34 Weeks- 6 to go!

I hate to be a complainer, but 3rd tri is for the birds.
Starting Saturday I began having a lot of lower abdominal/back cramping/pressure and pressure in my bottom. The cramping was constant, nothing I could time. I was able to relax, lay down and prop my feet up. I was able to get through work "ok" on Monday. It was my 8 hour day, so it was good knowing that I wouldn't have to try to get through a full 12 hour shift. I had a very difficult patient that was very paranoid, psychotic and scared. When I was talking to her, trying to get her away from the unit doors so she wouldn't sneak out and leave, she said "you won't live to see your baby because I will kill you". I have worked in psych long enough to know not to take anything they say personally. This was a tough one though. Her comment sort of haunted me the rest of the day and I stayed clear of her, had other staff give her injections, etc. Luckily my co-workers are protective of me and didn't let me get close to her anyways. You just never know if the patients will kick or punch, so better safe than sorry!!
On Tuesday I was having the cramping/pressure again. I had to sit down fairly early on in the shift and have a co-worker give out the rest of my medicines. It was still the constant cramping, nothing I could time, but more intense. I wasn't able to lay down and prop my feet up like I did Saturday, so I knew it was going to be a long long shift. The pain became a little worst and tylenol wasn't helping, so I told our scheduler that I didn't think i could make it through the full 12 hours and hoped she could find someone to relieve me at work, and I called my OB's nurse to make sure they didn't want me to go to womens urgent care since I was at the hospital anyways. Luckily they were able to find me some relief at 2:00pm and my OB's nurse said to relax, take tylenol and benadryl and call back if they become timeable or even more intense. I had an already scheduled OB appt the next day, so that made me feel better. So, long story short is that I wasn't able to get through a 12 hour shift.

Today: Hubby and I went to visit another daycare center close to our house. They said we could drop by any time (good thing), the price is the same as the other day care center we looked at (good thing), and it is a smaller facility, so they don't take as many infants at one time as the other place (good thing), and I looked at the facilities facebook pictures and it looked like they took the older kids on a lot of fun field trips (good thing). When we went to visit everyone was very nice, they welcomed us in, introduced us to everyone. We saw the 3 & 4 year olds. they were doing crafts, coloring and they all seemed happy. The kids were friendly as well. We then went into the infant room. They take 10 infants at the time with 2 staff. They have consistent staff to help with consistent care and the workers work partial shifts so they don't get burnt out. The little infants were so cute!! They each have their own crib that is assigned to them and only go in the crib for naps. When not napping they are roaming around, in the swings, being held, etc. They also make a point to try to keep to the same feeding schedule used at home, they have a fridge for breast milk storage. We were happy with it = ) We can't turn in our registration paper until he is born because don't have a birth date or SS# yet, but she didn't think it would be a problem to get him in. We will need childcare starting January.
I also had an OB appt today. I have to say, it is getting harder and harder to pee in a freaking cup! I can't see where I am aiming! Anyways, I did it. Blood pressure was great, weight was higher than I care for, but what can you do? I told the nurse about the cramping/pressure, feels like I have to have a BM a lot, increased clear drainage, concerns about a UTI, etc. My OB took everything seriously. She did a strep B test, amniotic fluid test and cervical check (OUCH!!!). I am measuring on track externally and Eli's HB was 151...he kicked the doppler wand too = ) He didn't like the cold gel I don't think. My strep B was negative and negative for amniotic fluid leakage. My cervix is soft and closed. She said everything is going perfectly, she doesn't anticipate an early delivery and that (unfortunately) the discomfort is just my new normal for now. Now that I know the cramping/pressure is normal, then I can deal with it. It's the unknown that worried me. I have nothing to compare normal from abnormal. I just hope I can get through the rest of my scheduled work days and I will take it easy if I have to.

Kitty lovein'

How Far Along: 34 Weeks
 Total Weight Gain: +30lbs

Maternity Clothes: they are a must

 Stretch Marks:

Sleep: yeah...not happening. I think my body is just getting me used to no sleep for when Eli gets here. I either wake up because I am too much on my stomach/back and my body tells me to reposition, or I have to pee. Usually these to alternate so I wake up quite frequently. 

 Best Moment This Week: A good OB appt. 

 Miss Anything: Sleep and being able to function properly. I feel like I am letting people down at work because I can't work fully. I also have a nursing student with me all summer, so I worry I am giving her a raw deal because I am not working at my full potential, not to mention having to leave work early! I don't think anyone at work thinks less of me, since I am trying at 8+ months pregnant, I just want to pull my full load and I can't right now.  

Movement: He has been moving well. definite moments of awake and sleep. He has caught me off guard with a couple kicks to the ribs/diaphragm and then follows that up with a punch to the hip/groin area.

 Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Nope, i have gotten nauseous due to heart burn a few times at night. All good though = )

Cravings: Anything strawberry and I am ready for some more CRAWFISH!!!

Gender: IT'S A BOY!!!! Eli Preston!!

Labor Signs:No, everything checked out ok at my appt!

Symptoms: Blah, I'm just uncomfortable and hot and I can't sleep.cramping and pressure has started as well.

Belly Button In or Out: Still in! 

Wedding Rings On or Off:Wedding ring is on, but I took off my engagement ring. 

Feeling: I am just relieved that everything is ok in there and my OB feels like there is no reason he would come early. Relief is my feeling for the day = )

Exercise:I'm trying. It is so freaking hot and I'm uncomfortable. I take the stairs if going up one floor. I haven't gone out walking in the neighborhood. I think I am scared to go out alone, just in case I get halfway away from the house and can't get home. Maybe it's an excuse.

Looking Forward To: We have our birth class next week, which includes a hospital tour. That should be fun.

 Next Appointment: June 25th...last every 2 week appt!