39 Weeks

Dear Mia,

It feels like the night before the first day of school.  The excitement!  The nerves!  The anticipation!  The unknown...!  (It also kind of feels like it's Thanksgiving and I'm hiding the 10 pound Butterball under my shirt!)

Tomorrow will mark our 39th week and everyone wants to know- when will you enter this world?  Today?  This weekend?  Two weeks from now?  (Dear God, I hope not!)  We're all getting a little impatient around here!

Clothes:  I am a mess.  A few weeks ago I was down to 2 bras that actually still fit... cue an underwire disaster and then I was down to 1 bra.  Cue another underwire disaster and I am now left to wear this horribly uncomfortable torture device.  Yes, I've bought new nursing bras but they're a little big and I'm not really interested in wearing a white, granny nursing bra when I don't have anyone to nurse yet!  My shoes have also called it quits.  My feet only fit into two pairs of shoes- black Ugg-like boots and a pair of black Michael Koors flats.  The boots are literally ripping apart at the seams and have holes in the soles.  And lastly, I get to play a lovely game of tug-of-war with my t-shirts.  I pull them down to completely cover my belly and then pull them back up to keep my bra covered.  Up and down... up and down... fun.

Sleep:  I go to bed so early it's embarrassing.  But I'm going to keep sleeping that much because I have a feeling you won't be one of those champion sleepers and I'll be sleep-deprived in no time.

Movement:  Yep, you still move around all day long.  Just yesterday you went into such a fit while I was at my desk that I had to lean back in my chair and give you more room to move around!  Things must be getting cramped in there but you're still very active.

Food cravings:  I'll eat anything at this point.  I bring 2 lunches to work each day.  I have the first around 10am and the second at 1pm.  I try to stock up on protein but I can't lie, there are plenty of sweets in there for you, too.

Labor signs:  Nope.

Belly button in or out?  Still in and holding strong!

What I miss:  My sanity.  I'm starting to have these really crazy thoughts that I'll be pregnant forever.  I worry that the swelling in my legs will never go away and for the rest of my life I'll have shins like Fat Bastard.  (My legs are actually so swollen that I can't kneel to play with the dogs or clean the wood floors.  When I try to bend my legs too far back there's such pressure it feels like they're going to explode!)  I worry that the swelling in my hands will stay and I'll never get to wear my wedding rings again.  And just the other day I told your Dad that I didn't want to plan on bathing you in the bathtub because, you know, I can't bend over.  He looked at me and said, "you know, there will come a time when you can bend over again, right?"  Actually, I'd lost all hope for ever being able to do that.  Whoops.  

Doctor’s notes:  The Doctor is still very pleased with my blood pressure (despite the swollen legs, hands and face), your heartbeat and your movement.  She said I've dilated to 1-2 cm and  thinks that despite your large size, I should be able to go into labor and have you naturally.  However, she's giving you a time limit of 41 weeks.  If you don't get a move on by March 17th you are going to be forcibly removed from my body. Consider this your two week warning, 'lil miss.

What I am looking forward to:  Your arrival!  C'mon, Mia.  Let's do this!

Love,

Momma

38 Weeks

Dear Mia,

We've reached 38 weeks!  Yay!

Doctor’s notes:  I went back to the Doctor on Friday afternoon for a check-up.  Your heart rate was strong and the Doctor was happy to hear that you're still very active.  We had a lengthy chat about my options for delivery and it sounds like your Dad and I have some decisions to make.  I made an appointment for Friday and we'll know more then.  Eek, we're getting close!

Sleep:  I'm still getting plenty of sleep each night which is amazing.  I don't know how I'd be able to function on any less than 9 hours each night at this point.  I'm always so exhausted by the end of the day.

Best moment this past week:  Your nursery is finished!  And the playroom is finished!  I'm so relieved.  I also got a haircut so I'll look nice and refreshed when we take all those hospital photos. :)

Movement:  You still kick me all day long.  I've gotten so used to the feeling that sometimes I don't even realize you're kicking as much as you are.  I still love to put my hand on my belly and feel you kicking from the outside.  It lets me know you're still doing ok in there!

Labor signs:  Still none!  Your Dad asks me every morning "how are you feeling?  Are we going to have a baby today?" and I can read the disappointment on his face when I have to tell him that I feel fine... same as yesterday!

What I am looking forward to:  Your birth!  I finally feel 100% ready.  Your nursery is finished, all of your little clothes have been washed and put away, your playroom is clean and organized, and I've left good notes for my coworkers to take over my responsibilities in my absence.  I'm ready!

Love,

Momma

37 Weeks

Dear Mia,

Doctor’s notes:  I had my most recent appointment this afternoon and although you are measuring almost 3 weeks ahead, my Doctor will not adjust your due date.  (Oh, and by the way, you weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces on Tuesday.  I made sure to ask since I couldn't remember what I was told!)  So according to her, I'm still considered 37 weeks along (tomorrow) which is too early to induce.  If I wanted to be induced I'd have to wait until 39 weeks.  Right now the plan is to wait and see if I go into labor naturally.  If I go into labor soon I'll probably be able to have you vaginally.  However, if you decide to keep cooking for a few more weeks, you'll probably be too big and I'll be looking at a cesarean.  A cesarean wasn't the plan but there's not much I can do.  So, we're waiting!  I've scheduled a follow-up appointment for 1 week from today and we'll check on your progress again at that point (if I haven't already gone into labor).  Also, my doctor checked my cervix for the first time today and I'm 1 cm dilated.  She said that's a good sign.

Sleep:  I'm getting roughly nine hours of sleep each night but it's in short bursts between my many, many bathroom runs.

Best moment this past week:  Your Dad surprising me and being there for the ultrasound!

Movement:  You're still very active.  In fact, on Wednesday night after a long day at work I came home and cuddled in bed with your Dad.  He had his arm draped over my belly and each time you'd give a little kick he'd exclaim, "Wow!  That was a big one!"  I told him that these kicks were nothing- sometimes you'd kick me so hard it'd knock the wind out of me!  It was nice of you to let him feel some good kicking tho, since most of the time you stop kicking the moment he places a hand on my belly.

Labor signs:  None, but I am more uncomfortable with each passing day.  On Thursday I texted your Dad to tell him I was feeling particularly miserable and he got all excited thinking I might be in the early signs of labor.  When I assured him that no, I'm just uncomfortable, he replied, "Ok well let me know when I need to meet you at the hospital" and then "I got so excited thinking about it, I began to tear up."  Your Dad is the best, Mia.  You're so lucky to have him.  :)

What I am looking forward to:  I happily re-scheduled my appointment (after I missed it due to your Dad surprising me on Valentine's Day) so I'm still really looking forward to that!  I need one SO bad!

Love you tons,

Momma

My Valentine

Dear Mia,

Tuesday was Valentine's Day and I got to spend it doing my favorite thing- looking at you!  I had my final ultrasound on Tuesday afternoon and although you Dad told me he wasn't going to make it, he showed up and surprised me!  So we both got to see you.  Best Valentine's Day ever.  I'm so lucky :)

The ultrasound technician took us into the room, I laid down on the bed and she asked what brought me in for this ultrasound.  I explained that a few weeks ago my doctor had mentioned that I was measuring "slightly ahead" so she wanted to check on your growth, as well as on your placement.  She believed you were head-down but wanted the ultrasound to confirm.

The tech started to do the ultrasound and you popped up on the screen.  She measured the placenta and fluid pockets first (boring) and then moved on to your different organs and bones.  Then suddenly she showed us your beautiful face.  You are so precious, Mia.  You have these adorable, HUGE cheeks that look like they're eating your face and a little dimple of a nose.  You are the cutest thing I've ever seen!  But we immediately noticed how squished you looked!  Your little arms were all scrunched up and your poor little face was being squished on all sides!  I mentioned to the tech that you looked really packed in there and she said, "Yea, she's pretty big!"  Your Dad and I looked at each other- "How big?"  "Well," she said, "pretty big.  Let me finish these measurements and I can tell you for sure."  So she continued to scan and measure you and showed us your little heart beating and your lugs- you were breathing!  Your heart rate was strong and in the 140s and she said that everything she could see looked normal.  Then she showed us the measurements.

This is where things get hazy for me.  Because I almost passed out.  Mia, you are ginormous.  According to the ultrasound technician, that day you measured in at 39 weeks, 1 day.  The conversation went something like this:

"Well, according to the measurements I took, it looks like she's measuring in at 39 weeks, 1 day."

"Wait, what?"

"She's measuring in at 39 weeks, 1 day."

"I'm sorry.  What did you say?"

"Just over 39 weeks."

"What?  How can that be?  The doctor said 'slightly ahead!'"

"The calculations could be slightly off... [something about national averages]... but I'm fairly certain that you're measuring almost 3 weeks ahead."

"But I'm not ready yet!  I still need to [rattling off ridiculous reasons why I'm not ready for labor]..."

"Oh, and it looks like she weighs [x] pounds, [x] ounces at this point."

I would enter the amount, but both your Dad and I must have blacked out because neither one of us can remember the exact number.  We'd just been told that you're fully developed, head-down, breathing on your own and have a very strong heartbeat.  And now we were being told that you weighed over 8 pounds.  OVER EIGHT POUNDS.  That's all I can remember.  I remember her saying 8 pounds, [something] ounces and all I could think was that if I carry you to March 10th I'm going to be one of those women you read about in the paper or see on TV- "Woman gives birth to 15 pound baby!"

"Don't worry," the ultrasound technician said.  "If these calculations are correct, they won't let you go to March 10th.  I'll send these results upstairs [to the OB] right now so she has them ASAP."

I left the office a little stunned and simply shocked that you are as developed as you are.  But believe me, it is very comforting to know that if I was to suddenly go into labor that it's because you're ready, and not because something is wrong.  I feel a lot more confident because I know you're prepared to enter this world.

I haven't heard from my doctor since my ultrasound, but I have an appointment tomorrow so I know we'll talk about you then.  I'm curious to know if she will let me carry you to March 10th (if I make it) or if she'll want to induce me at a certain point (before you hit that record-breaking 15lb mark!).  Your Dad is a little worried about me and you, not wanting you to get so big that I can't deliver you naturally, like we've planned.  We'll have to wait and see what she thinks!

I love you, Mia.  I can't wait to meet you!
Momma

P.S. When your Grandma Snipes heard the news she told us that you already weigh more than any of your cousins did when they were born.  You're already an over-achiever.

Not Today, Ok?

Dear Mia,

Today as your Dad and I left for work, he kissed me goodbye and said "let's try to not have a baby today, ok?"  His reasoning was that it's too close to Valentine's Day and he'd hate for this little holiday to ever ruin your birthday.  He also added that I should try to not have you in February at all because usually this time of year we're experiencing heavy snow and he'd hate for you to have less than stellar attendance at your future birthday parties because people can't travel in bad weather.  He thinks it'd be in your best interest to hold off until March.  I just thought I'd pass along his wishes... let's see what you think!

Love,
Momma (& Daddy)

36 Weeks

Dear Mia,

We've reached 36 weeks and I haven't slowed down one bit!  Remember how I said I was holding off on making you a playroom?  Well, I've spent all morning taking apart furniture and moving books, office supplies and remaining furniture!  As of 20 minutes ago our den/office is now your playroom!

The den/office before!

I'm pretty excited to be able to give you your own space in the house (besides your nursery).  You're not even here yet and you've already amassed a crazy amount of "big girl" toys that need a home.  In additon to those toys, you have your new toy bin organizer that Grandma and Grandpa Snipes bought you and your jumperoo.  I'll also be putting a small chair and couch in here so this can still be a nice room for us to all use when your cousins come over.  I probably won't get around to painting this room for a while, but that's ok since the existing wall colors already blend nicely with the rest of the house.  I'll update you more on the playroom as it progresses!

Clothes:  The other day I wore a sweater to work for the first time (I'd been keeping the tags on it, hoping I wouldn't end up needing to wear it) and my coworker told me that I have the cutest maternity clothes.  That was really nice to hear!

Sleep:  I'm still getting plenty of sleep each night but my stuffy nose and sore throat is back (along with the colder weather) so getting up in the morning is still not easy!

Best moment this past week:  Your Dad had to go to Oklahoma this week for business so my favorite moment was when he finally came home!  He was supposed to fly from Oklahoma to Chicago and  then from Chicago to Bloomington where I'd drive us both home after I got off work.  However, Chicago got hit with some nasty winter weather yesterday and his second flight was cancelled!  Your Dad was on the trip with a coworker and they decided to rent a car and drive home instead of taking a chance on catching a later flight.  I was so relieved when he finally walked through that door (only a few hours late)!

Movement:  I can tell you're running out of space in my belly because your short jabs and kicks are now long, slow, movements that make my entire belly move.

Food cravings:  Same 'ol, same 'ol.

Labor signs:  Nope.

Belly button in or out?  In, but I think I'll become an outtie in a few days!

What I miss:  I missed your Dad!  Really, I am so relieved to have him home, I didn't know what I'd do if I went in to labor without him!

Doctor’s notes:  We're on schedule to have my third and final ultrasound on Valentine's Day!

What I am looking forward to:  The ultrasound (of course!), but I also have a much-needed haircut scheduled for this week, and a very important annual meeting with work.  It's going to be a very busy few days (Monday-Wednesday) but then I'll get to relax through the weekend.  Yay!

Love,

Momma

Leap Year Baby?

Dear Mia,

Every month or so we have a dip day at my office where we all bring different dips or appetizers and then we eat, eat, eat ALL day long.  We had scheduled a dip day for Friday, January 24th but it wasn't a regular dip day, it was a surprise, mini baby shower!  In addition to all of the food, Megan baked a beautiful cake, we played the dirty diaper guessing game, and everyone made a guess as to the date you'll arrive.  The guesses were as follows:  February 29th (Erin), March 2nd (Meg), March 3rd (Momma), March 4th (Danny, because that's his birthday), March 6th (Yvonne), March 7th (Crystal), March 8th (Matt) and March 13th (Megan, because that's her birthday).  It's funny, becuase it wasn't until we played that game that I realized you could be a leap-year baby!  I think that'd be pretty neat, but we'll have to wait and see which day you pick!

After we all inhaled the delicious cake, my coworkers presented me with their gift to you- your convertible car seat!  It's exactly what you'll need for when you've outgrown your little red one.  Everyone at work has been very supportive and encouraging throughout this entire pregnancy, and they're all very excited to meet you.  We'll have to plan a little day trip to drive in and say hi once you arrive!

Love,

Momma

Childbirth Prep

Dear Mia,

I just registered you for your first class!  Well, it's actually for me... but I'm bringing you along for the ride.  Aren't you excited?  It's a Prepared Childbirth Education class at the hospital where (I think) you'll be born.  I'll get to learn techniques for coping with labor, general relaxation and breathing methods, and I’ll also receive a tour of the labor and delivery and postpartum area.  Of course they recommend that this class be completed by the 37th week of pregnancy and I'll be starting it during my 37th week... but I know you won't judge me.  You'll most likely inherit my procrastination, so I'll never judge you, either.

Love,
Momma

35 Weeks

Dear Mia,

A few weeks ago I must have reached the point where I finally look pregnant, and not just fat, meaning that now complete strangers will ask me about my pregnancy.  People ask "Boy or girl?" (totally out of the blue and it takes me a second to figure out what they're talking about), "When are you due?" or they'll comment on my meal selection saying "Oh, the baby must want that."  Your Dad and I went out to lunch with Grandma Snipes and Aaliyah last weekend and when we asked for a booth the waitress said to me, "Oh shoot, I just gave away my pregnant booth," meaning the booth with extra tummy room.  So she walks over to another booth, sits down, and proceeds to push the entire booth seat back a good six inches from its original position to ensure that I could fit comfortably.  I thought that was really nice.

I don't mind when people comment on my pregnant status, or even touch my belly, at this point.  I'm pretty desensitized from bumping you into tables, chairs and car doors so people giving you a little rub doesn't bother me.  You still won't kick on command so your Dad is the only other person that's been able to feel you kick, and he's only felt it a few times because every time I tell him to feel you immediately stop moving around.  I think you just like to be difficult!

Clothes:  I caved and bought myself a new pair of maternity work pants in the next size this past week.  The ones I've been wearing have just become unbearably tight (where the actual pant materials meets the elastic belly panel) and I feel SO much better.  I was in so much pain that I actually changed into the new pants right after I bought them during my lunch hour!

Sleep:  I'm a terrible snorer now, and your poor Dad has been a trooper.  It's been so bad that I woke up with a sore throat for over a week!  I thought it was due to the dry air in our bedroom so I moved the humidifier to my side of the bed and I tried my best to keep my trap shut during the night.  But despite my best efforts, on Sunday I woke up with a terrible sore throat and my uvula was so swollen that it was activating my gag reflex and I felt like I was choking!  Nothing like that has ever happened to me before so I was a little freaked out.  After a quick trip to Walgreens for throat lozenges and some glasses of water, the swelling went down slightly and I could breathe again!  The swelling and sore throat persisted until Thursday when it finally subsided.  

Best moment this past week:  Last Saturday your Aunt Kirsten threw a lia sophia jewelry party at her house and I had a great time browsing the new jewelry catalog, catching up with old friends and making some new ones, too!  Afterwards I stopped by the buybuy Baby superstore and couldn't get over how much baby stuff they can pack into one space!  I was slightly overwhelmed by the two-story displays of pacifiers, bibs and diapers but I was able to find and purchase what I needed.  I also stopped at HomeGoods (because I have an addiction) and I bought the most fabulous little footstool and some Curious George books.

Movement:  You still move around all day long, but mostly when I'm hungry or laying down to sleep.  For some reason you were especially active again on Monday during my staff meeting- making my belly jump up and down the entire time!

Food cravings:  This week I craved Mexican food so your Dad and I went to El Toro for dinner.  Yum!

Labor signs:  Nope.

Belly button in or out?  In and barely recognizable.

What I miss:  I miss being able to lift and move things unassisted.  I am really nesting right now, and my need to prepare for your arrival has expanded beyond your bedroom.  I'm now obsessed with the idea of creating a playroom for you on the main level of our house and I hate the fact that I can't just move a bookshelf, couch or big chair on my own.  I don't like asking for help with these kinds of things, but I also know that pushing myself too hard could make me go into labor.  So, I think I'll just wait.

Doctor’s notes:  I went to my routine doctor's appointment on Wednesday and we're making good progress! She said my blood pressure is still great and therefore the swelling I'm experiencing (in my face, feet and hands) is nothing to be concerned about.  I also told her all about my snoring, sore throat and swollen uvula but once again, she told me that it's all to be expected.  Phew!  She scheduled me for another ultrasound and another appointment with her in two weeks.  Can't wait!

What I am looking forward to:  The ultrasound!

Love,

Momma

34 Weeks

Dear Mia,

We're at 34 weeks!  Yikes!  How are you doing in there?  My belly seems to grow and get more firm with each passing day.  I imagine you're starting to run out of room!  My little pregnancy alerts told me that you could weigh over 4 pounds and be over 17 inches long by now.  We'll get to see for sure at my next ultrasound!

Clothes:  My wardrobe is shrinking with each passing day.  I'm starting to rule things out based on the comfort factor now so my selection is dwindling.  If something is too constricting- even a nightshirt- I won't wear it.  I'm at the point where I feel like a stuffed sausage if clothes are too tight!  This goes for my winter coat, too so thankfully it's been unseasonably warm and I haven't missed it too much.

Sleep:  I'm sleeping like a rock.  Thank you for that!

Best moment this past week:  I've been preparing for maternity leave at work for a few weeks now.  I've met with my coworker who will be taking over my responsibilities, organized all of my files, and I've written a detailed "to-do" list of tasks that will need to be completed while I'm gone.  I've been feeling stressed about leaving work, especially since the exact timing of my departure is very up in the air.  You could really decide to come any time now!  So I think my best moment this week was winning my Employee of the Quarter award because it reminded me that I am a very good employee, and I'm doing the best I can to prepare for my absence.  It made me feel just a little bit better about being gone for so long.

Movement:  You're a mover and a shaker!  You kick and move around all day long.  On Monday in my staff meeting you were kicking me so fiercely I was sure someone was going to notice my belly was shaking!  I kept putting my hand on my belly and mentally reassuring you that yes, I would feed you as soon as I got out of the meeting.  Just calm down!

Food cravings:  Mint chocolate chip ice cream with dark chocolate sauce on top.  Yum!

Labor signs:  Still none!

Belly button in or out?  In and stretched to the max.

What I miss:  I get winded very easily now, I think because you're keeping my lungs from fully expanding (at least that's what the Doctor says).  Sometimes I just let myself take these big, obnoxious breaths and your Dad looks at me like I'm crazy.

What I am looking forward to:  I'm taking a little shopping day trip this weekend to purchase a few more nursery essentials like your crib mattress and changing pad.  Hopefully I'll be able to decide on the final placement of your dresser and get some art hung as well.

Doctor’s notes:  No new news, but I have an appointment scheduled for Wednesday.

Love you, baby girl!

Momma

33 Weeks

Dear Mia,

Today I am 33 weeks pregnant!  (And admitting that out loud is very scary for me!)  Your Dad and I are VERY excited to meet you but we still need these last few weeks to prepare.  Since the shower we've been busy unpacking and organizing all of your new gifts, doing laundry and trying to figure out what essentials we need to purchase before you get here.  Here's an update from the past week!

Clothes:  I’m wearing only maternity clothes now- mostly jeans, t-shirts and zip-up sweatshirts on the weekends and dress pants, camis and sweaters on the weekdays to work.  Just recently I had to buy two more sweaters and a long-sleeve t-shirt because the maternity clothes I bought early on in the pregnancy don’t fit anymore!  My winter coat fits but won’t close.

Sleep: Thankfully I’ve been able to sleep just fine this week.  I’ve only been getting up 3-4 times each night but I’m able to fall right back to sleep.  I’ve been averaging 9 hours each night!

Best moment this past week:  My baby shower at Julie and Alan’s house!  A post on that is in the works!

Movement:  Yes, you move around all day long!  I notice it most often when I’m reading my Kindle over my lunch break at work.  I like to rest my kindle on my belly and when you kick, it wobbles!  You also kick me for the entire drive home after work and then when I’m laying down to go to sleep.

Food cravings:  Orange juice.  We went to the store on Wednesday and I bought three containers of juice which will hopefully hold me over until we go shopping again next week.

Labor signs:  None yet!

Belly button in or out?  Still in, but it’s disappearing!

What I miss:  Energy!  It seems that by the time I get home from work and we eat dinner, I’m running on empty!  I haven’t had enough energy to do much around the house lately and things are really starting to pile up.  Hopefully I’ll have some time this weekend to get some things done! 

What I am looking forward to:  Finishing your nursery with the crib mattress, changing pad and rocker.  Once I get the rocker in place I’ll make sure all of the furniture is in the right spot and I’ll hang all of the art, pictures and shelving that I’ve been collecting.  I’m ready to get your room done!

Doctor’s notes:  I went to the doctor yesterday and she is still very pleased with how you're progressing.  She said my blood pressure is great and your heart rate is normal- in the 150s.  She measured my belly and said that I'm measuring slightly ahead so she'd like for me to have another ultrasound in three weeks to measure you and possibly alter your due date!  I'll schedule that appointment when I see her again in two weeks.  Stay tuned!

30 Weeks

Dear Mia,

Today I am 30 weeks pregnant.  Wow, time is flying!  Everyone keeps asking if we’re ready for you yet and I’d have to say no, that we still need these next few weeks to prepare!  You’re still due on March 10^th but I know you’ll enter the world when you’re ready, regardless of what the doctor says!

Pregnancy has been a rollercoaster ride for me.  We found out we were pregnant with you about 5 weeks after you were conceived, and I immediately started feeling sick about a week later.  I was so nauseous and weak that I was convinced I had the stomach flu.  There was no way this was morning sickness!  I was so sick that I took a few days off work and I even went to my doctor, hoping that he’d confirm my home diagnosis.  And he did!  He said that yes, I probably did have the flu and I’d feel better in a few days.

Well, the days came and went… and I was still sick morning, noon and night!  I realized that the doctor was wrong and that I was having a severe case of morning sickness, not the flu!  I felt sick to my stomach every waking hour of the day for 7 weeks.  This took a toll not only on me, but on your Dad as well.  He did a great job taking care of me and picking up the extra responsibilities around the house when I couldn’t get out of bed.  However, it was still a very stressful time and once the first trimester was officially complete and I started to feel better, I was VERY relieved!

The next few weeks were very easy for me.  I was hungrier than usual, sometimes eating 6 small meals a day instead of my usual 3.  I was starting to gain weight and grew a little baby belly so I switched to maternity pants which were much more comfortable and less constricting.  I was still able to do all of my usual activities, and other than the slight physical changes taking place, I still felt normal.

As the weeks wore on, I was able to do less and less.  Bending over to pick up dog toys became a struggle, yard work became impossible and caused me a lot of back pain, and sleeping was even problematic!  But I adjusted as necessary, and again, your Dad stepped up and took on the extra responsibilities around the house that I just couldn’t handle anymore.

Around week 27 I noticed that at the end of the day my feet had started to swell and it was painful for me to remain standing for long periods of time after I got home from work.  However, only a week later the swelling became constant and spread to my face and fingers.  I was unable to comfortably wear work shoes and my wedding rings.  They were both becoming too constricting.  Thankfully I’d previously purchased a pair of black winter boots that I was still able to wear comfortably, and I switched to wearing those to work every day.  I don’t think my boss likes my new fashion statement very much, but there’s not a lot I can do about it!

I’m now 30 weeks along and I’m in full pregnancy mode!  My belly has grown (as you’ve grown) and I’m now wearing all maternity clothes.  I’m still wearing the black boots (I’m even wearing them now!) and special socks that don’t have elastic in them so they won’t constrict around my legs.  My walk has turned into a waddle, partially in response to the feet swelling, but also because I lean backwards slightly to counter the extra weight of my belly.  I don’t wear my wedding rings anymore and I considered buying a fake ring to wear in the meantime, but I couldn’t find one I liked.  I just love my real rings so much, nothing else felt right to wear.

You won’t be here for another 8 weeks, so it’ll be interesting to see how much more my body will change between now and then.  I know that I’m experiencing all of these changes because my body is helping you grow, and making more and more room for your little body, so it’s all worth it.  I’d do anything for you, Mia!

Love,

Momma

Pregnancy Tests

Dear Mia,

Today I had to go to the doctor’s office and take a glucose tolerance test.  I had to fast for 12 hours, drink a sugar concoction, and then have my blood tested to see how my body reacted to the sugar drink.  The test will let me know if I have gestational diabetes, a condition that occurs in about 4-7% of expectant mothers.  If it turns out I have gestational diabetes, I’ll have to learn to control my blood sugar through diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medication.  It’s nothing to worry too much about.

August 5, 2011

I’ve started to consider the OSF St. Joseph Medical Center as my second home.  Ever since our first doctor’s appointment when I was roughly 10 weeks pregnant, I’ve been coming here at least every 4 weeks.  At every appointment I get to hear your heartbeat, Dr. Dutta gives me advice about what to expect, and I can ask questions.  I’ve also had blood drawn, two ultrasounds, and now the glucose test.  Thankfully everyone here is very friendly and I’ve only had good experiences.  Also, everything has been 100% covered by our health insurance, so we haven’t had to worry about paying any co-pays.  That’s a nice relief!

October 14, 2011

I’ll be going back to Dr. Dutta on Wednesday for another check-up and she’ll let me know the results of today’s lab work.  I’ll start seeing her every two weeks for now, and then ever week after that until you arrive!

Love,

Momma