24 lbs 12oz, and has an 18 inch noggin. She's right at the 50th percentile for all of those. She's met all of the developmenal milestones expected for an 18-month old and has even mastered many of the 2-year old ones, so she's right on track!

She cried when she had to be laid down on the table to be measured, but other than that she was very brave. She loves the fish in the waiting room and had blast pointing out all the different colored fish. "Purple! Blue-a! "Ish" (orange) "Yellow!"

She showed the doctor where lots of her body parts are and repeated many words he said, which led the doctor to say to Zach and Lauren, "Ooohhh, you gotta watch what you say around this one!" Ha yes, they are very aware!

Stringing Words Together!

Lolli is really starting to string words together. Last night she and Lauren were at Papaw Swain's. They were all sitting outside and Lolli was eating ice. When her bowl was empty, she picked it up and said, "More ice! More ice!" Then later, after feeding the donkeys celery and strawberries, she said, "Bye Donkeys!" Woohoo!

Getting ready!

Lauren washed all the NB and 0-3 months clothes in "free" detergent, dried them without fabric softener, carefully folded them, and placed them in the drawer that used to hold her socks. Now Poppy's wardrobe is ready and waiting for her :)