On Tuesday I was 38 weeks. I saw the midwife yesterday and things look good. Since I had to schedule my appointment for just 38 weeks 1 day and she didn't feel comfortable doing anything if I was dilated this early, I didn't get an internal exam. I would guess that I am slightly dilated at this point since I have had contractions on and off the past two weeks or so, and both Saturday night and last night they were fairly strong for a bit. So if I am still pregnant, I'll get checked next Wednesday afternoon and if things look like they are progressing, I'll have my membranes stripped then. If things aren't looking great, I am scheduled for an appointment after my due date on the 14th and then, worst case, would be induced on the 18th of October. Here's hoping it doesn't come to that! I am still confident Dragon will make an early arrival sometime in the October 1st - 7th range!
Besides that, things are pretty good. We are keeping busy as always. It has rained more in the last month than I feel like it has the rest of the year combined so we all are a little stir crazy. Noelle and Bryan are actually home sick today with hacking coughs/colds and while my throat is a bit sore with the post-nasal drip, I am hoping I don't get the full fledge illness they are battling. Maddie continues to feel we neglect her, although part of that is probably the fact that we haven't gotten out for a decent walk more than 1-2 times a week since it is always pouring. Anytime the sun is shining, or the clouds at least don't look imminently threatening, we head out to get her some exercise and to try to walk this baby out. Not that I really believe that works or else Noelle would have come way earlier! So that is about it at our house. We are just going to try to rest, walk, and hang on patiently. Oh, and hopefully we can mow the lawn soon too! 3 straight weekends of rain (and baptisms) has really put a damper on lawn maintenance!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Alien's Name is...
Dragon! Wait, were you expecting a sneak peak of his real name? Sorry to dissapoint. But since Ellie dubbed her little brother Dragon this weekend we have decided it's a much better name than Alien. And who knows, maybe it will stick and he'll be known as Dragon to his teammates in high school or college some day! We did have a small scare when Ellie referred to the little guy as Ladybug later on. Doesn't have the same manly ring. Thankfully though Dragon made a quick comeback! Hopefully soon we can share Dragon's legal name. I have to warn you though, it is no where near as cool as Dragon!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Survivor: Single Parent Style
With both my pregnancies at about the 37.5 week mark, Bryan has been unavailable. With Noelle, he stayed 2 nights right in the Inner Harbor while he took the bar exam to avoid traffic, sleepless nights next to his very pregnant wife, and so he wouldn't know if I went in to labor (the exam is only given twice a year so skipping it for a delivery when your salary depends on it really is not an option). This time, Bryan's firm asked him to go to a conference in Maine for 2 nights. Since it was sort of an honor to be asked and I was showing no signs of imminent labor, he grabbed the last possible flight out, the first possible flight back, knew the status of every flight in between just in case he had to make it back quickly, and went on his 36 hour jaunt to Portland. This left me on my own with Ellie, Maddie, and a very large belly.
Thankfully, everyone was on good behavior! When Noelle insisted on wearing a diaper I almost breathed a sigh of relief since cleaning up accidents at this point is killer on my body (I know, you can blame me for her confused potty training state). Ellie actually took a nap Friday for close to 3 hours which let me get in a good hour nap. She slept in until 6:45 both mornings, and allowed me to take Maddie out by myself in the rain. She even was a rockstar at Costco and Trader Joe's. And she slept all night long without coming out of her room. Despite all this goodness, I am totally exhausted. I really don't know how single parents, especially those that work, do it. Thankfully the next time Bryan is out of town I will have back-up in the form of my mom. Not sure I can handle a 2 week old, Noelle, and the dog on my own so soon!
So I survived! I can hardly say the same for Bryan as he got so little sleep on the trip he has been snoozing most of the day! Fortunately, Ellie was on good behavior again today since I spent a big chunk filling my freezer with meals for after the baby comes. Now that Bryan is in town and available for Alien's birth he is welcome anytime! On second thought, if he could wait a few more days that would be awesome. I'd like my husband, AKA birth coach, to be functional and awake during the delivery!
Thankfully, everyone was on good behavior! When Noelle insisted on wearing a diaper I almost breathed a sigh of relief since cleaning up accidents at this point is killer on my body (I know, you can blame me for her confused potty training state). Ellie actually took a nap Friday for close to 3 hours which let me get in a good hour nap. She slept in until 6:45 both mornings, and allowed me to take Maddie out by myself in the rain. She even was a rockstar at Costco and Trader Joe's. And she slept all night long without coming out of her room. Despite all this goodness, I am totally exhausted. I really don't know how single parents, especially those that work, do it. Thankfully the next time Bryan is out of town I will have back-up in the form of my mom. Not sure I can handle a 2 week old, Noelle, and the dog on my own so soon!
So I survived! I can hardly say the same for Bryan as he got so little sleep on the trip he has been snoozing most of the day! Fortunately, Ellie was on good behavior again today since I spent a big chunk filling my freezer with meals for after the baby comes. Now that Bryan is in town and available for Alien's birth he is welcome anytime! On second thought, if he could wait a few more days that would be awesome. I'd like my husband, AKA birth coach, to be functional and awake during the delivery!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Grand Prix 2011
If you have talked to Bryan over the past 6 months about almost anything, he almost definitely discussed with you his anger at the city of Baltimore. Our mayor decided that since people fled the city over Labor Day, she would have the city host a huge event to get everyone to stay, and lots of out of town travelers to choose the "Greatest City in America" (yes that is a real slogan...) for their vacation destination. Hence the Grand Prix Baltimore Edition was hosted for the first time a few weekends ago.
While her intentions were good I am sure, the Grand Prix brought a lot of hassle to the folks that drive downtown on a daily or even occasional basis. If you have driven around our city before, you know that Baltimore's Real Slogan should probably be something like "The City that Never Repaves it's Roads" or maybe something even meaner. As the Grand Prix is a street-race (this basically means the track is the city streets), the first step of race preparation was to get the streets that would make up the 3 mile or so city track in decent condition for the race. 6 months and many, many road closures later, race car drivers left the event slightly appalled at the streets their cars had just raced on. Another step in readying the city? The building of concrete barriers throughout the inner harbor to protect the fans, buildings, etc. from any crashes that would occur on race day. Again, this meant many, many road closures. Then bleachers for fans were brought in and set up along the course. Again, road closures. Finally, roads shut down the week before the race for "practice" runs.
So what did this all add up to for B and the many other Baltimore area men and women who work in the Harbor area of the city? Lots and lots of extra time in their cars over the past 6 months. The planners of the Grand Prix prided themselves on how much money the race would generate. Bryan likes to think it no where near competed with the loss of billable hours at Baltimore area businesses that were affected by the race. In the end though, even after all the complaining, I think Bryan actually enjoyed the race. The course was visible from his office's balcony and he watched a practice run. It has to be pretty cool to see cars racing 180 miles per hour on city streets! And the day of the actual race, Bryan and Noelle set transfixed in front of the TV watching the cars do the same city loop over and over again. So did Bryan change his mind on whether the race was worth it for the city? No, not likely. But I don't know that he is totally annoyed that it will be returning next year (or the several after that) either. I guess when it comes to men and car races, as long as there are a few crashes involved (non-lethal, of course), you can put up with some traffic hassles for some slightly improved city roads and some extra traffic.
While her intentions were good I am sure, the Grand Prix brought a lot of hassle to the folks that drive downtown on a daily or even occasional basis. If you have driven around our city before, you know that Baltimore's Real Slogan should probably be something like "The City that Never Repaves it's Roads" or maybe something even meaner. As the Grand Prix is a street-race (this basically means the track is the city streets), the first step of race preparation was to get the streets that would make up the 3 mile or so city track in decent condition for the race. 6 months and many, many road closures later, race car drivers left the event slightly appalled at the streets their cars had just raced on. Another step in readying the city? The building of concrete barriers throughout the inner harbor to protect the fans, buildings, etc. from any crashes that would occur on race day. Again, this meant many, many road closures. Then bleachers for fans were brought in and set up along the course. Again, road closures. Finally, roads shut down the week before the race for "practice" runs.
So what did this all add up to for B and the many other Baltimore area men and women who work in the Harbor area of the city? Lots and lots of extra time in their cars over the past 6 months. The planners of the Grand Prix prided themselves on how much money the race would generate. Bryan likes to think it no where near competed with the loss of billable hours at Baltimore area businesses that were affected by the race. In the end though, even after all the complaining, I think Bryan actually enjoyed the race. The course was visible from his office's balcony and he watched a practice run. It has to be pretty cool to see cars racing 180 miles per hour on city streets! And the day of the actual race, Bryan and Noelle set transfixed in front of the TV watching the cars do the same city loop over and over again. So did Bryan change his mind on whether the race was worth it for the city? No, not likely. But I don't know that he is totally annoyed that it will be returning next year (or the several after that) either. I guess when it comes to men and car races, as long as there are a few crashes involved (non-lethal, of course), you can put up with some traffic hassles for some slightly improved city roads and some extra traffic.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Good News Report
First, today I am 37 weeks pregnant. Officially full term with (not so) little Alien! I'm hoping he cooks at least a few more days until Bryan is done with his conference in Maine, but after that he can come anytime!
Second, yesterday Noelle had no accidents! While we had pretty much given up on the potty training thing until winter, our daycare provider really wanted to try with Noelle since she felt that she was showing the signs of being ready. For the last week, Noelle has been going to daycare in underwear and done pretty well. Like before, the mornings and early afternoons are always best for her with pretty much no accidents, and then she had been having between 1-3 sometime between the end of nap and when I picked her up a little before 6. When she got home she would do less well, usually having 1-2 accidents before bed, even after using the potty. I was (and still am a little) convinced she doesn't always know when she needs to pee, but yesterday she kept her underwear dry all day until bedtime. Now I am pretty sure this is somewhat of a fluke, and she didn't go number 2 all day and that has been our biggest challenge, but this was certainly a huge milestone in the quest to be a big girl! Here's hoping that today goes just as well!
Second, yesterday Noelle had no accidents! While we had pretty much given up on the potty training thing until winter, our daycare provider really wanted to try with Noelle since she felt that she was showing the signs of being ready. For the last week, Noelle has been going to daycare in underwear and done pretty well. Like before, the mornings and early afternoons are always best for her with pretty much no accidents, and then she had been having between 1-3 sometime between the end of nap and when I picked her up a little before 6. When she got home she would do less well, usually having 1-2 accidents before bed, even after using the potty. I was (and still am a little) convinced she doesn't always know when she needs to pee, but yesterday she kept her underwear dry all day until bedtime. Now I am pretty sure this is somewhat of a fluke, and she didn't go number 2 all day and that has been our biggest challenge, but this was certainly a huge milestone in the quest to be a big girl! Here's hoping that today goes just as well!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
36 Weeks
Tuesday I hit the 36 week mark of my pregnancy with Alien. All in all I have felt pretty good up to this point, and in some ways this pregnancy has been easier. I only have a charlie horse once or twice a week, I haven't had a lot of dizziness spells, I don't have severe insomnia, and I've been almost totally heart burn free. But in other ways it has been much harder. My body just feels big and tired. My back almost constantly hurts. The baby is much lower and taking up a smaller overall space meaning I can feel every move he makes and now that he is pretty big, those movements aren't always pleasant. This also makes me have to go the bathroom almost every hour during the night so while I can sleep, it certainly isn't restful. Then there was the fever and a few other issues I won't go in to, but overall it has been pretty uncomfortable, especially the last few weeks. So I am definitely excited to be to 36 weeks and for Alien to be big enough at this point that he could come at anytime and most likely be a healthy little guy. I do certainly hope he'll stay in me a little longer and grow a little bigger and stronger, but if he wants to come out in early October that would be great! And if his big sister would sleep in past 6:15 this coming weekend that would make life even better!
We'll try to take a belly picture and post a Noelle/Alien belly comparison!
In terms of getting ready for Alien, we are just about good to go. He has a name, YAY! I even have gotten some wood letetrs and are decorating them for his nursery since the walls are sadly white and barren. I also decided since Noelle is 2 I'd finally do her initials on her wall as well! Bryan put the car seat bases in the car last weekend, and all the 0-3 month clothes are washed, folded, and put away. His room is totally ready with the exception of needing to put sheets on his mattress, and we stocked up on some size 1 diapers. A couple of mom friends are throwing me a little "sprinkle" next week which is really sweet. Basically it is a mini-shower for someone who already has had a baby where you get smaller items like diapers, wipes, clothes, etc. I am excited to celebrate Alien's impending arrival with these ladies! So besides packing our hospital bag (on the agenda for this weekend) we are ready and waiting for Alien to arrive!
I did have my last fetal study appointment Monday and Alien did keep up his record. In 8 total ultrasounds we never got a good view of his face. Pretty impressive persistence from the little guy! But my amniotic fluid still looks good and Alien is head down. I have learned that most 2nd babies don't drop until labor is about to begin so he is basically where he needs to be at this point. My midwife thinks he is currently in the 5.5 pound range, and according to the study leader, he apparently has a nice full set of hair on the top of his head. Kind of crazy that they can tell that in utero! So we are hanging in here and about to enter the real waiting game at our house (and trying to enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with just 1 child and dog!)
We'll try to take a belly picture and post a Noelle/Alien belly comparison!
In terms of getting ready for Alien, we are just about good to go. He has a name, YAY! I even have gotten some wood letetrs and are decorating them for his nursery since the walls are sadly white and barren. I also decided since Noelle is 2 I'd finally do her initials on her wall as well! Bryan put the car seat bases in the car last weekend, and all the 0-3 month clothes are washed, folded, and put away. His room is totally ready with the exception of needing to put sheets on his mattress, and we stocked up on some size 1 diapers. A couple of mom friends are throwing me a little "sprinkle" next week which is really sweet. Basically it is a mini-shower for someone who already has had a baby where you get smaller items like diapers, wipes, clothes, etc. I am excited to celebrate Alien's impending arrival with these ladies! So besides packing our hospital bag (on the agenda for this weekend) we are ready and waiting for Alien to arrive!
I did have my last fetal study appointment Monday and Alien did keep up his record. In 8 total ultrasounds we never got a good view of his face. Pretty impressive persistence from the little guy! But my amniotic fluid still looks good and Alien is head down. I have learned that most 2nd babies don't drop until labor is about to begin so he is basically where he needs to be at this point. My midwife thinks he is currently in the 5.5 pound range, and according to the study leader, he apparently has a nice full set of hair on the top of his head. Kind of crazy that they can tell that in utero! So we are hanging in here and about to enter the real waiting game at our house (and trying to enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with just 1 child and dog!)
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Mommy, I'm Your Baby!
Most of the time Noelle is really excited about her baby brother. She can see him move in my stomach now and likes to feel him move around in my tummy. She has also been really good as we have gotten his room ready and she has seen items that used to be hers shift to him. And she totally loves babies and has had lots of experience recently meeting new little ones. She has even been practicing how to hold the baby (supporting his neck) and being gentle and we have explained that Alien won't be able to do much when he is born. She is going to teach him how to sit up, crawl, and walk, and has promised to share all of her toys. So overall, Ellie seems pretty excited about the whole big sister thing and I think she does now understand pretty much what the gig entails, but every once in awhile she likes to say, "mommy, I'm your baby," and I have to admit it breaks my heart. Here we were meeting a friend's new baby and Ellie had to be a baby too!
We have lots of chats about how she'll be my baby girl forever and I'll always love her. As long as Maddie doesn't share with her the story of her demotion in our lives we should be a o kay!
We have lots of chats about how she'll be my baby girl forever and I'll always love her. As long as Maddie doesn't share with her the story of her demotion in our lives we should be a o kay!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Party!!
Noelle has been talking about having a birthday party for months. She decided at day care probably some time in May that it was what all the cool 2 year olds were doing and has pretty much talked about her birthday constantly since that time. Last Saturday, she finally got to have her party, approaching hurricane and all.
After inviting about 10 families from our mom's group and a few close family friends, we somehow ended up with a guest list that included about 30 people. This was for a 2 year old! While my initial plan was for a BBQ, baby pool, and water table, plans got scraped and we prepared to have 10 or so 2-3 year olds running around the first floor of our house. Thankfully, one of Noelle's little friends had his party Saturday morning, and the kids seemed to have gotten quite a bit of their energy out that morning. So what could have been total chaos was instead just a bit crazy!
Despite the heavy rains, the party was well attended and received and the kids seemed to have a great time playing with toys (and Maddie) while the parents ate, drank, and tried to make sure their son or daughter wasn't the one currently causing any sort of major havoc! Noelle has been going through a shy phase, so took some time to warm up to her friends and also covered her face during the Happy Birthday singing, but told me after the party that it was "a good party" and that she had fun. She especially liked eating all the cheese and fruit from her mommy, daddy, and Aunt Catherine's plates!
Noelle got a zillion more presents, and I have to admit that after peeking in a few bags to write thank you letters, we set some aside for her to receive after her new brother makes his way in to the world. Thanks to everyone for helping to make Ellie's 2nd birthday a success!
Noelle, ready for the party to begin (naps were tough that week...)
Aunt Catherine and Noelle after a few pieces of cheese (I'm pretty sure Noelle is mid-yawn!)
Borrowed balloons were the biggest hit of the day
Noelle apparently not wanting to share the spotlight for any pictures...
Peanut Butter Banana Cupcake Time!
Playing in the curtains with friends
Lots of people in a little space
After inviting about 10 families from our mom's group and a few close family friends, we somehow ended up with a guest list that included about 30 people. This was for a 2 year old! While my initial plan was for a BBQ, baby pool, and water table, plans got scraped and we prepared to have 10 or so 2-3 year olds running around the first floor of our house. Thankfully, one of Noelle's little friends had his party Saturday morning, and the kids seemed to have gotten quite a bit of their energy out that morning. So what could have been total chaos was instead just a bit crazy!
Despite the heavy rains, the party was well attended and received and the kids seemed to have a great time playing with toys (and Maddie) while the parents ate, drank, and tried to make sure their son or daughter wasn't the one currently causing any sort of major havoc! Noelle has been going through a shy phase, so took some time to warm up to her friends and also covered her face during the Happy Birthday singing, but told me after the party that it was "a good party" and that she had fun. She especially liked eating all the cheese and fruit from her mommy, daddy, and Aunt Catherine's plates!
Noelle got a zillion more presents, and I have to admit that after peeking in a few bags to write thank you letters, we set some aside for her to receive after her new brother makes his way in to the world. Thanks to everyone for helping to make Ellie's 2nd birthday a success!
Noelle, ready for the party to begin (naps were tough that week...)
Aunt Catherine and Noelle after a few pieces of cheese (I'm pretty sure Noelle is mid-yawn!)
Borrowed balloons were the biggest hit of the day
Noelle apparently not wanting to share the spotlight for any pictures...
Peanut Butter Banana Cupcake Time!
Playing in the curtains with friends
Lots of people in a little space
Friday, September 2, 2011
When Will Alien Arrive? Part 2
We don't have very many guesses in for Alien's due date. Either you don't want to guess, don't read the blog anymore, or just felt you had tons of time to decide on a date, but we are getting close! Get your guesses in by September 12th by leaving a comment here or letting us know by email or facebook. If you need more information to make an educated guess, see our post, When Will Alien Arrive?, in August! What's the prize you ask? How about the pride of knowing you correctly guessed one of the few mysteries left in today's society? That's not enough? We'll give you a cookie!
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