APRIL

04/02/02:
I had my 34 week appointment today. I guess my bp is good and I have gained 2 pounds in the last four weeks. I still don't think I am at my prepregnancy weight but that's fine with me.
The doctor came in and talked to us about the birth plan I gave to him at the last appointment. We are under the agreement that as long as everything is fine with the baby, then everything will be done to go by the plan. As I told him, I will not reject something if my baby is in danger.
I told him about the pains I have been experiencing. He said that it's from the baby getting big and not having room. He also said morning sickness can come back this late in pregnancy. I honestly think I am getting an ulcer from all the stress. So I let it go.
The baby is head down with her back up and her feet on my left side. Plus her butt is right where I get indigestion. Guess that explains why I feel all movement on my left side.
I measured right on for being 34 weeks and the heartbeat was 145. I go back in two weeks where I get a pelvic exam and then it's weekly until I deliver. I asked if he would put me on bed rest so I could quit moving and be able to relax. He told me it was good for me so it looks like I can't get out of finishing the move.
04/17/02:
So much has gone on in the last few weeks. We finished moving about a week ago. When I shut the door to the apartment for the last time, I cried. The place was filled with bad memories but it was also a special place for Nate and me. It was our first place. Plus I felt like now I offically had to put an end to life with just Nate and start a new life with Jim and a new baby.
I was going to try and get everything in the new place where it belongs before people arrive for the wedding, but ran out of time and energy. I did clean the carpets. I also washed all the babies clothes and blankets. Plus put them away. So it looks like she will be set. I hope I can get the house done before I go into labor.
Then we had Susie's wedding. On Thursday night, we waited until around 11:30 for Jamie and dad to come. Nate was all excited about seeing his cousins and wouldn't leave until they arrived. When they did, he got all shy and hid.
Jim got to meet dad. He was impressed and really likes dad. As for me, well it's always weird being around him. He's a stranger to me and so I have no emotional ties to him. Jim doesn't understand that and thinks visits will help us bond. He doesn't get that nothing will ever form a bond between us.
Friday was filled with activity. We had to decorate the hall and I was sent to pick up items that was needed. Then we had rehersal at that church. Since all Nate and I had to do was pass out programs and bubbles, we had it easy. But Nate still needed to a run through on what he had to do.
Then it was dinner. No kids were allowed so Nate got to spend a few hours with his cousins while I was around only adults. I had a fake cockroach in my bag and Susie dared me to do something. So I dropped it on the ground and made a big scene. It didn't phase anyone but mom. She looked like she wanted to crawl away.
Nate spent Friday night with mom and all his cousins and Jim was at work. So I had the house to myself. I was bored out of my mind and couldn't sleep. I need my family near me to sleep I guess.
Saturday at the wedding I ran around. Between giving people flowers, chasing after Nate and greeting family, I didn't have time to sit until the ceremony started.
The wedding was beautiful and Susie looked great. The ceremony was long and after a while, I tuned the father out. Then we had an hour of pictures after wards. Nate was so tired of pictures that he begged me to make them stop.
Then we had the reception. I danced and ran around talking to people. I didn't get tired until at the end. Maybe what kept me going was the positive comments people gave me about how good I looked and how well I was holding up. But at the end, I crashed bad. I started getting pains and started getting really bitchy. Jim wanted me to go to the hospital because he was worried. So we did. After being on the monitors for over an hour, I found out I have a bad UTI. I was gave a shot and told to pick up my medication the next day.
We came home in time to get two hours of sleep before getting up and taking Susie & Kevin to the airport. By the time we got home, we were all exhausted and tried catching up on much needed sleep. It must have worked because everyone felt fine once they woke up.
Then on Tuesday I had my 36 week appointment. I got to meet the midwife and she is wonderful. I so badly want her to deliver the baby.
I have gained maybe 1 pound and the blood pressure is fine. Heartbeat was low 140's and I measure 36.5 weeks along.
The pelvic and strep tests went fine. Baby is still high but head down, cervix is thick and I am a finger tip dilated. I go back next Tuesday for the 37 week appointment.
I was so happy to see the midwife. She said she has glanced at my birthplan and doesn't see why we can't go by it. She said that from what she has read, what I want is not asking too much. Next week, she will read the plan through and write down comments or questions she has and we will talk about it. I also loved how when she talked, she looked at me. My OB would direct all answers and comments to Jim. He never glances at me. So it was weird but very nice to have her look at me.
She also told me that if I go into labor before next Tuesday, she will do everything she can to stop the labor. After next Tuesday, I am free to start labor when the baby wants. She also told me that chances are, I will go into labor early like I did with Nate. Oh ya and I need to start making sure baby moves atleast 10 times in a 12 hour span.
When I went to the bathroom a few hours later, I was bleeding and noticed a few clots. The bleeding was very light now. So I assume it was just from the pelvic. I had some slight bleeding today that I'm sure is from the pelvic.
I have started swelling in my legs and feet. I did this with Nate so nothing to worry about. It's just uncomfortable and gross looking. Nothing seems to help so giving birth needs to happen soon.
The weather has been wonderful. So we have been spending a great deal of time outside. Between cleaning the yard, using the clothes line, cooking on the grill or just sitting outside enjoying the sights and sounds, we are enjoying the new place and the weather. But it has been hot and I admit that I was miserable the other day. I sure will miss the central air we had at the old place.
On my pregnany lists, we have started popping babies. The news of another birth is making me excited. I can't wait to hold my baby in my arms. But she needs to wait until after my shower next weekend. Then she is free to come when ever she wants. Atleast this is how I feel right now. LOL!!!!
04/22/02:
I had my 37 week appointment today. I have gained two pounds in the last week. I pray that it's just water. Blood pressure was good.
The heartbeat was in the 140's and I measure right along for being 37 weeks. No pelvic was done (thanfully). I go back next week. I hope that I will be dilated and the pelic will put me in labor. Wait no I don't. I want another May baby so labor can't start two days before May.
My baby shower is Sunday. Andie is all excited about throwing it. I'm praying we get diapers and wipes. If not, Jim or I will be making a panic run to Sams Club for a box of Huggies.
Oh ya, we also got another dog. What were we thinking? Fluffy (couldn't think of a name) is adjusting to life with the weird Carpenters. Her and Titan are finally starting to become buddies. But Titan is so much bigger than her for now (she's only 9 weeks old) that he scares her. I wonder how sane I will be after I have a newborn, a gonna be 6 year old and two dogs that are under a year old. Plus the two cats and the husband. Oh someone help me!!!!
04/29/02:
Today I am 38 weeks along. I gained maybe a pound and am measuring right on. The heartbeat was in the 140's. That's about all that happened. Not a very exciting appointment.
I do have a UTI. Found that out after a trip to the hospital. I'm back on medication, even though I just finished up on Kelflex from the last UTI not even two weeks ago. UGH!!!!