38 1/2 weeks!

I seem to be not getting to my posts quite on time lately, but I have decided that being punctual is overrated at this point.  Its crazy to only have 10 days until my due date...and? I lost my plug today!  I don't know why but I had a weird feeling that I was going to see it today....
So I had my doctor's appt. this morning and let her know of this exciting progress (to me) only to be told.... it means absolutely nothing. :(   but.... it does mean that things are progressing and that I am likely starting to dilate.  Since women can dilate very early on however this is why it doesn't necessarily mean anything.  Dr. said "it can be today, or in a month!" WAHWAH (cue sad cartoon music)  I still think that it may mean that things are going to go down before due date...
I have been getting mild period like cramping very low down and crazy spasms in my thighs still.

In other news, I got most of the stuff on my list done! Yay!  I feel sooooo much better now.  I am still trying to make some foods to freeze but I have done quite a bit, and if I don't get around to any more, I will be ok with that.  Just have a few more things to put in the hospital bag, finish up some thank you cards and I'll be good! So baby, you can come any day now! I think I'm ready! (or as ready as i can be!)

How far along?  38 weeks + 4 days!

Total weight gain? 29 lbs. So strange, because it's been fluctuating. A week and a half ago i was at 28, then at my appt last week, 25...now at 29.  I guess its normal to change quite a bit depending on the amniotic fluid, but I am pretty happy with the weight gain overall!

Maternity clothes?  Most

Stretch marks? No!  I think it's safe to say i may be out of the woods?

Sleep? Not great, although I do feel rested when I wake up. Lots of achy muscle and hip pain if I lay one one side too long. Stretching during the night when I get up to pee helps, and also the daily quick massages my husband gives me before he heads off to work (I love him). 

Best moment this week?  Feeling like I have gotten things done and am now ready!

Miss anything?  Maybe a glass of wine, maybe being able to sleep without tossing and turning so much, but nothing major.

Movement? Has slowed down quite a bit (except last night...what was it doing? it was serious constant party in there) but still get leg, foot and knee jabs off to the side, and when I sit baby gets very squirmy low down, i guess due to the pressure of me being folded over.

Food cravings? Still ice cream sandwiches

Food aversions? Nope

Labor signs? Yes! Lost the plug (hopefully this is a sign, at least progress), low cramping, pressure on pelvic bone, thigh muscle spasms

Symptoms? Still the back pain, the shooting pains low down from baby pressing on nerves, also see above

Belly button in or out? Kinda out a bit, depends on the day though!

Wedding rings on or off? on

Looking forward to? Meeting my baby :)

Please excuse these photos... they were taken basically before bed, when I actually remembered I was overdue to take them.  Nothing glamorous about these. We'll just forget that I make my living as a hairstylist for now........

Now, I may or may not be off to make more muffins.......

37 Weeks!

Which means....Full term!

I know I missed my 36 week post, but since finishing work i have just been so darn busy!
I have this huge list of stuff that I want to do before baby arrives, and unlike most women who just want their baby out at this point, I wish that mine will stay in another week or two!  (I don't however want an over due baby, guess I'm asking a little much from the delivery date wish fairies).
Today my mom is coming over to help me weed the garden, which means I can soon get those plants and vegetables in that I insisted we purchase this year. Later is a walk with a fellow pregnant mama that I met at aquafit class, who is by the way due ten days after me! Then hopefully I will get around to  making more meals to throw in the freezer for when after baby gets here and I am pulling my hair out and can't get it together to make something for dinner.

How far along? 37 weeks + 3 days

Total weight gain?  Last time I checked was 28 a few days ago, so could be more

Maternity clothes? Pretty much

Stretch marks? No

Sleep? Hasn't changed much the last month, getting up 2-3 times a night to pee, still some pain on the side of the hip I will lay on if it is for too long, then I have to stretch it out

Best moment this week? Being full term!

Miss anything? Maybe just a glass of wine

Movement? Getting a little slower, but still lots of stretches. Baby gets a bit squirmy when I sit and I can feel it's little hands way down

Food cravings? Oreo ice cream. I really am not a huge sugar person, but if I have noticed anything about my cravings the last few months, they have definitely gone the way of ice cream

and some other sweet things.

Food aversions? Nope

Labor signs? Not yet.....

Symptoms? My need to pee during the day has definitely increased, so I guess this means baby has moved down a bit, but It doesn't look like it has actually dropped. Some back pain, blah blah, the usual, and braxton hicks (although not painful, just uncomfortable), belly seems to be getting a little pointier

Belly button in or out? Sometimes it's flat, sometimes it protrudes a teeny bit

Wedding rings on or off? Still on but tight

Looking forward to? Getting my list done! Okay I know that doesn't sound like a big deal, but I will feel soooo much better when I do!

Random things....

• You know you are pregnant when at the grocery store, suddenly ALL the fruit looks good and you go on a crazy pregnant lady fruit buying frenzy.

• I think this whole nesting thing is setting in. Or maybe it's anxiety that I won't have the time to do what I have on my list before baby comes

          Included on this list are:
          -weeding my planters and garden, then planting the flowers and few vegetables I have to go
           in (believe me I have scaled down this year)
          -getting together with friends I want to see before baby arrives (several BBQs planned)
          -finish the few last things in the baby's room (like hanging pictures, putting up shelves)
          -make and freeze some foods so we won't starve when baby gets here (a little exaggeration
            I know)
          -get my employment insurance form filled out so I at least get some measly pay while on Mat
           leave
         
           and the list goes on.......

• Last night I had a dream that I lost my mucous plug and it was basically 2 hearts (yes the organs)  (!!??!! gross) and I was running around trying to figure out what to do with them... to flush...or not to flush...will it go down??  soooo weird.  That's not even the weirdest thing I have dreamt about this pregnancy.... there have been many more, but I might spare you the details of those ones.  I generally have very vivid dreams, but these last 9 months have been some of the strangest.

• I am still trying to get around to my 36 week post.  I still have to take a picture. Add this to the list.

• Becoming slightly obsessed with Facebook Scrabble

• The distance I can walk now is seriously shorter.  Its giving me Braxton Hicks and when I feel tightening really low down, it feels like it's radiating in my thighs

• I really wish I could get rid of this persistent headache

35 1/2 weeks!

This weekend was super busy, so I'm just getting around to doing my 35 weeks post now!
Saturday I worked all day and then had my good friend Joyce's bday party to go to. It was bowling and I actually had a great time! I'm not going to lie, it was slightly challenging...everytime I got up to take my turn I would get a BH contraction! I mostly bowled between my legs (not that this is really out of the ordinary, I have noticed the last few times i have gone, I actually suck less this way) but I actually kicked everyone on my teams ass. Hah!  Who would have thought! I should bowl pregnant more often!
I have found that I have been a little less sociable while being pregnant.  Especially if it's going out with people I don't know that well (don't always have the energy to converse) or where we just sit at some pub and I watch others order drinks.  Anyway, I realized part of the reason I think I had more fun was that it was an activity that was different and it didn't involve just sitting there.  I can only sit for so long (lying down is better). Even the movie chairs start to hurt my back after awhile. It could have also had something to do with the fact that they had deep fried pickles there. Sounds gross, but OMG I think i have found a new favorite.

Sunday I had my baby shower!  My sister was in town and was able to make it, and that made it even  more awesome.  Everyone was so generous, and I feel like I am pretty prepared with all of the things I received!  Sunday night after my shower Marc and I went out for dinner for our one year anniversary!  (our actual anniversary was the next day). We went to our favorite restaurant called Segovia, which is this really cool Spanish fusion tapas place.  They are always switching up the menu so there are always new things to try, and I love how every thing is meant to share....you get to try so many more dishes that way! Halfway through the meal I realized I had not taken any pictures of the food. Oh well.  Probably a sign that it was good if I was to busy eating :)

Monday I went out with my mom and picked up a few things that we needed for baby, such as a car seat, pack and play, bath etc. Later on that night Marc and I went to see "What To Expect When You're Expecting."  I thought it was just ok, but he actually liked it a lot more than I did!

So now I am on my last week of work. 3 days left! I can definitely say that I am ready to have this break before the baby. Being on my feet has been getting increasingly difficult at work. Also, I sometimes hit clients with my belly and it gets in the way when I shampoo people.  It has been hard giving up my clients, but I have spent the last month training our new girl who we hired to replace me, and just have to trust that she will do her best to take care of them while I am gone.  I'm ready to be done.

How far along?   35 1/2 weeks

Total weight gain? 24 Lbs

Maternity clothes? Pretty much

Stretch marks? No

Sleep? Um, yeah. Not great. Rolling over is a challenge and I am back to getting up twice a night to pee.

Best moment this week? Lots! My shower, my anniversary!

Miss anything? Being able to sit comfortably

Movement? Lots of kicks in my sides, and when baby moves in general it just feels harder and with more pressure, like there is less cushioning

Food cravings? Ice cream sandwiches, Juicy fruity things

Food aversions? Nope

Labor signs? Lots of Bh's and a bit of mild cramping, but I think it is still too early to mean anything significant

Symptoms? Lots of lower pressure now, sometimes in my pelvis and the muscles and ligaments that connect my legs to my pelvic area. Increase in the peeing, back pain. 

Belly button in or out? Kinda flat

Wedding rings on or off? On

Looking forward to?  Being off work!

<

34 Weeks

So we took advantage of the long weekend and went out to the lake yesterday afternoon until this evening.  It was really nice to get out of the city, if only briefly.  I love the outdoor smells, and food always tastes better there.  Sleeping on a double bed was a little more difficult with the husband and the snoogle, but did not prove to be impossible.  I am getting increasingly uncomfortable though and really starting to feel very pregnant.  All of baby's movements are so strong and much sharper now. I read that the amniotic fluid is maxed out a 34 weeks and you have little cushioning from baby's kicks. I can definitely agree with that. Some of the pokes and rolls actually hurt! and the braxton hicks are getting stronger.

 I wanted to get one lake day in this year before the baby came because lets face it, who knows what things will be like when this little monkey is born.  We may get really lucky and be able to take our baby anywhere, or we might have a very fussy baby and be pretty home bound.  I am playing it safe and not getting my expectations too high of having many lake days this summer.  I am very excited though to be having this baby in the summer, since i can at least get out and go for walks and not be stuck inside all day.  I am thinking that it may help with all of the overwhelming feelings that go on with being a first time mom, if I can at least get out of the house from time to time.

How far along? 34 Weeks

Total weight gain? 22 Lbs

Maternity clothes? Most 

Stretch marks? No

Sleep? Not great. Getting up 1-2 times in the night, some trouble rolling over and getting comfortable

again while everything settles in its place again (baby, organs and such)

Best moment this week? Getting out of the city

Miss anything? Being more mobile and being able to go on longer walks.  I get tired a lot faster and get lots of contracting when i walk

Movement? Lots of rolls, stretching, pressure from what I think is baby's head low down. Still lots of hiccups too.

Food cravings? Ice cream sandwiches and Sangria

Food aversions? Nope

Labor signs? No

Symptoms? Lots of Braxton Hicks, (especially when I walk or pretty much every time I get up from sitting) pelvic pressure, some back pain

Belly button in or out? Not really either! kind of flush with my belly...

Wedding rings on or off? Still on, Yay

Looking forward to? The husband and I's 1st anniversary on the 28th!

Mmmm Cupcakes

Last month I helped my mom throw a wedding shower for a good friend of the family.  I decided to make these Iced Pistachio cupcakes, as I had made them once before and they were fantastic!  They don't actually use any leavening agent and are still so soft!  This recipe comes from the "Martha Stewart Cupcakes" book.

You will need:

1 cup unsalted shelled pistachios

1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, room temperature

6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

3 cups sugar

6 large eggs, room temperature

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

3 cups all purpose flour

1 tablespoon coarse salt

3/4 cup coarsely chopped salted pistachios

Drippy icing (recipe follows)

1 1/2 cups unsalted pistachio slivers for garnish

Drippy icing

1 cup plus 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar, sifted

3/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl until  smooth

1. Preheat oven to 325F. Line standard muffin tins with paper liner. In a food processor, grind shelled pistachios to a paste.

2. With an electric mixer on medium high- high speed, beat butter, cream cheese and pistachio paste until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to medium-low. Gradually add sugar; beat until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated. Beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Add flour and salt, beating until just combined. Fold in chopped pistachios by hand.

3. Divide batter evenly among lined cups, filling each three quarters full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in centers comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Transfer tins to wire racks to cool completely before removing cupcakes. Cupcakes can be stored up to one day at room temperature, or frozen up to 2 months, in airtight containers.

4. To finish, place cupcakes on a wire rack set over a baking sheet; spoon icing onto each, and garnish with pistachio slivers. Cupcakes are best eaten the same day they are glazed; keep at room temperature until ready to serve.

I ended up using pistachios cut in half for garnish instead of the slivers. Also i slightly adjusted the consistency of the icing.

32 Weeks

Seriously only 8 more weeks to go?  For some reason, when i say 8 weeks it seems very close. When I say July 1st, it seems a bit further.  I have noticed this with telling other people as well and their reactions.  If I say July 1st, I usually get a "oh so you still have awhile to go"  kind of response. This is where I feel I get defensive (like what are you saying, I look big? I'm almost 8 months pregnant for gods sake!)  Its funny feeling defensive about it considering I sometimes feel July is a ways off too.  I guess for one, July is really getting into summer, and that feels far away, but it's really not. Also being due on the 1st psychologically makes people feel that I am further away than say, If I were to tell people June 30th. Sometimes I feel like telling people June 30th just to conduct a social experiment.  I know, I am probably thinking way too much about this, but really?  you get a bit into thinking about these kinds of things when you are having so many opinions and comments thrown your way. Like one day, I will get someone who thinks I have a big belly, then the next someone will say it's small.  Its so confusing because what are these people basing their comments and observations on?  Their own experiences and how they looked? Other people they know? What they just feel a pregnant woman should look like?   To be honest, I have been pretty happy with my belly and the way I have looked. My skin has been amazing, and i never have to worry about my pants fitting right (like getting a bit of a belly bulge because well, it's supposed to be there!)  Lately I have been having some uncomfortable days that make me feel big but again, I'm almost 8 months pregnant and I think overall I have been very lucky with this pregnancy. Still, some comments can make you feel not the greatest even when you have been feeling pretty good about yourself. Maybe blame it on lack of grace and tact, insensitivity or ignorance.  Some people should just really think before they speak.  My friend Jen says,  "The only safe thing to say to a pregnant woman is 'You look great!' "  I totally agree.

How far along? 32 Weeks

Total weight gain? 20 Lbs

Maternity clothes? For the most part, or some things in bigger sizes

Stretch marks? No

Sleep? Not great, but a bit better since getting my Snoogle

Best moment this week?  Technically it was the week before buuut since I missed the 31 week post i will just say the Snoogle purchase

Miss anything? Having more energy, being able to turn over while sleeping without it being a big ordeal

Movement? A lot of the baby stretching out now, slides, sharp pokey bits (feet, knees, elbows?) that sometimes hurt when they jab! oh and lots of hiccups!

Food cravings? Today it was a Montreal smoked meat sandwich, but I did not give in.........yet.

Food aversions? Not really

Labor signs? Still the odd Braxton Hicks

Symptoms?  Feeling a lot more pressure low down now. I don't think the baby has dropped, but I think It's head is in that area now. Its tough to sit sometimes, especially if my pants are putting to much pressure on the area.  Back pain has not been worse but comes and goes depending on what I'm doing.

Looking forward to? Hmmm a few things! Tomorrow's 32 weeks Dr. visit. After this I move to the 2-3 week visits! Our pregnancy and family dynamics pre-natal class tomorrow night and also a visit from my friend Jenelle who's in from Toronto!