Happy Due Date to me! I honestly wasn't completely sure I'd see this date since I swear I've run out of room in my belly. However, baby girl is so content in her warm and cozy home, albeit temporary. Just to keep things real, I have to admit that I've definitely found myself frustrated and struggling at times this week. Wednesday we had our doctor's appointment and I was devastated when the doctor told me that we had not made any progress in the labor department and that he would likely see us again in a week (today) to start discussing options if we don't go into labor soon.
However, I committed long ago that I would make this a very positive pregnancy experience for Matt and I so I must finish it out on a happy note even though I really just want to whine about my pains and discomforts. So first of all, we selfishly wanted a May birthday for our little girl and now we've guaranteed it! Who knows, maybe she'll even be a Mother's Day baby! Secondly, we are very lucky that Caroline has stayed put longer than we had hoped because her first day of school doesn't start until September, yet I go back to work at the end of July (yes, I am going back to work), leaving a month long gap during which we will need to secure temporary care. So, the later we deliver, the shorter the gap. Also, we have a beach vacation scheduled at the end of July and we were a tad worried we would have to cut it short to get back to work if Caroline made an early debut. So that's a relief, and a trip we are really looking forward to. Lastly, I am the only person who gets this precious time with her and I am going to soak in all these last little rolls and pokes as possible. She and I have a bond that no one else will ever understand and I must cherish these last few days with my little girl on the inside.
Because he is the best hubby and soon-to-be-daddy, Matt surprised me with reservations at one of our favorite restaurants in Charlotte - The Fig Tree.We went all out and ordered everything that looked yummy on the menu. It was the perfect date night.
How far along: 40 weeks!
Baby Size: A small pumpkin {20 inches, 7.5 pounds}
Weight gain: 32 lbs , shockingly no weight gain for the first week of my entire pregnancy.
Maternity clothes: Now that I'm working from home, I am pretty much living in yoga pants and maternity tanks.
Stretch marks: Probably.
Sleep: Really, really great, even through the Braxton Hicks and frequent tinkle trips.
Gender: Caroline Grace Marcellino!
Movement: Yep, she definitely favors my left side and loves to poke her booty out all day long. It's the funniest thing ever.
Best moment this week: Our last fancy dinner together before baby, planting lots of stuff around the backyard over the weekend and my last day working in the office!
Looking forward to: Meeting our sweat pea - SOON! Matt set up the hammock in the backyard this weekend so we have another little place to relax once the baby arrives.
Food cravings: Dried and fresh fruit, muffins, bagels and bread.
Anything making you queasy or sick: No.
Labor Signs: I would be seriously surprised if we didn't make some major progress since our last appointment after all of the crampiness and other "labor is near" symptoms I've experienced the past couple of days.
What I miss: Well, besides our due date, I've missed an ice cold beer. I can't decide what my first drink will be...a refreshing cocktail or an extra large summer shandy on draft.
Symptoms: The usual, very long list of pains and discomforts. I really want to go for long walks with Charlie but my round ligament pains are so horrendous that it's almost not even worth the effort of lacing up my shoes to walk a slow half mile.
Nursery: It is so ready for a little girl to come home to!
Belly Button in or out? In and out, it varies still.
Wedding rings on or off? On and no swelling at all (very thankful).
Mood: Anxious, anxious, anxious. I should add that this is Matt's mood too. Every time I even call for him he comes running over with his hospital bag in hand. I swear he is more on edge than I am.
Workouts: Pitiful short, slow walks and squats!
Prayer for Caroline:
Dear Lord, Thank you for helping me make it to the full stretch of my pregnancy. Please help Caroline come at just the right time and bless my labor and delivery. Give the medical staff wisdom to make all the right decisions. Help me to be strong during delivery and trust in You. I pray that your presence would fill the room with joy as we welcome Caroline into the world. You are so good and I love You. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. - Psalm 37:7
FORTY!
Twelve / Thirteen / Fourteen
Fifteen / Sixteen / Seventeen
Eighteen / Nineteen / Twenty
Twenty-One / Twenty-Two / Twenty-Three
Twenty-Four / Twenty-Five / Twenty-Six
Twenty-Seven / Twenty-Eight / Twenty-Nine
Thirty / Thirty-One / Thirty-Two
Thirty-Three / Thirty-Four / Thirty-Five
Thirty-Six / Thirty-Seven / Thirty-Eight
I found an old Polaroid picture of my birth mom, Caroline, awhile ago and have been saving it to see if I would carry my baby girl the way she carried me towards the end of pregnancy. If anything, I hope my labor and delivery is as quick and easy as hers was (both times)!
How far along: 39 weeks! One week to go (maybe).
Baby Size: A watermelon {20 inches, 7.25 lbs}!
Weight gain: 32 lbs
Maternity clothes: Living in dresses and maxi skirts these days.
Stretch marks: About to find out post-delivery.
Sleep: Really good sleep - taking advantage of it while I can.
Gender: Caroline Grace Marcellino!
Movement: Lots of rolls and pokes.
Best moment this week: My last prenatal massage, squeezed in lots of lunches and dinners with friends, a pedicure date with April and breastfeeding class.
Should also add "scariest moment of the week" when I tripped and fell straight onto my belly in my driveway. I was pretty shaken up but Matt was a complete mess. Thankfully baby girl was squirming like crazy afterwards despite the trauma.
Looking forward to: Our (last) doctor's appointment on Wednesday to find out if we've made anymore progress!
Food cravings: Just pineapple.
Anything making you queasy or sick: No.
Labor Signs: 1 cm dilated and having Braxton Hicks contracts at night once I lay down. I think we'll see a May birthday which I am really excited about! And it may sound weird, but I absolutely cannot wait for labor. I know there will be pain and discomfort but I am so ready for it so we can meet our baby girl!
What I miss: Brushing my teeth or tying my shoes without crushing my belly.
Symptoms: Ugh, pretty much every pregnancy ache and pain you can possibly have but am really thankful for a healthy pregnancy!
Nursery: Ready to bring our baby girl home and show her the nursery!
Belly Button in or out? In and out, it varies.
Wedding rings on or off? On and no swelling at all.
Mood: Ready and excited.
Workouts: Several walks around the neighborhood this week and some squats every day!
Prayer for Caroline:
Dear Lord, I come to you this week with praise in my heart. I know you will bless delivery and be with me the whole time. Please take away any fear that I may have, and help this baby to come quickly and safely. You are a great and powerful God. I know that if I praise You, You will rain down Your blessings from above. Thank You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise Him. - Exodus 15:2
Twelve / Thirteen / Fourteen
Fifteen / Sixteen / Seventeen
Eighteen / Nineteen / Twenty
Twenty-One / Twenty-Two / Twenty-Three
Twenty-Four / Twenty-Five / Twenty-Six
Twenty-Seven / Twenty-Eight / Twenty-Nine
Thirty / Thirty-One / Thirty-Two
Thirty-Three / Thirty-Four / Thirty-Five
Thirty-Six / Thirty-Seven / Thirty-Eight
How far along: 38 weeks...but feeling more like 200 weeks pregnant.
Baby Size: A watermelon {20 inches, 7 lbs}!
Weight gain: 30 lbs...according to the docs scale.
Maternity clothes: So ready to be done with maternity clothes!
Stretch marks: We'll see post baby...
Sleep: GREAT! I am so thankful for these restful nights. Matt told me over the weekend that he is counting down the days until the Bump Nest goes to the attic.
Gender: Caroline Grace Marcellino!
Movement: Yes, but a totally different kind. Instead of punches and kicks, she stretches out, moves to one side of my belly (making it look extremely lopsided) and sticks her little booty out all the time. My belly constantly looks like it's changing shape.
Best moment this week: Celebrating our first (and last) Easter as a family of two.
Looking forward to: Our doctor's appointment today to find out if we've made any progress and my last prenatal massage from the package that Matt bought me many months ago.
Food cravings: Still on the pineapple kick...
Anything making you queasy or sick: No.
Labor Signs: Last week we found out I am only 1/2 cm dilated. Today we'll find out if we've made any further progress. I really want to hold out until at least May 1st, only because May is one of my favorite months. That sounds silly, but I really would love a May 1st birthday for Caroline!
What I miss: Not having abdomen pain.
Symptoms: The symptom I complained about last week, abdomen pain, is still here and is worse than ever. I have officially turned into the whiniest person but this pain is absolutely awful (and I've had lots of weird pains throughout the pregnancy that I could tolerate)! After reaching my breaking point last week, Matt called the doctor and learned that my upper abdomen muscles are literally tearing apart at this point and that is what's causing the pain. I am using a heat pack right under my bra line now (and on my back still) and also taking Tylenol. The doc says the pain won't really go away until delivery and that this pain is common in first pregnancies.
Nursery: Complete! You can find all of the details {here}! And since I am out of "projects" now I decided to make little treats this past weekend for our hospital nurses. After all, who doesn't want to be the nurses' favorite patient?
Belly Button in or out? Out.
Wedding rings on or off? On and no swelling at all.
Mood: Ready and a bit whiny (sorry, Matt).
Workouts: Walking seems to help my abdomen pains so we've been trying to be diligent with our neighborhood strolls after work this past week. Also starting a serious squat routine in hopes that it will shorten my labor.
Prayer for Caroline:
Dear Lord, I thank You from the bottom of my heart for giving me this baby. Only You know the exact minute Caroline will be born. Please help me to be patient and get through this time of waiting. I am so anxious to see her and hold her in my arms that I can barely wait another day. Please be close to me and surround me with Your love and presence at the birth. Help the labor go smoothly and the birth to go just right. Thank you, Lord, for Your great love. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Be strong and courageous. Don't be terrified or afraid. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. He will be with you. Do not be afraid or discouraged. - Deuteronomy 31:6,8
Twelve / Thirteen / Fourteen
Fifteen / Sixteen / Seventeen
Eighteen / Nineteen / Twenty
Twenty-One / Twenty-Two / Twenty-Three
Twenty-Four / Twenty-Five / Twenty-Six
Twenty-Seven / Twenty-Eight / Twenty-Nine
Thirty / Thirty-One / Thirty-Two
Thirty-Three / Thirty-Four / Thirty-Five
Thirty-Six / Thirty-Seven / Thirty-Eight
