32 Weeks

Ok, technically it is 32 weeks 1 day because I did do this yesterday = ). 
I have about 8 more weeks (give or take) before we meet Eli Preston. I can not wait to see who he looks like, what features he gets from me and what features he gets from hubby. I can't help but hope he has my curly hair, hubby's blue eyes and cleft chin. I am excited to see what his personality will be like, what he likes and dislikes. 
To be honest though...I am pretty scared about the actual labor/birth process. I know it's going to hurt, how much will I be able to handle? Will I be able to do a natural delivery? will he want to breast feed as soon as he is born? 
So many unknowns and it is scary, overwhelming, exciting, nerve racking. 
Will we have everything ready for him? I have been nesting like crazy. I have washed all of his clothes, washed the rock n play, swing, carrier, anything that can/needs to be washed. I have found places in the nursery for pretty much everything. 
There is still work to do. I feel like my mind is constantly thinking of things that need to be done and I need to do it right then. This has caused me to not feel my best and my feet to swell. I know I need to relax on my days off but there is just so much that needs to be done. 
I had my 32week OB appt. yesterday and it went well. I had a different OB whom I had never met before. My OB was out of the office that day. She was nice. I am measuring on track and Eli's HB is 143. She short of threw me off guard by focusing the appointment on what hubby and I will do for birth control after Eli is born. She said that breastfeeding may delay ovulation for up to 6 months and it's usually not recommended to have a pregnancy less than 1 year apart. Hubby and I haven't really talked about this, except that both of us have no interest in me going back on the pill. It seems so weird to think about birth control when we went through so much just to get pregnant in the first place. I guess it is possible for things to "reset" after pregnancy. So, no real decisions have been made. 
Anyways, the good stuff. We had our maternity photo-shoot last weekend so I added some of those pictures here. LOVE THEM!!

How Far Along: 32 Weeks
 Total Weight Gain: +25lbs

Maternity Clothes: they are a must

 Stretch Marks: I am starting to develop some on my sides (boo)

Sleep:What is this? Yeah, not happening here. I am so uncomfortable at night that if I do get to sleep then it is not very restful and I wake up frequently.  I am so tired, but yet I can't sleep.

 Best Moment This Week: We had our maternity pictures done and I got to hear his HB again.

 Miss Anything: Sleep, being able to bend down to pick things up, being comfortable and being able to function properly. 

Movement: Oh, he has been moving great! There was a big movement Tuesday while I was driving home from work. I was a little worried he had turned because he was head down before. I guess we will just have to see! They can flip and turn all the way up to due date, so hopefully by the time delivery arrives he will be in the proper position. 

 Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Not really, I have been getting bad heartburn at night. 

Cravings: Anything strawberry, I ate a whole watermelon and a whole cantaloupe, yummmmm

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

Labor Signs: I've had some Braxton Hicks type contractions. They aren't very noticable but at times I will notice that I feel like I am having period cramps, like I am about to start my period any minute. Not too bad yet though.

Symptoms: Blah, I'm just uncomfortable and hot and I can't sleep.

Belly Button In or Out:I can't believe it, but it's still in! 

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

Feeling: anxious, nervous, overwhelmed, excited, tired (yes, already and yes, I know it will only get worst)

Exercise:I'm trying. It is just so dang hot here and I am so dang uncomfortable. 

Looking Forward To: every week he is on the inside, the better. We have birth class next month. I'm just anxious to see what each week brings. I pray my BP continues to be good and pre-eclampsia doesn't hit, I pray he keeps cooking as long as possible, and I pray I can keep working as long as possible. 

 Next Appointment: June 11th

30 Weeks---The count down begins

 I can not believe I am 30 weeks pregnant. I can not believe I am 3/4th of the way done with this pregnancy. I can not believe that I have 10 weeks or less left before Eli is here. I still can not even believe that I am pregnant. 

I do write this post with some sadness. I will not go into much detail in order to respect the privacy of the person involved, but I found out that someone close to me recently had a miscarriage. My heart breaks so much for her and her husband. They are in my thoughts and prayers during this time and I pray their hearts and her body can heal briskly. I have never experienced loss, nor could I even imagine the pain and heartache of miscarriage. They are in my thoughts and prayers, and if you could take a moment out to say a prayer for them as well. (((HUGS!!!))) if you are reading this. 

I had my 30w OB appointment today and got my Rhogam shot. The appointment went really well, but it is very very difficult to pee in a cup when you can't see your lady parts to "aim". Just saying. 
My OB didn't say anything about my weight gain, but she did say I should try to walk 1 mile a day. She foresees the rest of the pregnancy going "perfectly". I also asked about delayed cord clamping, which would allow more of the blood in the umbilical cord to get into Eli's circulation. She said that she has always been a "slow clamper" and waits until it stops pulsating. So, yay! All is good = )

I also had breastfeeding class today. It was very helpful to me. They taught about ways to get a good latch and that it can be difficult at first, but soooo worth it. I have been mostly nervous about being able to continue the breastfeeding/breastmilk while I go back to work. Since I work at the hospital where I am delivering (or I guess work at a hospital that offers this period), they will give me a breast pump to use and there are 2 pumping rooms at the hospital that can be used while I am at work. One of the rooms is very close to the floor I work on! I am feeling much better about being able to take 20 minutes, 3 or 4 times a shift to pump. Plus, they have to let me pump....it's the law = )

Mother's Day gift I received from a very thoughtful lady on the SAIF FB group. So thoughtful!!!

Cabin we stayed at in Lousiana last weekend for our "babymoon"

paradise = )

How Far Along: 30 Weeks
 Total Weight Gain: +25lbs

Maternity Clothes: I love them, can't live without them

 Stretch Marks:

Sleep: Quite uncomfortable. Either my hips hurt, but hurts, Eli is positioned in a weird spot, or I get heartburn (this fun night time heart burn started last night). I even brought a body pillow with me on our babymoon weekend.

 Best Moment This Week:We had such a relaxing and fun "babymoon" to Louisiana last weekend. It was so nice to relax on the porch of the cabin with the door open so the wind blew in. We also went on a fun swamp tour. We saw quite a few alligators, bald eagles, and beautiful birds and turtles. The water was rough at times so the banging of the boat was uncomfortable at times. Our guide was very very nice and planned in like 4 different stops that had bathroom so I could pee = ) He also bought me a virgin strawberry daiquiri! yummm!! I also had an OB appt today which went really well. Oh, and I finished my Spring semester in grad school with A's in both of my classes...yay! I will be taking time off of school until Spring Semester 2015.

 Miss Anything: Like I said last time, I miss being able to function at my full potential, especially at home and at work (I guess that is everywhere...). I hate feeling like I am putting more of a burden on others.

Movement: He has really been nice to me the last couple weeks and has moved around a lot. I guess he didn't like his mama worrying so he'll kick or move around to ease my discomfort. I really do appreciate it. I stays on the right side of my ute though, never crosses the midline to the left.

 Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Nope!

Cravings: I still can't get enough crawfish. I haven't had any for a few weeks, but it always sounds good. 

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

Labor Signs: Nope, I don't think I have had any Braxton Hicks.
Symptoms: I feel "ok" most of the time. I am starting to get used to the discomfort maybe. My ribs continue to hurt and I have a numbness/burning on the top right side of my abdomen (OB said it was normal). I have just learned to press on my abdomen or reposition to help ease the pain as much as I can. I have 1+ pitting edema to my legs, which my OB said will stay around until the end and she was ok with it.

Belly Button In or Out: It's still hanging on! In for now. I keep waiting to sneeze or cough and have it poke out. I did have a dream that it poked out and I showed my hubby....he was so disgusted he filed for divorce...I hope that doesn't happen = )

Wedding Rings On or Off: I went ahead and took them off. They were still able to come on and off but were definitively getting tighter. I put them on the hope necklace I wear every day. I am still wearing my wedding band because it has always been a little big.

Feeling: Honestly...I am really starting to get scared about the actual labor/delivery/birth process. I am scared, but he has to come out some how.

Exercise: I really need to do better. My OB told me today she wants me walking 1 mile a day. I think I probably walk a mile while working but I haven't been walking on my days off. I did walk a mile after I got home from the OB today. I survived and didn't have the severe side pain I have mentioned previously. I know that if I keep walking then it will only help me when it comes to delivery...so walk I shall.

Looking Forward To:I have a work baby shower next week, which should be fun, and a dear friend will be taking our maternity pictures in a couple weeks! So exciting!! And I just can't wait to meet Eli and see his face. See who he looks like and what his personality is like.

 Next Appointment: May 28th!

28 Weeks

Hello! 28 Weeks today! I can't believe how fast this pregnancy seems to be going. I had nothing but positive feedback during NIAW last week. I posted something every day and it was taken well. I can definitely tell that 3 trimester is not going to be very nice to me. I try not to complain, but I think I will complain in this post. If you are sensitive to complaining pregnant ladies....then you may not want to read this post = ) I totally understand. 

Eli's profile with hands in his face

arms and hands together like he is praying "please get me out of here and mom please stop singing!!"

 

from my baby shower

How Far Along: 28 Weeks
 Total Weight Gain: +20lbs

Maternity Clothes: I love them

 Stretch Marks:

Sleep: It is pretty uncomfortable. I try not to go to sleep until I feel Eli kick, but he hasn't been kicking as much as he used to, so this causes a lot of anxiety. I have to pee a lot more frequently, which means waking up frequently. I get very uncomfortable in my back and sides. Body pillow is necessary. 

 Best Moment This Week: I was able to get an ultrasound today so I got to see little guy! I also had our first baby shower on Sunday! It was so nice to have people come together and it meant so much to us to have the support of so many people. It's fun to "oooo" and "aaaaahh" at baby things = ).

 Miss Anything:I guess I miss being able to function at my full potential. I can't walk like I used to since after I walk for about 5 minutes I get intense pain in my side from growth. I can't be as helpful at work like I used to. I'm just over all slower and lower functioning. 

Movement: I have been worried about his movement for a few days while. It seems like he moves a lot less and sometimes I don't feel him all day until I lay down at night before I go to bed. I mentioned this to my OB today at my appt and she did an ultrasound to make sure he was ok. He is = ) He is so perfect. I think he has just gotten so much bigger that he is running out of room. The ultrasound shows that he is head down (yay!!) and his legs/feet are under my right ribs (that is why my ribs hurt like the dickens!!). I am just so thankful that he is ok in there.

 Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Nope, I did have my glucose tolerance test today and the sugar drink I had to drink was very very sweet and was horrible to drink! It made me jittery and tired all at the same time. It sure had Eli wiggling around though!!

Cravings:Crawfish and Sonic Blast!! I had these two cravings satisfied too = ) So happy.  

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

Labor Signs: Nope, I am waiting for the braxton hicks contractions to start though.
Symptoms: Get ready for complaining: 3rd tri has definitely started. Dr. H said i was in the "P.O.P" stage..."Pain Of Pregnancy". I can't walk for more than 5 minutes without having intense stitch like pain in my right side. She agreed that it was probably from growing uterus. Because of this I wasn't able to do my second 5k walk planned and I feel like a failure (even though I do realize that it is perfectly ok for a 7 month pregnant lady to not do a 5k walk). Ribs...My ribs hurt so fricken bad. I feel better now, knowing that it hurts because Eli's feetsies are under there kicking away. It is just very uncomfortable. I get dizzy spells. I got my blood counts checked today and I am expecting it may show that my Iron is low. I hope to get those results tomorrow. I walk slow, I get tired, I can't sleep because I am uncomfortable, i think I have 8 chins. I am just a pitiful, pitiful person right now. BUT, I wouldn't trade it for anything and I know it could always be worst and it will all be worth it. It's just not comfortable right now. I also realize that it will get much worst before it gets better....summer in MS is coming.

Belly Button In or Out: In, for now. I don't think it has much longer. My OB told me to get a picture of it now, before it pokes out. I took a picture but I won't be posting it = ) It's too weird 

Wedding Rings On or Off: On, getting tighter though. I think the heat will make my fingers swell, so I may have to remove my rings earlier than I maybe normally would if it weren't for the heat. 

Feeling:Blah, you read my complaints. I won't mention them again. I am just thankful Eli is safe, healthy and growing like he is supposed to.

Exercise:yeah...I mentioned the side pain when walking earlier. This has definitely limited my exercise a great deal. I walk when I can and take the stairs when I can.

Looking Forward To:I am now onto every 2 week appointments. I can't believe it!! We have our "babymoon" next week and I only have 2 more tests this semester, so I am ready for this semester to be over with! I am taking summer and fall off. I am excited for the relaxation of our babymoon. We rented a cabin for a couple nights on a sugar cane farm in Louisiana. We will leave after my last final exam next Friday. So ready to get away and relax for the weekend = ) Plus, we will come back on Mother's Day! 

 Next Appointment: May 14th! Same day as our breastfeeding class!

26 weeks and NIAW

It seems as I have moved to an every other week schedule for updates. I am sort of in between doctors visits and nothing super exciting or new is happening. It's been a rough few weeks with quite a few late losses on a few Facebook groups. I can't help but worry that something like that will happen to me and my sweet Eli. I get comfort from his kicks and wiggles but that fear continues. I think I just need to accept that the fear will continue until he is healthy in my arms...and then a totally different fear of actually having to care for him and keep him alive will arrive. I guess the worry and concern for your child, whether it is trying to get pregnant, successfully carry baby, successfully give birth and then successfully raise a child will just always be there. There are just new worries and new concerns.

I am happy that I am getting close to 3rd Tri. I really didn't feel well yesterday and I can't really put my finger on what is actually wrong. I just don't feel "right". I kept getting a dizzy type feeling and just wasn't feeling totally present. I checked my blood pressure at work and it was normal, so I assume my blood sugar was low or maybe I haven't kept myself hydrated. Working 12 hour shifts is starting to wear me down more and more. I had to take off of work today so that I could hydrate up and prop my feet up. As much as I need the money, I need me and Eli to be healthier more.

National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) starts tomorrow and I have already posted a pre-week status update on facebook and changed my cover photo for the week. I plan to post information about infertility each day as a way to spread awareness. I did this last year as well as sort of a "coming out". It's a little different this year. I fear that I may come across as insincere or as a "poser" since I am now pregnant. I added the infertility twibbon to my profile picture, but of course my profile picture is a pregnant me...I hope it's not a slap in the face to those still in the struggle. I also don't know if I should still claim myself as one of the 1:8 who struggle since I am now pregnant or if I should be more of an outside supporter. These things I struggle with and will just have to go with what I feel is right. I am so proud of my IF friends who have chosen to use this year's NIAW to "come out" and I pray they get nothing but support and love from those around them.

How Far Along: 26 Weeks --Head of lettuce
 Total Weight Gain: I haven't weighed myself so I have no idea = )

Maternity Clothes: I think I am really going to miss my maternity clothes. I just feel like I look cute every day and I can't help but look at more clothes even though I only have a few months left!

 Stretch Marks:

Sleep: It is still uncomfortable and I toss and turn a lot. I try not to sleep on my back, but I almost always end up there. 

 Best Moment This Week: Hubby finally felt him kick = )

 Miss Anything: I miss being able to work my 12 hour shifts and walk long distances without having difficulty. I have a 5k planned for next Saturday that I am just unsure I will be able to do. Whenever I walk for a reasonable distance I get really bad right sided pain that I assume is round ligament pain. There is no way I could walk 3 miles with that pain.

Movement: I feel him every day. He is mostly active in the mornings and at night. I can't go to sleep until I feel him moving in there. It's a comfort thing, like he's telling me "I'm still here mom, you can sleep now". we have a cool mother/son relationship like that.

 Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: No, not really sick. I just need to keep hydrated and eat more frequently.

Cravings:Not really 

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

Labor Signs: No, I am waiting for the braxton hicks contractions to start though.
Symptoms:I just love feeling him move. I get tired and the round ligament pain is very painful, along with rib pain that I can only assume means that Eli has found a home under my rib cage. I guess I'm just getting to the uncomfortable part of this whole thing, it's all worth it though and wouldn't take it back for anything. 

Belly Button In or Out: In, but I can definitely tell that it's pushed out more. 

Wedding Rings On or Off: On

Feeling:I feel fine, just more uncomfortable the bigger he gets (good problem to have). I've pretty much had my pity party in the beginning of the post, so I won't go through it again = )

Exercise: I have been trying to keep walking. I did a breast cancer walk last saturday with my mom. We finished it in less than an hour, but I know I was slowing her down a lot. by the end of the walk my side was starting to hurt. I have another scheduled for next Saturday that I am just not sure if I will be able to complete it or not. I'm not a quiter, so this is a hard decision....do I try or not try?

Looking Forward To: I have a baby shower planned for next sunday!! I am so so excited. I am sort of terrified of being the center of attention...I still have PTSD from my bridal shower...but I think it will mostly be fun. Baby things are more fun to ooo and ahhh at than pots and pans = )

 Next Appointment: April 30-- our last every 4 week appt!!

many many pictures: 

Nursery!! We still have to accessorize and need glider.

Clock hubby made for nursery

my contribution = )

24 weeks: VIABILITY!!

 I missed the week 23 update, but not much happened that week anyways. So, i am 24 weeks day!! V-Day!! It is way way way too early for Eli to make an appearance but it is so reassuring that if something were to happen then more steps would be taken to save him. My OB told me today that pregnant obstetricians don't consider viability until 32 weeks (I guess because they are pretty realistic about outcomes) and she asked my take on it as a nurse. So, I told her that, not as a nurse but as someone who has gone through infertility,...this day was HUGE!!! She nodded and celebrated with me = )
 I saw him move from the outside for the first time, and it was amazing! When I sit to watch TV, I always have by belly out so I can catch him moving. Hubby still hasn't felt him or seen him kick. I don't think he thinks I am making it up....but I really want him to experience it too! 
Hubby has been working so so so hard on the nursery and it looks so amazing. I will post pictures once it is all done. I am just so excited and so in awe at my hubby's talent! I knew it was going to look amazing, but I didn't know it would look this amazing!
 I had an OB appt. today and Dr. H said I am the perfect patient and everything is going great! Eli had a heart beat of 155 and he kicked or punched the doppler wand twice. It was so cute = )

V for V day!!

sorry for the exposed belly, but I took this picture this week and thought it was precious. Purrsia laying on my bump. This will probably be the only bare belly pic....so enjoy LOL

How Far Along: 24 Weeks (ear of corn I think)
Total Weight Gain: +6-10lbs depending on scale. I believe the weight was the same at today's appt.

Maternity Clothes: LOVE 'EM!! I really need to stop looking and then buying them becauses I wont need them for much longer = o

 Stretch Marks:

Sleep: It is getting more uncomfortable. I am tossing and turning a lot during the night. I try to sleep on my L side and prop my feet up because of swelling but my back hurts sometimes. Its just not fun right now and I know it will only get worst.

 Best Moment This Week: I saw him move from the outside!! It was so wonderful and yet so weird at the same time.

 Miss Anything: I am actually pretty good right now.

Movement: I feel him every day and I can see him move from the outside!! Hubby still hasn't felt him or seen him move = ( Boo hiss. I am so ready for him to experience it!!

 Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Nope, I have actually been feeling very good, especially after getting a prescription for Protonix for my heart burn. knocked it right now.

Cravings:Not really 

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

Labor Signs: waaay too early.
Symptoms: I am really loving feeling him moving around and kicking. The heart burn has been gone since getting a prescription for Protonix. I had horrible side pain about a week ago that occurred only when walking and it was very excruciating. I called the OB office and they said to take Tylenol. Turns out it was probably round ligament pain because I haven't felt it since. 

Belly Button In or Out: In 

Wedding Rings On or Off: On

Feeling: I feel great, no real complaints except for sleep and general achiness. Oh yeah...my ankles leave me after I end my 12 hour work days = ( Swelling...booo

Exercise:I have been walking a lot more. It really feels great outside and I enjoy getting out there and walking. I just have to be careful not to go out during the hottest part of the day. 

Looking Forward To:I want hubby to feel him move!!!! Oh yeah! The Crib is being delivered tomorrow!!! yay!! 

 Next Appointment: April 30

22 Weeks and a Heavy Heart

 I wanted to start this post off with something very serious. A fellow infertility turned success after infertility blogger received some very sad news last night and confirmation of this news today. My heart goes out to her, her husband, and her sweet angel. It is not fair that anyone go through infertility...but to go through infertility, have success and then a tragedy happen? It's just so F*ing not fair and I don't understand it. I can not fathom what her and her husband must be going through right now, but My heart goes out to her and I would like to ask my reader(s) to pray, positive thoughts, or whatever you prefer to lift her and her husband up as much as possible. It's just not fair. 
________________________________________

As for my updates, I missed week 21, but nothing really new happened. Things are going very well for us (me, hubby, and Eli). I feel him move daily and I believe he has gotten big enough to reach my rib area. 

The most amazing thing happened today too!!! I went to get my hair done and as soon as I walked into my hair salon my RE came up to me and gave me a hug!!! An onlooker would have thought I had seen a celebrity! I was so so happy to see him. I am just so thankful for him and his nurses. I know I didn't necessarily have success during an IF treatment but I did take Femara and they just supported me so much. They gave me so much hope and I could not brag about them enough = )

We book our "baby-moon" too! We didn't have much time since I can't really take off work due to my maternity leave being my personal/medical leave. We found a cabin in a small town in Louisiana located on a sugar cane field that we will stay for two nights. I look forward to just relaxing and sitting on the porch. This won't happen until May...but I'm excited!

How Far Along: 22 Weeks
Total Weight Gain: +6lbs at my last OB appt. Probably more since then but I haven't weighed myself.

Maternity Clothes: LOVE 'EM!!

 Stretch Marks:

Sleep: It's tough. I use the body pillow and all, but I get so achy and uncomfortable. Not to mention the heart burn.

 Best Moment This Week: I saw my RE today!! squeeee!!! Plus, Hubby started working on the nursery!!!

 Miss Anything: I miss being able to sleep really well and not having heartburn

Movement: I feel him daily and more in the rib area too. I guess he is getting bigger! I had my first "Wow! Ow!" kick a few days ago. Hubby still hasn't seen him move and I haven't seen him move from the outside.

 Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Not really. I have had to take Zofran once or twice, but over all I feel good. Something came out of my nip nip a few days ago and it made me gag and almost threw up. Not sure how I will breast feed...I won't go into detail. 

Cravings:I got some crawfish!! Yay!! I have also been on a cereal kick. 

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

Labor Signs: waaay too early.
Symptoms: Loving the movements!!!Heart burn, boo.

Belly Button In or Out: In 

Wedding Rings On or Off: On

Feeling: I feel great. And so thankful whenever I feel Eli move.

Exercise: I went on a 4 mile walk last week! It felt so so good to get outside and walk. I really felt great during the walk and hope I can continue. I am signed up for a couple 5k walks next months so I need to stay active!

Looking Forward To: I am looking forward to hubby being able to feel Eli kick and see the changes in the nursery every day! Hubby is in there working on it now = )

 Next Appointment: April 2nd