34 Weeks

Sorry for the delayed, and what will inevitably be a shorter post…
This past week I spent Sunday-Thursday at a conference for work. It was a lot of fun and I learned a lot. The only downside was sleeping in a dorm room. While the nostalgia of it was magical, being pregnant and sleeping on a crappy twin mattress was not magical. Even having my husband pillow there didn't make a difference. 
It was great to have dinner with friends while I was in Burlington. It had been so long since I had been to Burlington, I didn't remember how big of a city it was. It is such a cute little city. We need to work on getting Webster up to speed…starting with revitalizing downtown. Let's replace the empty storefronts with restaurants! At least one Mexican one please! 

At UVM there is a tunnel connecting the two sides of campus. My guess is it is more due to not having to wait for the walk signal to cross the busy street, but maybe it has to do with the winter weather as well. Anyway, I walked through the tunnel at least twice daily during my visit. Every time I did I expected Willy Wonka to show up on a river of chocolate…very strange. 

So, we are at 34 weeks…6 weeks until my due date! I am so excited to meet this little rascal. I'm just hoping I survive the next 6 weeks…and what could end up being 8 more weeks because apparently I come from a long line of women having their babies at least 2 weeks late…

Nugget is the size of a butternut squash (or honeydew melon) this week. Whatever vegetable Nugget is, he/she is certainly filling up my belly. It is really cool to see my entire belly move when the UFO goes for a swim, or when he/she pushes a foot or hand across my belly from the inside…very UFO like. 

At this point the baby may start descending into my pelvic area which will relieve some pressure on my lungs, but putting more pressure on my bladder. I can't imagine peeing more often than I already do! But, there is no guarantee the baby will descend until labor day. This morning I was out of breath after getting up to use the bathroom…it's not that far away. 

The baby is starting to react to music. It is suggested I start singing or playing some lullabies because the baby will recognize them once born, and the ones I play often may soothe the baby.

Symptoms:
-Blurry Vision: I have actually noticed this while driving. Road signs are a little more blurry than they used to be…Most likely attributed to my lack of sleep.
-Fatigue: If only I could sleep later than 5am these days…
-Constipation: Negativo…fiber is your friend!
-Swollen ankles and feet: Once the heatwave finally broke, so did my cankles.

My shower is today!! I am so excited to see family and friends. God stopped crying so we could have a lovely day by the lake. (Anyone else pretend rain meant God was crying when you were a kid? Thunder was God and the angels bowling?) 

The crib has arrived!! JD and I are picking it up on Sunday. I can't wait to get it put together!! And get the nursery together and ready for Nugget! 

I washed a load of baby clothes yesterday…oh my god they are so cute and tiny! However, it takes longer to fold tiny clothes than adult clothes. What is the best way to fold onesies?? I'm sure there is a Pinterest post for that…

Dr. K says I am looking good! My weight is great, blood pressure is spot on, urine dip is great (whatever they look for). Apparently I'm doing it right. So, unlike when I started driving horribly right before my driver's ed test, I will not slack off these next 6 weeks. Let's finish on a high note! And hopefully not a high weight note! 

Friday was Olin Moss Cronk's 2nd birthday. The little munchkin came over for birthday dinner and presents. He sure loves Uncle JD and Grampa, the ladies in his life other than Mom? Eh. I got a cursory hug and kiss goodbye, JD got a real squeeze. Apparently I need to break his whiffle ball to get a genuine hug too! I kid…
The boy can dance...

Multi-tasker…dancing and baseball

Sorry this week's post is not up to snuff. It was a long and exhausting week and I have to conserve my energy for opening presents and eating lots of food! 

Belly shot…

33 Weeks

Did you guys notice that it's like 100 degrees out this week? I have literally been sweating bullets. I carry a sweat rag with me to sop it all up. I arrived at our birthing class this week with sweat under my boobs that you could see through my dress…wicked attractive.

Mr. Rogers chiming in in red.  The things you can do today...

Yea you have an excuse.  I on the other hand had a back-sweat drenched polo after sitting in traffic for almost 2 hours.  AC on full blast does absolutely nothing.  Anyone want to buy a Subie? Mint condition.

It really is disgusting out.  As always I marvel at the fact people rather this to a beautiful snowy winter's day.  When it's cold, you can snuggle up.  When it's hot there's nothing you can do.  Unless you're this guy...

Speaking of birthing class...this week's class was graphic. We started the class with a video on the different stages of labor. I'd guess the video was made around 1985. It was on VHS...I'm impressed the hospital still has a VHS player. We witnessed various women in the varying stages of labor showcasing the different positions you could labor in. There was a woman in some rad polka dot pajamas laboring in a rocking chair. There was a woman laboring on a birthing ball, also known as an exercise ball. There was a naked lady delivering her baby and she looked like she wanted to die. Very inspirational and reassuring. We then witnessed her birthing the placenta...this made one of the dads have to leave the room. (Not JD)

To be fair, that particular dad is a wuss.  I kid, the poor guy is on pain killers.  It was very graphic and completely against my serene meadow mental image.  I told Rach she should definitely utilize the birthing ball.  That just looked like pure fun and pretty much guarantees our little UFO will be an athlete. 

We then spent an hour going through the different labor positions ourselves. I liked the slow dancing move...but its really just a way to get JD to dance with me. Our teacher also showed us how to relieve tension. Squeezing a certain area when mom takes a deep breath, whether it is your head, shoulders, neck, arms, face, etc and then releasing when she breaths out is supposed to ease some pressure. I did NOT like the squeezing of the face. JD took note. 

Woh woh woh.  "really just a way to get JD to dance with me"???  I'll go all 8th grade slow dance with you any night.  Bumpin and grindin? Loud noise / terrible music?  No thanks.  Again, sweat.

Leave room for the Holy Ghost...Is that Drew Barrymore?

Definitely noted on the face.  I do think while this was specifically speaking about pressure relieving tactics, a cold cloth and even a gentle wash of the face will feel amazing when she's transitioning.

I also did NOT like having someone wave their fingers in front of my face. This is part of the "Take Charge Routine". I can tell you when I'm in labor, working through a contraction, and you are waving your finger in front of my face to make sure I keep breathing, I will bite off your finger. Unless I'm hysterical, do not attempt any part of the Take Charge Routine.
We then did some breathing and relaxation exercises. I enjoyed this part very much. JD and I are adopting it into our night time routine.

I decided the Take Charge Routine will be implemented using a mini flag.  Or maybe an ice cream cone.  Something she won't get mad at.  The "vocalization" was interesting as well.  That high pitched yelps / screams are flexed and tight muscles while low grunts relax all muscles but those Rach wants to be pushing with.  Being the coach, I have to encourage and imitate these productive pain relief sounds so she'll follow suit after falling into:

The final part of class was another video (oh boy!) of one woman's journey through childbirth. This was on a DVD, but I have to imagine it was remastered. If not, Deborah hadn't gone shopping in 25 years. We watched Deborah in her early labor grabbing a bite to eat and taking walks. Her husband never once changed out of his 3 piece suit. Once they decided to go to the hospital Deborah was at 3cm...it took 8 more hours to reach 10cm. We then watched their beautiful little girl come into the world. I definitely got a little teary eyed. This time the nurse warned the queasy dad in our class so he didn't watch the graphic bit. 

Told Rach, I probably will not be in a suit WITH SUSPENDERS for the birth of our child.  Call it "us kids" or "the new world"...He did look sharp.  But I only have two suits and with the chance of one getting VERY dirty...Just can't take the risk.

Aren't you glad I didn't find any gifs to illustrate my points for this section?

Good time for 2 Dumb & Dumber GIFs, sequel confirmed!!

Next week we will learn all about complications that can arise and their solutions. Should be a fun class.

Yes, she mentioned forceps.  I know what I use forceps for when I'm fishing.  I'm not sure I knew forceps had other functions.  Especially on humans.

Now we are at 33 weeks. I can't imagine how I can get any bigger...but I will! The baby is the size of a Durian fruit! What? You don't know what a durian fruit is? Have you been living under a rock? 
Seriously, what the hell is a durian fruit? Thanks to The Bump I know it looks like this:

This looks like something you'd take into medieval battle...

But have you ever seen one in person? Didn't think so...
This is what it looks like on the inside: 

Not that appetizing...

Anyway, the Nugget is opening and closing its eyes, coordinating its breathing with sucking and swallowing (wouldn't want it to choke!), its bones are hardening, and the brain is continuing to develop.

"You've probably been feeling overheated"...Yea, just a tad. After our birthing class this week, and after dinner, we went for a night swim. It was about 9:30/10. The moon was out and it was probably the most refreshed I've felt in a long time. Definitely something to add to our routine as well.

Absolutely.  The pool has gotten up to 87 degrees.  During the day it's really just a matter of "would you rather be wet as a result of bodily function or wet as a result of personal choice."  However, at night when the temp had dropped all the way to upper 70s, this felt very refreshing.  Oh, Rach getting into the pool:

Symptoms this week:
-Overheated: We've established that Bump. I'm sure I'd be much more comfortable if this heat broke.
-Headaches: I have indeed had a few headaches, but I believe they are from the heat and possibly not drinking enough water. 
-Shortness of breath: Walking around in excessive heat and humidity...yes. 
-Baby Brain: Oh yes. I've had major brain farts lately. Sometimes I sound like Sheriff Rottingham.

I'm so glad I found this...

These symptoms and all, Rach handling like a champ.  Much stronger than I...

Must do: 

-"Install the car seat." Really? Seems a bit early...but ok.  Before the crib?  Or is that supposed to be done already?  Figured we'd just live in the hospital for awhile.  The Birthing Center rooms are fantastic.

- Get a new float.  A Schoppe sibling (I won't say which one) broke our deluxe Target special.

Accomplishments this week:

-We managed to get our pool running as it should. This brilliant woman figured out why we were having trouble retaining chlorine. You can now see the bottom of the pool! Whoop whoop!

-My team came in 2nd in the Innaugural Advancement Corn Hole Tournament

I also won "Best Dressed"

I want to start measuring this baby bump. I'd love to know my circumference.  I took this picture from bed.  Go me.  Look at that beautiful Mama to be.  I still say The Chive (for those that know it) should begin instilling pregnant ladies galleries.  Have plenty of photos that would make Rach an inaugural entrant.  

Until next week!!

32 Weeks

Carrot sticks are a life saver. When there is nothing in the house for a pregnant woman to eat for lunch, carrot sticks go a long way. I'm surprised I haven't turned orange. We, and by we I mean someone other than me, needs to go grocery shopping. And soon. Otherwise I fear this is my future: 

Why are you famous again?

Apparently the baby hasn't grown at all this week because it is still the size of a squash. At least that is better than one of my other pregnancy websites that say the baby is the size of 4 naval oranges...not 3, 4. 

"At 32 weeks, baby's birth still seems really far away". Speak for yourself! 2 months, 8 weeks, 57 days, 1368 hours, 82,080 seconds..nah light-years away. 

"You may have noticed your nipples looking darker"...they get darker???

The baby may be in the head down position, readying itself for birth. But, I'm not sure the baby has flipped over yet. I still get jabbed in the ribs by something that feels like a head...but maybe its a rump...

"and it's probably feeling even more cramped"...IT's feeling more cramped? I'm the one that feels like this: 

Symptoms this week:
-Braxton Hicks Contractions becoming more intense: I think I don't know what these are or feel like because I'm assuming whatever I'm feeling is either the baby kicking or pushing out with a foot or hand.
-Shortness of breath: I'm having no problems breathing normally. When I get hot I have issues breathing. And I've been getting hot a lot. The heat wave isn't helping. 
-Heartburn: I'm so thankful I haven't had any heartburn! 
-Enlarged breasts that may leak: I am on the lookout for leakage! My worst fear...

Why aren't we talking about swollen feet this week? Cause I have some pretty judy feet going on lately. 

Hello cankles and sausage toes!

Speaking of heat...it is so hot right now. I'm hot all the time. At work, in the car, trying to sleep, even the pool is so warm that it is almost not even refreshing to jump in. When I get hot, I get hotter because I'm sweating and then I'm self-conscious that I'm sweating. Does that person notice that I'm sweating? On the Fast Ferry to MV this past weekend, on a boat that is usually kept so cold icicles form on the windows, I was sweating so much I had to get napkins from the snack bar and the girl sitting next to me MOVED! HA.
Sweaty Betty.

To Dos:
Get any items you still need for baby: Whoa, whoa, whoa...still need? Um, everything!!!

This past weekend, JD spent some time in Saratoga Springs at 2 Phish shows...his version of heaven. He had a blast, and as always, ran into some random person he knows that he hasn't seen in years!

I spent this past weekend at my own version of heaven...the Vineyard. I usually avoid the 4th of July weekend because of the massive amounts of idiots that come visit. This weekend had its fair share of annoying, oblivious people, but balanced with relaxing time on the beach, at the Down Harbor annual picnic, and some QT with Jurve. 

Not a flattering shot...

The camera focused on the salt spray...

We attended our first Prepared Childbirth Class this week. There were only three couples in the class, which I like because then we can get a more personal experience. I LOVE the woman that teaches the class. I sort of hope she will be my L&D nurse. We all introduced ourselves at the beginning of class. We are due August 20th, September 6th and September 20th. I felt really good about my own preparation because I knew 90% of the information Charlene was telling us. We learned about the anatomy of pregnancy, with visual aids. JD definitely got a lot out of this portion. As a man, I'm sure its hard to visualize what is going on inside your wife reading a book with no pictures. We went over some of the basics of labor, when to head to the hospital, and what will happen when you get to the hospital. We then took a tour of the birthing center. I had been there, but 9 years ago. It really is impressive. Even though they have rooms with 2 beds, they try their best not to double up Moms...thank you! I can't imagine trying to bond with my baby with another family doing the same thing. I'm looking forward to the rest of the classes. It's just nice to be around other women due around the same time and knowing I'm not the only one who is nervous and has lots of questions! 

Looking forward to a relaxing weekend on the Lake. I plan on lounging in my pool until I grow fins. 

Clothed baby bump:

Nakey baby bump: 

31 Weeks

Happy Independence Day America!

And Happy 31 weeks to us! 

Our little Nugget has been kicking up a storm. We like to kick around lunch time and then when I'm going to sleep. Nugget doesn't keep me up. Dad and the U.F.O. play together while Mom sleeps. 

Nugget's 5 senses have fully developed and is getting smarter...although I think the baby is stealing my brain power. The synapses haven't been firing as quickly as of late. 
On Tuesday I got really excited because the list of bands performing at the Woodstock Fair was announced. On Labor Day the Red Hot Chili Peppers are performing! I sent JD a note...seems a bit small town for the RHCPs but great for the town of Woodstock! 

Upon further inspection by JD, it turns out the band scheduled to perform is the Red Hot Chilli Pipers...

Slightly different...

I received plenty of ridicule for this one. I think the real RHCPs should sue...people are obviously going to show up expecting one thing and then will find themselves wondering why all of these people are wearing kilts.

I got weighed last week at the doctor's office and I gained 5 pounds the last month...Bringing my total weight gain to 22 pounds...so far. I've never weighed this much before. I don't feel like I look like I gained 22 pounds, but as my darling husband pointed out I've gotten used to this body. So, apparently he's noticed I've gained 22 pounds. Love you too!

I've certainly noticed how difficult it is to get off the couch, pick things up off the floor, and put my shoes on. I notice a particular spot at work that creaks when I walk over it...and never noticed that happening before! I worry every morning I go up and down the stairs that I will wake Tito up because of how loud the creaking is. 9 more weeks and probably 10 more pounds to go...

Baby is the size of a pineapple. So that's what has been jabbing me in the ribs. 

Or the baby is the size of a squash...whichever you choose! 

Last weekend was very active. We were productive around the house and then rewarded ourselves with a trip to the Disc Golf course. I just walked the course, which is really a pretty intense hike, while Marc and JD played. So glad I didn't play. I would not have been a happy camper and would have spent more time looking for my frisbee than actually playing.

 Beautiful course though. 

Then we took a boat ride on the lake. I went in just far enough...I find I am much more cautious getting in the water these days. I think my skin is more sensitive to the cold water. Plus, I can't jump in like I used to just to get it over with. Having to be dainty about getting in the water and walking down the ladder really ruins the experience.

No Mr. Lake Policeman...this isn't beer...I promise.

Sunday I went grocery shopping at 7am...couldn't sleep. Then cleaned the house top to bottom. I was one sweaty beast when I was done. My brother and Ella came over to swim. Perfect timing! We then spent most of the afternoon hanging out in or around the pool or at the YoFro place. A glorious day. 

For whatever reason Webster holds their fireworks display on July 3rd. Because everyone knows Independence Day Eve is a really big holiday!! We took the boat out with friends and kiddos. 

I was very impressed by the Webster fireworks. Jason and crew joined us. 

JD is off to Saratoga Springs for two nights of Phish shows. I would have gone but sleeping on the ground sounds the worst thing in the world right now!

As does being dead sober around a bunch of high/drunk teenagers. (The adults are fine...usually). 

I, on the other hand, will be heading to MV for (hopefully not) the final weekend of the summer. The rest of our summer is jam packed with plans on the weekends. Even though I tried to keep August relatively free of plans since I will be Shamu size by then, we still have plans all four weekends. One is because I'm the best wife ever and bought tickets to Brewfest at Indian Ranch...I will be the designated driver who will have to navigate all 1 miles home with no help from anyone. 

Pregnancy Symptoms

-Out of breath: Not so much out of breath, more just getting jabbed in the diaphragm/ribs

-Dry, brittle nails: Actually my nails are pretty tough.

-Braxton Hicks Contractions: Maybe? Now I think it might just be the baby since Nugget could be 15 inches long!

-Leaky Boobs: No.

-Frequent Urination: I literally get back from going to the bathroom and have to pee again.

-Back aches: Constant

-Difficulty Sleeping: "Could be due to aches and pains, your big belly, hormones, heartburn and anxiety" Or the fact that it has been 90 degrees for a week!

Very excited for my baby shower coming up in 3 weeks! 

And to send you off this week:

26 Reasons Kids are Pretty Much Just Tiny Drunk Adults