A sweet surprise

Today I am 37 weeks along, wee! T h i r t y - s e v e n. That means term for this bump of mine. I am doing a figurative jig (while I am actually just sitting on my glider chair). Fortunately/unfortunately I have been having consistent contractions since Saturday afternoon. I had to breathe through quite a few of them while I was seeing my patients. I started my maternity leave right after that. ;]

On the bright side, I know my body is gearing up and I'll be holding this boy in my arms before long. On the self-pity side, I am tired and fed up with these prodromal labor pains. Some are quite painful and they come and go every 10-15 minutes. SINCE SATURDAY. Oy vey. I am trying to take it one day at a time.

But my darling husband surprised me on Sunday morning with a little shower at our place and it was a sweet relief and quite the distraction. He sent me to church on Sunday morning alone (because Emma has been a handful at mass lately) and it was nice to be able to sit and listen without getting up to change a diaper or clean up spilled snacks or readjust my veil because she's tugged it off again. When I got home, I had a sweet surprise waiting for me.

My husband and neighbors set up a little baby shower with food, desserts, drinks, and a few games. It was a simple morning party and I am so grateful for the thoughtfulness of my husband and our friends.

Now I will just hold on to this moment while I play the waiting game.

My wonderful husband and I celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary this Saturday and it is moments like this which remind me of the million reasons I love him oh so much.

36 Weeks

It's the final countdowwwwwwwn! 

This is it people. The final month. It could be a week, two weeks, or if this boy is anything like Emma, another five weeks (oh Lawd, help me). I am at 36 weeks and one day, officially. But according to this morning's ultrasound it's looking like 36 weeks and three days, but who's counting really? (<--Me, that's who.) 

I know due dates are just estimates anyway but there is something about checking days off the calendar with some sort of "goal" in mind that helps alleviate some of the crazy. Key word, some. I'm still pretty nutso with anticipation over at the hive.

Originally, I was just going to work until I pop, but upon further reflection after a tough last few weeks, Monday will now be my last official day. I think I've hit enough patients in the head with this basketball I've hidden under my white coat. And false labor and dentistry do not a dreamy combo make.

At this point in the game, there is not too much to say. (Hahaha, who am I kidding? I'm a rambler and we all know it.) Really though, the symptoms have kicked up several zillion notches and it's just a waiting game at this point.

The baby's head is down and all up in my bladder's business. The Braxton Hicks contractions send me into a huffing and puffing frenzy. This time around, Paul and I are way less panicy when I get a good steady flow of BHs because we know that's just nature's way of saying, HAHAHA JK. I am hoping the next time I go into the hospital, it's really, real, fo' reals labor and not the two false alarms I had with Emma badger. 

Me: "Emma, if you cooperate for some photos, I'll give you a cookie. Maybe even two." (Yes, it has come to this.)

Let's see, what else? The hospital bag is packed, the toiletries are packed, my pillows are ready, and the baby's crap is taking up the whole apartment. So, we good? We good. This time around I am a lot more realistic about what I actually need for my hospital staycation. We brought so much stuff last time (FTM syndrome) and this time I know really all I need is chapstick and an empty bag to squirrel away all the hospital freebies when we are discharged. But really, I am bringing much less s t u f f, high five self. 

Tonight we are going to install the infant carseat and put the double stroller in the trunk. I'm also in the process of getting mentally/emotionally prepared for breastfeeding again. It was hard to get started with Emma and I remember almost giving up twenty times per day those first few weeks. We stuck with it and I am so glad we did, I just know it can be quite the uphill battle. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Aren't I just full of sunshine?

Are we ready?

That's a big yes. And an equally big NO. I am ready to be holding our baby in my arms. I am ready to see my feet again. I am ready to relieve some of this sciatic nerve pain. But I am completely intimidated by the idea of TWO KIDS OHMYGOSH BOTH MINE. How will I juggle both of the small humans? Will Emma resent me? Will I be as devoted to the baby boy as I was with Emma? What do I do with the boy parts? Will Emma love the baby? Will they bond? Will I ever sleep? Will my apartment ever be clean again? 

You know, the normal stuff.

Currently I am riding the wave of another contraction and just waiting for my body to say, hey let's do this fo' reals. 

This could be my last official belly update. Or I could see you back at 40 weeks with a harried look in my eyes and wondering if human gestation could extend to 24 months if the baby's will is strong enough.

Some staty stats:

36 weeks
How far along: 36 weeks, one day
Total weight gain: 22 pounds (probably a good portion of that is the whole pie I ate yesterday)
Maternity clothes: Clothing optional at this point. My burgeoning belly doesn't like to be confined.
Stretch marks: Just a few little boogers.
Sleep: What's that?
Miss anything: Doing anything (dressing, standing up, driving) without struggling. 
Movement: This kid wants to make the US gymnastic team.
Food cravings: Wine and pasta a la carbonara.
Aversions: Vegetables and anything healthy.
Sex: Still a boy, hopefully.
Symptoms: Where do I start? Back pain, heart burn, pelvic pressure, loss of bladder control, exhaustion.
Belly button: OUTTIE
Wedding rings: Depends on the time of day. Definitely snug. 
Happy or moody: Completely elated at the prospect of meeting him. Annoyed at everything else.
Looking forward to: Meeting our little man.

She's excited too. 

Emma at 35 and 38 weeks.

32 Weeks

Hmm, clearly I am slowing down on my blogging. Perhaps, this is a glimpse into my life with two little ones. Or perhaps I'll write even more frequently when baby #2 hip hops onto the scene as my only way to connect with the outside world when I am trapped on the couch nursing 24/7. Who really knows?

C'est la vie.

So the big difference I've noticed for this pregnancy between this and the last bumpdate is the holy cow am I birthing a ninja/alien/acrobat/swim team movements. This kid may have more than four limbs in there. The amount of movement that this one can accomplish is astounding. And it also makes me wonder if this kid ever sleeps, because it feels like it is going on all day and night.

How this kid is supposed to put on ANOTHER 3-5 pounds is beyond me.

Speaking of growth, according to all those pregnancy trackers, this kid is around 4 pounds already. I don't think he's "dropped" because I have all the same feelings of choking on my own lungs and my stomach capacity is zilch. I have to eat my meals in waves to actually eat the amount I want. 

But don't worry, I always have room for my daily bowl of cereal. This week's selections are reese's puffs and lucky charms.

When I'm not working, I am living in my comfiest maternity wear when I can. My maternity leggings are seeing a lot of love lately. If you are a stretchy fabric, I heart you. Tenty shirts and tunics are alright too. Maybe. 

In the sibling world, Emma is showing a whole bunch of love towards this belly. Well mostly love. Well 50/50. I think she is learning how to distinguish between loving touches and not-so-loving touches for this baby. Because it's either...

Hug baby?

or

Hit baby? 

Um. Okay. Wait, what? Oy vey. Hopefully she gets the hang of hugging vs. hitting when baby boy finally arrives.

You better hit the ground running kid or your big sis is going to get ya. I wish I were joking. 

I am attempting to rack up on my sleep hours with early bed times and occasional naps. Now I know sleep does not work like that but a girl can dream.

And for the big news...

We got a double stroller! I cannot tell you how much I love it already. We've been testing it out this week and I am looking forward to using it with baby boy soon. That is if we ever leave the house. That one is still not guaranteed. 

We are mostly set up for baby's arrival but when I actually look at the list of what we still need my eyes widen. We don't have the little diapers, my post-partum care stuff, or my breast feeding care stuff. I need to get on that. Or you can help us out, wink wink. I probably should call the hospital to pre-register too. I doubt I'll be feeling into doing paperwork when I roll in in active labor. 

My belly is feeling HUGE. And I'm just going to get bigger. WELP. Let's take a look back at the belly so far. 

And for today's bumpdate stats:

32 weeks
How far along: 32 weeks
Total weight gain: 15 pounds. WHAT.
Maternity clothes: Mostly maternity, but some of my larger tent and tunic shirts too.
Stretch marks: One small one on my belly button (of all places).
Sleep: In shifts. Between bathroom breaks.
Miss anything: Not making sounds when putting shoes on, standing up, sitting down, rolling over, etc.
Movement: SO MUCH MOVEMENT. 
Food cravings: Ice cold water and sushi.  
Aversions: Vegetables. 
Sex: Boy!
Symptoms: Back pain, heart burn (GAG), and a sore stomach (where he kicks me hardest). 
Belly button: Outie. Yup.
Wedding rings: They still fit. 
Happy or moody: Mostly happy, but incredibly sensitive and crying easily.  
Looking forward to: Holding my son.

Emma at 30 and 32 weeks. 

Dr. Emma

Yesterday, Emma, the bump, and I had my 30 weeks (!!!) prenatal visit. Everything is looking good and the boy is still cooking away. Emma LOVED hearing the heartbeat and wanted to be a doctor to her own baby when we got home. Since graduation I've had my own stethoscope stored in one of my dental boxes and decided to let her have it.

HOURS of play ensued.

Samantha: What are you doing Emma?
Emma: Step a scope! I doctor.
Emma: Wisten to baby.
Samantha: What are you listening to?
Emma: Art bee, art bee!

28 Weeks

I have crossed that point into pregnancy where I just feel HUGE but I know I am only going to get huge-er. *wide eyes* The third trimester symptoms are beginning to gain steam and I have pretty much resigned myself to not sleeping anymore. If you want to know what goes on at 3 am, I'm your girl. I will need to find more productive things to do in the wee hours rather than turn over ten million times and punch my pillows (and glare at Paul because he's sleeping peacefully and somehow this is all his fault). I'm thinking 3am might be my new reading time or maybe I'll learn French or maybe I can pen the great American novel.

On the less complainy side of things, I have been enjoying the baby boy Wetterholm show on my belly. His kicks and rolls make for some interesting waves and bulges on my belly. Paul and I play the popular game, head or foot (or elbow or my dinner).

And on a humorous notes, I finally started hitting my patients in the head with my belly. I just blow past it. Until he actually kicks a patient while I am working, I'll just pretend it didn't happen.

I remember thinking about all the energy I had with Emma during the second trimester and even well into the third. I don't think I felt like a beached whale until those last couple of weeks when she just wouldn't head south. But this time around my energy tank is on negative and I am running on desperation and Netflix. It's hard not to let the guilt get to me when I let Emma watch yet another episode of Daniel Tiger, but sometimes I just need to put my feet up and not worry about Emma deciding that today is the day she will attempt her world domination. 

Pregnancy while toddler raising is an episode in crazy, survival, and lots of squirreled away dessert for precious nap time. Speaking of dessert, I had a near emotional break down yesterday when I blurted out that I just needed some pie and vanilla ice cream. My darling husband took the tot to Trader Joe's and got me a blueberry and peach galette and a tub o' vanilla ice cream and we all avoided my melt down. WHEW. He's a smart one, he is. I will be eating the other half during today's nap time. No I will not be sharing and I am extra glad I tested negative for gestational diabetes.

But watching Emma love on my bump is the best remedy for the crazy. Her kisses and hugs and pats on my stomach make me forget that she poured her entire water out on the couch yesterday. Almost. She is going to be a fantastic big sister. I hope. No, she will. Positive thoughts Samantha. 

Somehow, most likely through a rip in the space/time continuum I am managing to fit in all my pre-pregnancy clothing. Whoever invented those belly bands so you can keep your pants unbuttoned and unzipped but still keep 'em up is a stinking genius. Although, some of my shirts are being stretched to their limits. I think my toes will be disappearing any day now too. 

We are nearly ready for baby to come minus a few last minute items on our registry. My friend Grace said my registry is boring. I say, I am more practical this time around and the bells and whistles from last round are not on it. If you are feeling so inclined, please take a look at our Amazon registry and if you are feeling generous, add a couple things to your cart and send them our way. Please and thank you. 

And now for the good stuff.

28 weeks
How far along: 28 weeks exactly
Total weight gain: Less than 10 pounds.
Maternity clothes: Both regular and maternity. But tight waist bands are a no-go.
Stretch marks: No new ones.
Sleep: HAHAHA. Nope.
Miss anything: Sleep, duh. And not grunting when I put my shoes on. 
Movement: Crazy moves. Straight to the bladder. And to my spine somehow.
Food cravings: Dessert, more dessert, and all the dessert. 
Aversions: Cologne, beer breath, people asking invasive questions.
Sex: Boy!
Symptoms: Sciatic nerve pain (KFJLDSKJLSKDFJ:S), heart burn, no sleep. 
Belly button: Peaking out.
Wedding rings: Still fitting.
Happy or moody: Happy but easily spooked (into moodiness). 
Looking forward to: Emma potty training so I can stop diapering for a couple of months.

Emma at 26 and 28 weeks.