Day 1 of 15

I am gonna countdown the last approx. 15 days of this pregnancy.

Just a warning...it is not all positive and happy. It is the truth & reality of what I am going through day to day for my own account. If you don't' like it don't read it.

That said....

My pregnancy has been relatively easy and enjoyable until the past week.

I am in incredible pain with a couple unwelcome friends down below called Hemorrhoids.

I had them after I gave birth to Ryder, but not prior.

They creeped in over the past week most likely due to heavy pressure and lots of BM's.

I am uncomfortable sitting, standing, laying down, moving etc...

I paged the doctor last night and she called in a script for topical medication.

No one has the med and the earliest to get it is Tuesday unless we drive to a pharmacy in Des Plaines. If we drive that far I am gonna drive to the hospital to give birth.

The doctor said it may be thrombosed and need a surgeon to look at it in ER if the pain does not go away.

Thrombosed is a name for clotted veins. Based on the pics and info. I have read at least 1 or both are thrombosed. I am trying to wait it out to avoid 2 hospital visits, but it is hard to be in this kind of pain. I read today that the pain is second to only childbirth and kidney stone pains. I believe it! I told the doc last night I would probably not even know if I am in labor because I am in pain from these little devils.

In the meatime I am doing all the home remedies and treatments I can get from a local Walgreens.

I am in full nesting mode and have a hard time sitting still despite this set-back. I have been doing laundry and cleaning off and on all day.

I hope these little buggers will miraculously disappear or I go into labor very soon.

Thank God for the beautiful weather and my wonderful little guy that keep me smiling.

38 Weeks

I went to my appointment last week at 37 weeks +2 days.

My male doctor gave me similar stats from the past week.

Still dilated between 2cm-3cm

50% effaced

Cervix soft

Baby's head down and far down the cannal.

Blood pressure 122/80.

Weight gain was a 1lb.

Seems like my weight gain has paused so that is +.

Not sure of other stats since it went by so quick.

We talked of hospital protocols with pain management and induction.

He expects me to go into labor on my own around 1 week early so hoping that induction is not necessary.

So if his calculations are close, I have 1 week to hold out.

They will not schedule an induction until 39 weeks.

I planned to give a daily update the last 20 days, but it is already the 5th.

SO I guess I can shoot for a 15 day countdown.

The wait

I went to my weekly check-up this week. Another doctor did my check-up. I rotate between the 4 in the group practice since any can deliver me, incuding the other office docs whom I don't see.

Anyways...

My blood pressure was 122/80.

Baby heart rate 143

Measuring 37 weeks

2.5 almost 3cm dilated

50% effaced

Head is way down

My weight stayed the same

She predicts the same as my doctor from last week...an early arrival. She expected me to go between 37 and 38 weeks.

So we will see!

I am as ready as can be for what is ahead....sleepless nights, recovery, non-stop feedings.

Of course it is worth it, but I would be okay with fast forwarding through the first 2-3 months. Next check-up is 9/1/10.

baby fun

My co-workers threw a triple baby shower for me and 2 of my work buddies this past weekend. They were more then generous to us. I am very thankful for this group of ladies. They make going to work everyday fun. I could call any one of them anytime and they would be there for us. What a blessing to have such wonderful co-workers you can also call your friends!

The 3 pregnant amigos (Amanda, Me, and Emily)

Amanda and Em are due in October.

Yes that is a cupcake in my hand! I am sandwiched between 2 tiny adorable pregnant friends. Where is their cupcake??

Wish I had more pictures to share, but I was too busy to take any.

Thanks girls!

Love ya.

Cousins

We enjoyed a visit from my brother and nephew this past weekend. The boys are getting so big. Thankfully they like all the same things. Cars and trains!! They would sit in front of the TV all day and watch the Cars movie and Thomas if allowed.

Watching there shows.

Sunday morning donut. Someone likes the sweets.

We decided to go to the Thomas Train event in Union at the railway museum. It was a beautiful day. Both boys were wore out by the end. I think they would enjoy it even better next year.

The train we rode.

Playing with the trains.

Riding the train with daddy.

Ryder loved the train rides. He was so tired he fell asleep on the last one.

36 Weeks

I had my regular appointment last week and the doctor completed my first internal. He does not anticipate me to go all the way to my due date. He guessed 1 to 2 weeks early based on my internal.

I am dilated to 1.5 cm

30% effaced

Blood pressure was 112/54

Weight gain so far is around 30lb's

I plan to do a 20 day countdown once I make it to September. Less than 1 month away!

Our nursery is almost complete. We only need to complete a few small things. All we need is a name.

T2 33 weeks

Our 33 week baby update.

• We still have no names picked out.
• We saw our new little porker last weekend at the ultrasound.
• He is weighing in around 4lb's 9oz's as of 7/31.
• His heart rate 153.
• He is face down.
• Very active in my belly!
• All Major organs and brain look healthy.
• I begin weekly appointments with internals after 36 weeks.
• Next appointment is August 18th.
• WE have his crib and mattress and still need to put his room together.

I hope to take some belly pics to put on the blog soon. I am feeling good, but am not a fan of humidity and swollen limbs. We are getting excited for our next little guy to arrive. We will hopefully get all things ready by the end of August for him.

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