Sunday, July 15, 2012
41 Week Survey
Since I'll be a little busy tomorrow, you know, having a baby and all...... My final Baby Berg pregnancy survey:
How far along?
41 Weeks Exactly
How Big is Baby:
I'm guessing a smidge over 7 pounds. Actually my honest guess is 7 lbs 7 ounces, 20 inches long.
Symptoms:
My body is over it. I've been having dibilating back spasms and headaches. All associted with being over due and in need of labor.
Weight Gain:
I'll stand in the scale tomorrow morning for posterity's sake. I probably won't talk about it until weight loss time kicks in, around August 16th :)
Best moment this week:
Having one last week with Mr. Berg, just the two of us. We are as ready as we're going to get.
Worst Moment of this Week:
Last night I thought I was going into labor very rapidly or dying of a heart attack. As it turns out, it was back spasms. They lasted about 3 hours and were totally and completely miserable.
Mr. Berg spent 2 hours sitting beside the bathtub dousing my back in warm water and reminding me to breathe. Today I feel like I was hit by a truck.
Movement:
Baby Boy is typically very sleepy in the morning, moves off and on in the afternoons and goes crazy between 6pm and midnight.
I have to move around and jiggle my belly in the mornings to get him going, just to ensure he's okay.
Food cravings:
I had to give up iced tea, the occasional Diet Pepsi and chocolate because they were making my uterus irritable. So, I miss all of those things, A LOT.
Gender:
A very sweet baby boy, who I will meet tomorrow
Labor Signs:
Ha! Nope. No loss of the plug, no body show, no real contractions, nothing, nada, zilch.
Belly Button in or out?
Innie Born, Innie Bred and when I die I'll be an Innie Dead :)
What I miss:
Still the same:
Summer time has really made me miss the following: Cute feet, Lilly Pulitzer Dresses, The Beach, A Cold Glass of Wine on the Porch with Mr. Berg, Ice Cold Beer and Cold Lunch Meat Sandwiches, A Good Workout, Being Outside, Staying Up Late, Mindless Spending, New Summer Clothes- I am so sick of maternity clothing, My Gel Nails- I cannot give myself a manicure to save my soul.
I think because I'm been home bound since May, I'm just missing the ability to travel the most. I haven't been to the beach house, haven't been to Virginia, haven't been anywhere.
I know, this list is long. But when I'm not pregnant anymore, I will have an list equally as long of the things I miss about being pregnant.
What I'm Looking Forward To:
Tomorrow, I'll be a Mama :)
41 Week Letter
Well Son,
It's certainly been a smooth ride for us, hasn't it? 41 Weeks of just you and me, it all comes to an end tomorrow. I can't believe how quickly the time has passed. I think back to Halloween and the day I found out you would soon be arriving. It seems like decades ago and yesterday all the in the same breath. Over the past ten months countless books and articles and messages board about pregnancy have been read, milestones have been achieved and baby gear as been washed, assembled and put out in various fashion. For someone so small you are certainly going to be taking up a lot of space around here.
Today marks my last day as a daughter, wife, friend, sister and co-worker. Tomorrow I begin the hardest and most rewarding job I will never know. Tomorrow you will make me a Mama, and I will make you a son. I can't believe how our lives our going to change, I can't even begin to fathom it really.
I hope I made you proud as a mom. I hope I help you life to be full of adventures, surprises, hard work and dedication. I hope to teach you how to work hard, play hard and love hard. I hope you learn to love life as much as your father and I do. I hope you find happiness in the simplest of things and I hope you know how much you are loved.
It has been such a blessing carrying you with me for the past 41 weeks. I love you all the way to the moon and back.
See you tomorrow!
Mama
It's certainly been a smooth ride for us, hasn't it? 41 Weeks of just you and me, it all comes to an end tomorrow. I can't believe how quickly the time has passed. I think back to Halloween and the day I found out you would soon be arriving. It seems like decades ago and yesterday all the in the same breath. Over the past ten months countless books and articles and messages board about pregnancy have been read, milestones have been achieved and baby gear as been washed, assembled and put out in various fashion. For someone so small you are certainly going to be taking up a lot of space around here.
Today marks my last day as a daughter, wife, friend, sister and co-worker. Tomorrow I begin the hardest and most rewarding job I will never know. Tomorrow you will make me a Mama, and I will make you a son. I can't believe how our lives our going to change, I can't even begin to fathom it really.
I hope I made you proud as a mom. I hope I help you life to be full of adventures, surprises, hard work and dedication. I hope to teach you how to work hard, play hard and love hard. I hope you learn to love life as much as your father and I do. I hope you find happiness in the simplest of things and I hope you know how much you are loved.
It has been such a blessing carrying you with me for the past 41 weeks. I love you all the way to the moon and back.
See you tomorrow!
Mama
Friday, July 13, 2012
Maternity Leave: Day One
(does it count if you don't have a baby?)
I was woken up this morning at 6:30am by my loving husband, who cannot, for the life of him, be quiet, EVER.
Seriously, who turns on all the lights in the room where someone is sleeping? My husband. Why? Because he needed to look at his toe nail. Why this task couldn't be performed in the bathroom? Not a clue.
Mr. Berg's solution to all the lights? Pull the covers over my head.
I'm technically like 10 months pregnant, my nose and sinuses are constantly stuffy. Pulling the covers over my head should really help my breathing situation, shouldn't it?
Oy! Husbands.
My first day of maternity leave as been pretty uneventful. I've watched the Today show in its entirety. Kathie Lee and Hoda are pretty much hysterical.
I've washed our towels, sheets and did two loads of my own laundry.
Bob has slept soundly on the sofa all morning. Sophie has fallen off the ottoman twice and continues to act like nothing out of the ordinary has happened.
I think I've peed 6 times.
So basically, I'm bored!
And my mom refuses to go downtown for lunch today. Apparenly I'm too big to walk around.
Thus, we are eating at the Country Club- it's closer to the hospital.
My husband has called me three times to check on my contractions status. I'm not having any.
He's freaked out, he has a huge sale pitch this morning. It's his last and most important appointment before Baby Boy arrives. It would be typical fashion for us, if my water breaks in the next 19 minutes. Fingers crossed, Baby Boy stays firmly inside.
I'm still unsure if we'll make it to Monday's induction or not. But I have to say, signs are looking pretty good that we will.
On Monday I had a NST. We were in there for 20 minutes. During that time Baby Boy bounced around like a crazy man and I had one contraction. ONE.
Our nurse came flying in the room with a huge smile on her face, "You had a contraction, did you feel it?"
Yes, but it didn't hurt and it lasted a whole 20 seconds. Her face fell, "Oh, that doesn't count then, does it."
I may have had four contractions over the course of the past three days.
Yesterday we went in for another NST. This time it lasted an hour and Baby Berg slept through the whole thing. The nurse needed two accelerations for the test to count and for me to leave. We were down to the wire but he accelarted twice, both times because the nurse buzzed him to wake him up.
And I had zero contractions.
And no contractions since.
So basically, Baby Berg is more then happy to stay inside.
I'm perfectly fine and actually hoping for an induction.
And that's the story of maternity leave, day one.
I was woken up this morning at 6:30am by my loving husband, who cannot, for the life of him, be quiet, EVER.
Seriously, who turns on all the lights in the room where someone is sleeping? My husband. Why? Because he needed to look at his toe nail. Why this task couldn't be performed in the bathroom? Not a clue.
Mr. Berg's solution to all the lights? Pull the covers over my head.
I'm technically like 10 months pregnant, my nose and sinuses are constantly stuffy. Pulling the covers over my head should really help my breathing situation, shouldn't it?
Oy! Husbands.
My first day of maternity leave as been pretty uneventful. I've watched the Today show in its entirety. Kathie Lee and Hoda are pretty much hysterical.
I've washed our towels, sheets and did two loads of my own laundry.
Bob has slept soundly on the sofa all morning. Sophie has fallen off the ottoman twice and continues to act like nothing out of the ordinary has happened.
I think I've peed 6 times.
So basically, I'm bored!
And my mom refuses to go downtown for lunch today. Apparenly I'm too big to walk around.
Thus, we are eating at the Country Club- it's closer to the hospital.
My husband has called me three times to check on my contractions status. I'm not having any.
He's freaked out, he has a huge sale pitch this morning. It's his last and most important appointment before Baby Boy arrives. It would be typical fashion for us, if my water breaks in the next 19 minutes. Fingers crossed, Baby Boy stays firmly inside.
I'm still unsure if we'll make it to Monday's induction or not. But I have to say, signs are looking pretty good that we will.
On Monday I had a NST. We were in there for 20 minutes. During that time Baby Boy bounced around like a crazy man and I had one contraction. ONE.
Our nurse came flying in the room with a huge smile on her face, "You had a contraction, did you feel it?"
Yes, but it didn't hurt and it lasted a whole 20 seconds. Her face fell, "Oh, that doesn't count then, does it."
I may have had four contractions over the course of the past three days.
Yesterday we went in for another NST. This time it lasted an hour and Baby Berg slept through the whole thing. The nurse needed two accelerations for the test to count and for me to leave. We were down to the wire but he accelarted twice, both times because the nurse buzzed him to wake him up.
And I had zero contractions.
And no contractions since.
So basically, Baby Berg is more then happy to stay inside.
I'm perfectly fine and actually hoping for an induction.
And that's the story of maternity leave, day one.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Final Thoughts
Today is my last day of work. No, I'm not having a baby tomorrow. Well, at least I doubt I'd having a baby tomorrow. Instead, I am starting my maternity leave tomorrow. While I have always said I would work up until I had him, I made an executive decision to be done today. Why? Because if one more effing person walks into my office to advise me on how to get this baby out of me, I will go insane. Have I mentioned I work with mostly men. As in, people that don't have vaginas and have never given birth. They don't have a freaking clue!
That and my Grandpa's wife asked me if Mr. Berg and I were "he-sheing" enough. Her words. Not mine.
Oy!
So tomorrow, I'm starting my life as a temporary stay at home mom.
I don't know how it will feel to not walk into work tomorrow. I don't know how it will be to not be slave to my big black binder of To-Do lists and passwords and mental notes. Honestly, I think it will feel pretty weird. I'm having a lot of trouble wrapping my head around it.
While I have fluffy thoughts about watching the Today Show and starting the laundry, there is a large part of me that has no clue what to do. The last time I took the day off to just take the day off, I was living in Virginia and I was a stressed out graduate student. I took the day more for my mental health then anything else.
What blows my mind even more? The next time I come into work, I'll be a mom. I will have son, I'll be a member of a family of three. I'll be worried about spit up, bottles, diapers and tummy time. In a few days I'm sure that our new company Affirmative Action Plan and our Apprenticeship Ratios will be the last thing on my mind. But for now, it feels weird not to worry about them.
I realize that my life is only expanding for here on out. In the past I have complained that my brain felt so full I'd never remember everything. In a few more days, I won't even know the meaning of that sentence anymore. My life will only get fuller from here on out. The things I'll need to remember will expand ten fold. I won't just be responsible for my own schedule and some random items for Mr. Berg. I'll be responsible for me, my little man and the big guy... who would be lost with me, let's face it.
It's a strange feeling, knowing the minute you walk out of your office your life is going to change. And the changes they are coming, I can't even begin to comprehend them all. I don't even know what all of them will be.
Bring it on life, bring it on.
That and my Grandpa's wife asked me if Mr. Berg and I were "he-sheing" enough. Her words. Not mine.
Oy!
So tomorrow, I'm starting my life as a temporary stay at home mom.
I don't know how it will feel to not walk into work tomorrow. I don't know how it will be to not be slave to my big black binder of To-Do lists and passwords and mental notes. Honestly, I think it will feel pretty weird. I'm having a lot of trouble wrapping my head around it.
While I have fluffy thoughts about watching the Today Show and starting the laundry, there is a large part of me that has no clue what to do. The last time I took the day off to just take the day off, I was living in Virginia and I was a stressed out graduate student. I took the day more for my mental health then anything else.
What blows my mind even more? The next time I come into work, I'll be a mom. I will have son, I'll be a member of a family of three. I'll be worried about spit up, bottles, diapers and tummy time. In a few days I'm sure that our new company Affirmative Action Plan and our Apprenticeship Ratios will be the last thing on my mind. But for now, it feels weird not to worry about them.
I realize that my life is only expanding for here on out. In the past I have complained that my brain felt so full I'd never remember everything. In a few more days, I won't even know the meaning of that sentence anymore. My life will only get fuller from here on out. The things I'll need to remember will expand ten fold. I won't just be responsible for my own schedule and some random items for Mr. Berg. I'll be responsible for me, my little man and the big guy... who would be lost with me, let's face it.
It's a strange feeling, knowing the minute you walk out of your office your life is going to change. And the changes they are coming, I can't even begin to comprehend them all. I don't even know what all of them will be.
Bring it on life, bring it on.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Cue the Circus Music
It is apparently fascinating that I'm still pregnant. I've never had so many co-workers stop by my office just to say hi. My Grandpa's wife came in to stare at me for ten minutes today too. A rare occasion seeing as she never really bothers with me.
I'm down right snarky. Not because I'm uncomfortable or in pain or miserable. I'm just sick of everyone looking at me like I might explode or spontaniously give birth. A due date is not a drop dead date people, he'll come when he's ready. I promise.
Or Monday, whatever comes first.
In related news:
Baby Berg is doing well in there. He's definately moving more in the evenings now. He typically sleeps through the morning, which should make tomorrow morning's NST interesting.
I'm still feeling really great. I have really nothing to complain about. I still sleep happily through the night with one bathroom break sometime between Midnight and 4am. My contractions have been mild and limited. Every now and again he feels lower then usual, but it never lasts long.
Baby Boy is happily situated in hotel Mama. Mama is happy to play host.
Today is our orginal due date. Part of me always wondered if he'd show up today. Obviously, not so much.
As the week goes on, I am more and more convinced that we'll be meeting our scheduled induction date. Monday I really felt like I could go at any time. Now, not so much. There just isn't that much going on and that's really okay.
I am so excited to meet my son. I can't wait to be called Mama and to kiss his little face and hold his little hands. I'm so excited to see the little feet have been kicking me all these months.
But, at the same time, I'm happy to feel him kick and roll and squirm in my belly. I love knowing he's with me all the time. I'll miss being pregnant so much.
Mr. Berg and I are both anxious and mellow about the whole ordeal. On one hand, we are happy to keep him inside as long as he wants to be. On the other hand, we know things could change in a moment. Will we become parents today? Tomorrow? Monday? It's like we're standing at the edge of the ocean, we know we'll be pushed in, we just don't know when.
All I can really say about any of it is this: I'm loving this time in my life. I'm loving the journey I am on. I cannot wait to see what's around the bend.
I'm down right snarky. Not because I'm uncomfortable or in pain or miserable. I'm just sick of everyone looking at me like I might explode or spontaniously give birth. A due date is not a drop dead date people, he'll come when he's ready. I promise.
Or Monday, whatever comes first.
In related news:
Baby Berg is doing well in there. He's definately moving more in the evenings now. He typically sleeps through the morning, which should make tomorrow morning's NST interesting.
I'm still feeling really great. I have really nothing to complain about. I still sleep happily through the night with one bathroom break sometime between Midnight and 4am. My contractions have been mild and limited. Every now and again he feels lower then usual, but it never lasts long.
Baby Boy is happily situated in hotel Mama. Mama is happy to play host.
Today is our orginal due date. Part of me always wondered if he'd show up today. Obviously, not so much.
As the week goes on, I am more and more convinced that we'll be meeting our scheduled induction date. Monday I really felt like I could go at any time. Now, not so much. There just isn't that much going on and that's really okay.
I am so excited to meet my son. I can't wait to be called Mama and to kiss his little face and hold his little hands. I'm so excited to see the little feet have been kicking me all these months.
But, at the same time, I'm happy to feel him kick and roll and squirm in my belly. I love knowing he's with me all the time. I'll miss being pregnant so much.
Mr. Berg and I are both anxious and mellow about the whole ordeal. On one hand, we are happy to keep him inside as long as he wants to be. On the other hand, we know things could change in a moment. Will we become parents today? Tomorrow? Monday? It's like we're standing at the edge of the ocean, we know we'll be pushed in, we just don't know when.
All I can really say about any of it is this: I'm loving this time in my life. I'm loving the journey I am on. I cannot wait to see what's around the bend.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
40 Week Survey
I know I typically write these on Thursdays, but since we don't know when Baby Boy is going to show up, we'll do it now.
How far along?
40 Weeks and Two Days
How Big is Baby:
As per our ultrasound yesterday he is right around 7 pounds.
Symptoms: Last night I found myself to be generally crampy and uncomfortable. I chalked a lot of it up to a long day and three doctor's appointments. I feel much better this morning.
Weight Gain:
As of last night, I've gained 28 pounds
Best moment this week:
A very relaxing weekend with Mr. Berg, complete with Rita's Italian Ice as my consultation prize for not having a baby on my due date.
Worst Moment of this Week:
Generally feeling crappy last night. But honestly, there isn't much to complain about, besides the fact that he's still in there.
Movement:
Total crazy baby. He moves non stop all evening long, well into bedtime. Thankfully, I've been just so darn tired at night, I sleep through it.
Food cravings:
Iced Tea with Splenda.... nothing new
Red Delicious Apple with Nutella
Gender:
A very sweet baby boy
.
Labor Signs:
I just don't know.... I really don't.
I feel pretty good throughout the day. Sometimes I have a mild BH contraction or some light, quick cramping. But nothing really exciting.
By the time the evening rolls around I generally feel pretty poopy. Lots of cramping and infrequent BH. My belly generally feels very heavy and I'm just plain uncomfortable. Last night I was somewhat convinced I was going into labor.
And then I woke up this morning feeling fine but tired.
As I should be, I'm over due! I told Mr. Berg this morning. Basically, I have run a marathon, got to the end and I'm still running.
Belly Button in or out?
Innie for Life :)
What I miss:
Still the same:
Summer time has really made me miss the following: Cute feet, Lilly Pulitzer Dresses, The Beach, A Cold Glass of Wine on the Porch with Mr. Berg, Ice Cold Beer and Cold Lunch Meat Sandwiches, A Good Workout, Being Outside, Staying Up Late, Mindless Spending, New Summer Clothes- I am so sick of maternity clothing, My Gel Nails- I cannot give myself a manicure to save my soul.
I think because I'm been home bound since May, I'm just missing the ability to travel the most. I haven't been to the beach house, haven't been to Virginia, haven't been anywhere.
I know, this list is long. But when I'm not pregnant anymore, I will have an list equally as long of the things I miss about being pregnant.
What I'm Looking Forward To:
Having a baby.
The labor part, no
The baby part, yes
How far along?
40 Weeks and Two Days
How Big is Baby:
As per our ultrasound yesterday he is right around 7 pounds.
Symptoms: Last night I found myself to be generally crampy and uncomfortable. I chalked a lot of it up to a long day and three doctor's appointments. I feel much better this morning.
Weight Gain:
As of last night, I've gained 28 pounds
Best moment this week:
A very relaxing weekend with Mr. Berg, complete with Rita's Italian Ice as my consultation prize for not having a baby on my due date.
Worst Moment of this Week:
Generally feeling crappy last night. But honestly, there isn't much to complain about, besides the fact that he's still in there.
Movement:
Total crazy baby. He moves non stop all evening long, well into bedtime. Thankfully, I've been just so darn tired at night, I sleep through it.
Food cravings:
Iced Tea with Splenda.... nothing new
Red Delicious Apple with Nutella
Gender:
A very sweet baby boy
.
Labor Signs:
I just don't know.... I really don't.
I feel pretty good throughout the day. Sometimes I have a mild BH contraction or some light, quick cramping. But nothing really exciting.
By the time the evening rolls around I generally feel pretty poopy. Lots of cramping and infrequent BH. My belly generally feels very heavy and I'm just plain uncomfortable. Last night I was somewhat convinced I was going into labor.
And then I woke up this morning feeling fine but tired.
As I should be, I'm over due! I told Mr. Berg this morning. Basically, I have run a marathon, got to the end and I'm still running.
Belly Button in or out?
Innie for Life :)
What I miss:
Still the same:
Summer time has really made me miss the following: Cute feet, Lilly Pulitzer Dresses, The Beach, A Cold Glass of Wine on the Porch with Mr. Berg, Ice Cold Beer and Cold Lunch Meat Sandwiches, A Good Workout, Being Outside, Staying Up Late, Mindless Spending, New Summer Clothes- I am so sick of maternity clothing, My Gel Nails- I cannot give myself a manicure to save my soul.
I think because I'm been home bound since May, I'm just missing the ability to travel the most. I haven't been to the beach house, haven't been to Virginia, haven't been anywhere.
I know, this list is long. But when I'm not pregnant anymore, I will have an list equally as long of the things I miss about being pregnant.
What I'm Looking Forward To:
Having a baby.
The labor part, no
The baby part, yes
Monday, July 9, 2012
So, I'm Over Due
I find it strangely amusing that whenever someone asks me when my due date is and I tell them yesterday, they take a step back.
Yup, Baby Boy was due yesterday.
I'm finding myself oddly proud that I was right about several things in my pregnancy:
1. I knew I was pregnant days before the second line appeared
2. I knew this baby was a boy from about week 8 on
3. I knew he'd be late
I know, he's really only one date late at this point. But I just knew he would be.
Mr. Berg is now treating me like a Holy Pregnant Oracle. I have been right so often, I must know when he'll arrive, I must know the exact moment I'll go into labor. I don't, but it's fun to let him think I know.
In reality though, I don't have a clue. I knew he'd be late because I've always side eyed the due date I was given. It just seemed too early. Every calculator I used said July 11th. My doctor's office gave me the 9th, after our first ultrasound, I was given the 8th. The 8th has stuck. At our 23 week ultrasound the tech agreed that we were still on track for the 8th.
And here we are on the 9th and no baby.
A part of me believes that we'll make our induction date. I think mostly because I know that I'm comfortable being induced. The midwife we saw last week was so informative and helpful. She really took her time to cover all of the important points. She was so patient and kind. She left us with a thick stack of paperwork regarding the induction procedures I could face and any question I've come up with since, has been answered simply by reading the material.
I feel good knowing what would probably happen if we were to be induced. I feel good knowing that my doctor is on staff that day. I get a doctor I love, a set of scenarios I'm comfortable with. I can't complain.
It's the not being induced part that scares me. How will I know when it's time to go to the hospital? What will I do if they send me home? It's the unknowns that I'm not comfortable with. The Type A Personality in me just doesn't do well with the unknowns and the things you can't plan for.
At this point, I have no reason to believe we won't be at our induction on Monday.
I have had zero signs of progress at this point. No bleeding, my mucus plug is still in place, no bathroom issues what so ever. Which is a change from the past month, strange. I haven't really had any contractions, other then the typical BH. To be honest, I think I might of had one, but I can't even be certain that was what it was.
So far now, I wait. Being over due isn't so bad. At least not yet anyway.
Yup, Baby Boy was due yesterday.
I'm finding myself oddly proud that I was right about several things in my pregnancy:
1. I knew I was pregnant days before the second line appeared
2. I knew this baby was a boy from about week 8 on
3. I knew he'd be late
I know, he's really only one date late at this point. But I just knew he would be.
Mr. Berg is now treating me like a Holy Pregnant Oracle. I have been right so often, I must know when he'll arrive, I must know the exact moment I'll go into labor. I don't, but it's fun to let him think I know.
In reality though, I don't have a clue. I knew he'd be late because I've always side eyed the due date I was given. It just seemed too early. Every calculator I used said July 11th. My doctor's office gave me the 9th, after our first ultrasound, I was given the 8th. The 8th has stuck. At our 23 week ultrasound the tech agreed that we were still on track for the 8th.
And here we are on the 9th and no baby.
A part of me believes that we'll make our induction date. I think mostly because I know that I'm comfortable being induced. The midwife we saw last week was so informative and helpful. She really took her time to cover all of the important points. She was so patient and kind. She left us with a thick stack of paperwork regarding the induction procedures I could face and any question I've come up with since, has been answered simply by reading the material.
I feel good knowing what would probably happen if we were to be induced. I feel good knowing that my doctor is on staff that day. I get a doctor I love, a set of scenarios I'm comfortable with. I can't complain.
It's the not being induced part that scares me. How will I know when it's time to go to the hospital? What will I do if they send me home? It's the unknowns that I'm not comfortable with. The Type A Personality in me just doesn't do well with the unknowns and the things you can't plan for.
At this point, I have no reason to believe we won't be at our induction on Monday.
I have had zero signs of progress at this point. No bleeding, my mucus plug is still in place, no bathroom issues what so ever. Which is a change from the past month, strange. I haven't really had any contractions, other then the typical BH. To be honest, I think I might of had one, but I can't even be certain that was what it was.
So far now, I wait. Being over due isn't so bad. At least not yet anyway.
40 Week Letter
Dear Baby Berg-
I woke up early, early yesterday morning for our usual pre-sun rise trip to the bathroom. I carefully evaluated how I feeling before I attempted to roll over and get out of bed. I listened to the quiet of the room, your Daddy breathing beside me, the sound machine in the corner. Our room was as it usual was on an early Sunday morning. Nothing was different about yesterday morning except it was, it was your due date.
Nine months of waiting and your day was finally here. Proof I had successfully carried you from October to July, giving you time to develop, grow and become the little man you are meant to be. It's a mile stone that came without much fanfare. As we expected, you didn't arrive yesterday and that's a-okay. Something in the back of my Mama mind has always said, you'll be late. You'll get here when you're ready.
Today you're still happily situated in my belly. I don't feel any differently then I did yesterday, the day before yesterday or even last week. I'm still pretty comfortable. You're still moving around like crazy and it appears that all is well in Baby Land. I encourage you to take your time. There's not rush. We'll be waiting for you when you get here.
Your room is ready, our house is clean, we've read the books, sterilized your bottles, washed your clothes and set up your video monitor. Sophie and Bob haven listened to baby noises without panic. Every hour your Dad asks me if you're coming yet. He is just so excited to meet you. We are all so excited to meet you.
But please, take your time, come when you're ready.
We love you,
Mama
I woke up early, early yesterday morning for our usual pre-sun rise trip to the bathroom. I carefully evaluated how I feeling before I attempted to roll over and get out of bed. I listened to the quiet of the room, your Daddy breathing beside me, the sound machine in the corner. Our room was as it usual was on an early Sunday morning. Nothing was different about yesterday morning except it was, it was your due date.
Nine months of waiting and your day was finally here. Proof I had successfully carried you from October to July, giving you time to develop, grow and become the little man you are meant to be. It's a mile stone that came without much fanfare. As we expected, you didn't arrive yesterday and that's a-okay. Something in the back of my Mama mind has always said, you'll be late. You'll get here when you're ready.
Today you're still happily situated in my belly. I don't feel any differently then I did yesterday, the day before yesterday or even last week. I'm still pretty comfortable. You're still moving around like crazy and it appears that all is well in Baby Land. I encourage you to take your time. There's not rush. We'll be waiting for you when you get here.
Your room is ready, our house is clean, we've read the books, sterilized your bottles, washed your clothes and set up your video monitor. Sophie and Bob haven listened to baby noises without panic. Every hour your Dad asks me if you're coming yet. He is just so excited to meet you. We are all so excited to meet you.
But please, take your time, come when you're ready.
We love you,
Mama
Friday, July 6, 2012
Jinx
As of this morning, I have become some what reluctant to talk about Baby Berg's due date. I'm not interested in explaining how I'm feeling and if I still think he'll be late. It's almost as if I don't want to jinx myself. I've been saying for days and days now that he'll be late. I'm almost looking forward to an induction instead of having a natural labor. I think, I have lost my ever loving mind.
Regardless.....
Baby Berg hasn't given me any signs he'll be arriving anytime soon.
"My cork" as a dear friend calls it, is still in place.
I haven't had anything by way of contractions. Maybe a few cramps here and there, but nothing time able, uncomfortable or life altering.
No bloody show or increased discharge of any kind.
And trust me, I've been checking. Thanks to the heat and my increased water consumption, I'm in the bathroom every 45 minutes whether I need to be or not.
(pregnant lady advice: pee early and often)
I'm not terribly uncomfortable. I'm not counting down the hours until he's on the outside.
I am fully prepared to walk into work on Monday morning. It doesn't scare me.
He will come when he's ready.
But if I have to hear from one more person how to get him out, I will probably scream.
No, I won't try castor oil.
No, I haven't been walking excessively. I see no real point.
No, I haven't been having tons of sex. That's a story for another time.
No, I have eaten eggplant Parmesan, spicy Thai or anything that interesting. Food isn't all that exciting.
I'm just living my life.
When he's ready, he'll come out.
Or he'll get evicted on the 16th.
Which ever happens first is fine by me.
However, these swollen hands and swollen feet..... I could total live without them.
Regardless.....
Baby Berg hasn't given me any signs he'll be arriving anytime soon.
"My cork" as a dear friend calls it, is still in place.
I haven't had anything by way of contractions. Maybe a few cramps here and there, but nothing time able, uncomfortable or life altering.
No bloody show or increased discharge of any kind.
And trust me, I've been checking. Thanks to the heat and my increased water consumption, I'm in the bathroom every 45 minutes whether I need to be or not.
(pregnant lady advice: pee early and often)
I'm not terribly uncomfortable. I'm not counting down the hours until he's on the outside.
I am fully prepared to walk into work on Monday morning. It doesn't scare me.
He will come when he's ready.
But if I have to hear from one more person how to get him out, I will probably scream.
No, I won't try castor oil.
No, I haven't been walking excessively. I see no real point.
No, I haven't been having tons of sex. That's a story for another time.
No, I have eaten eggplant Parmesan, spicy Thai or anything that interesting. Food isn't all that exciting.
I'm just living my life.
When he's ready, he'll come out.
Or he'll get evicted on the 16th.
Which ever happens first is fine by me.
However, these swollen hands and swollen feet..... I could total live without them.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Focus J-Berg, Focus
I've been at work since 6:45am. It's currently 11 a'clock and so far I have attending one meeting and crossed two things off my do-to list.
Say it with me now, pathetic!
In case you forgot, Baby Boy is due on Sunday. My to-do list is about a mile long and I've only crossed off two of the easier things. One of which I've been putting off since.... ohhhhh Monday? I currently cannot find part of my desk as it's covered in stuff. I haven't gone over anything with my assistant yet for my maternity leave. I have a whole list of things I need to take home with me so I can actually successfully work from home. I need to clean our my mini fridge. I should probably email reception so they know what's going on in the event I don't come back to work. You know, should the baby actually decide to come out on his own.
Nesting is lost on me. Obviously.
So this is me, blogging instead of working. Talking about how I should get my act in gear, instead of actually getting it in gear.
I need to get a move on.
The wise woman in me thinks I should do the following:
Get everything vital done and off the to do list before lunch- there isn't that much.
Go over everything with my assistant this afternoon.
Pack up my office things that I'm taking home to put in my car this afternoon.
Pretend tomorrow is my last day in the office. It very well could be.
Figure out what my desk is supposed to look like.
Make more do-to lists and stick to them.
Yep.... wish me luck.
I don't have a high success rate for anything right now.
Say it with me now, pathetic!
In case you forgot, Baby Boy is due on Sunday. My to-do list is about a mile long and I've only crossed off two of the easier things. One of which I've been putting off since.... ohhhhh Monday? I currently cannot find part of my desk as it's covered in stuff. I haven't gone over anything with my assistant yet for my maternity leave. I have a whole list of things I need to take home with me so I can actually successfully work from home. I need to clean our my mini fridge. I should probably email reception so they know what's going on in the event I don't come back to work. You know, should the baby actually decide to come out on his own.
Nesting is lost on me. Obviously.
So this is me, blogging instead of working. Talking about how I should get my act in gear, instead of actually getting it in gear.
I need to get a move on.
The wise woman in me thinks I should do the following:
Get everything vital done and off the to do list before lunch- there isn't that much.
Go over everything with my assistant this afternoon.
Pack up my office things that I'm taking home to put in my car this afternoon.
Pretend tomorrow is my last day in the office. It very well could be.
Figure out what my desk is supposed to look like.
Make more do-to lists and stick to them.
Yep.... wish me luck.
I don't have a high success rate for anything right now.
39 Week Survey
How far along?
39 weeks and 4 days, holy cow, all of this has gone by so fast
How Big is Baby:
The size of a watermelon. I think they mean a personal sized watermelon, I really hope that's what they mean :)
Symptoms: Swollen feet and hands. I can still get my wedding and engagement ring on and off but for how much longer, I don't really know.
My tailbone pain comes and goes. My back hasn't been as bad. Overall, I still feel really good. I just get tired so quickly.
Weight Gain:
I'm hovering around 30 pounds. More if the weather is hot and humid, as it has been for the past week. Although I'm always in the bathroom, I think I'm retaining most of the water that I drink.
Best moment this week:
Lunch with E on Saturday. I love her so much.
4th of July Lunch with my Parents. We had a wonderful time.
Worst Moment of this Week:
I'm not sure I have a real worse moment. My belly is upset from all the crap I ate yesterday. I really could do without the heat. But otherwise, I don't have much to complain about.
Movement:
Lately, he's been going crazy in there. Especially about an hour before bedtime and it lasts for awhile after I lay down to go to bed. Sometimes, he'll quiet down if I lay still with my hand on my belly and sing to him. Otherwise, I have to keep switching from my left side to the right side to confuse him. Then he gets quiet.
Food cravings:
BBQ Chips yesterday, which I am paying for today. Trust me on that.
Otherwise, water and iced tea.
Gender:
A very sweet baby boy
.
Labor Signs:
He's still high and tight as E said.
And she's right. I have braxton hicks contractions off and on but nothing remarkable. I had one real contraction over the weekend. No signs of a lost mucus plug, no sign of bloody show or my water breaking. Baby Boy is still pretty high up there. My pelvis only hurts by the end of the day, I think that has more to do with gravity then the baby.
I have declined cervix checks so I have no idea if I'm dialated or effaced but I'm willing to bet I've made little to no progress.
Belly Button in or out?
Still in. A little bit flatter then last week but still very much an innie.
What I miss:
Since I made it to 39 Weeks, I think I should have a new list:
Summer time has really made me miss the following: Cute feet, Lilly Pulitizer Dresses, The Beach, A Cold Glass of Wine on the Porch with Mr. Berg, Ice Cold Beer and Cold Lunch Meat Sandwiches, A Good Workout, Being Outside, Staying Up Late, Mindless Spending, New Summer Clothes- I am so sick of maternity clothing, My Gel Nails- I cannot give myself a manicure to save my soul.
I think because I'm been home bound since May, I'm just missing the ability to travel the most. I haven't been to the beach house, haven't been to Virginia, haven't been anywhere.
I know, this list is long. But when I'm not pregnant anymore, I will have an list equally as long of the things I miss about being pregnant.
What I'm Looking Forward To:
Finding out how late he's going to go. It's sort of a game now.
Bonus: Secret Confession
I told Mr. Berg last night that a part of me is hoping for induction.
Yes, I know I'll be 41 Weeks and 1 Day pregnant at that point. However, I'll get to be induced by my own doctor, who I feel very comfortable with. I'm very nervous about my hosptial experience and I feel better knowing my favorite Dr. will be there. Plus, if my induction goes into the next day, which it very well could, my favorite mid wife is on the next day. She is equally as awesome.
With that said, I love everyone in my practice with the excpetion of one doctor. He totally blows and if I get him I'll be very sad. But as I often say "You get what you get, and you don't get upset."
39 weeks and 4 days, holy cow, all of this has gone by so fast
How Big is Baby:
The size of a watermelon. I think they mean a personal sized watermelon, I really hope that's what they mean :)
Symptoms: Swollen feet and hands. I can still get my wedding and engagement ring on and off but for how much longer, I don't really know.
My tailbone pain comes and goes. My back hasn't been as bad. Overall, I still feel really good. I just get tired so quickly.
Weight Gain:
I'm hovering around 30 pounds. More if the weather is hot and humid, as it has been for the past week. Although I'm always in the bathroom, I think I'm retaining most of the water that I drink.
Best moment this week:
Lunch with E on Saturday. I love her so much.
4th of July Lunch with my Parents. We had a wonderful time.
Worst Moment of this Week:
I'm not sure I have a real worse moment. My belly is upset from all the crap I ate yesterday. I really could do without the heat. But otherwise, I don't have much to complain about.
Movement:
Lately, he's been going crazy in there. Especially about an hour before bedtime and it lasts for awhile after I lay down to go to bed. Sometimes, he'll quiet down if I lay still with my hand on my belly and sing to him. Otherwise, I have to keep switching from my left side to the right side to confuse him. Then he gets quiet.
Food cravings:
BBQ Chips yesterday, which I am paying for today. Trust me on that.
Otherwise, water and iced tea.
Gender:
A very sweet baby boy
.
Labor Signs:
He's still high and tight as E said.
And she's right. I have braxton hicks contractions off and on but nothing remarkable. I had one real contraction over the weekend. No signs of a lost mucus plug, no sign of bloody show or my water breaking. Baby Boy is still pretty high up there. My pelvis only hurts by the end of the day, I think that has more to do with gravity then the baby.
I have declined cervix checks so I have no idea if I'm dialated or effaced but I'm willing to bet I've made little to no progress.
Belly Button in or out?
Still in. A little bit flatter then last week but still very much an innie.
What I miss:
Since I made it to 39 Weeks, I think I should have a new list:
Summer time has really made me miss the following: Cute feet, Lilly Pulitizer Dresses, The Beach, A Cold Glass of Wine on the Porch with Mr. Berg, Ice Cold Beer and Cold Lunch Meat Sandwiches, A Good Workout, Being Outside, Staying Up Late, Mindless Spending, New Summer Clothes- I am so sick of maternity clothing, My Gel Nails- I cannot give myself a manicure to save my soul.
I think because I'm been home bound since May, I'm just missing the ability to travel the most. I haven't been to the beach house, haven't been to Virginia, haven't been anywhere.
I know, this list is long. But when I'm not pregnant anymore, I will have an list equally as long of the things I miss about being pregnant.
What I'm Looking Forward To:
Finding out how late he's going to go. It's sort of a game now.
Bonus: Secret Confession
I told Mr. Berg last night that a part of me is hoping for induction.
Yes, I know I'll be 41 Weeks and 1 Day pregnant at that point. However, I'll get to be induced by my own doctor, who I feel very comfortable with. I'm very nervous about my hosptial experience and I feel better knowing my favorite Dr. will be there. Plus, if my induction goes into the next day, which it very well could, my favorite mid wife is on the next day. She is equally as awesome.
With that said, I love everyone in my practice with the excpetion of one doctor. He totally blows and if I get him I'll be very sad. But as I often say "You get what you get, and you don't get upset."
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
10 Things Tuesday
- I'm trying not to get stressed about a possible induction on the 16th. If it happens, it happens. I'm focusing on the fact that if it does, I will have all weekend to rest and mentally prepare before he gets here. That and I can walk into the labor hall with a fresh blow out and make up (yes, I am vain..... don't act surprised)
- We got cherry icees for our 4th of July Luncheon today. They were pretty darn amazing and just what this pregnant lady needed
- I am so sick of people telling me that Baby Boy could arrive tomorrow and he just might not be late. Trust me, we are well on our way to being late and that's okay with me.
- I really need to hang a sign above my head the says "Don't shoot the messenger" I've been the barer of bad news recently.
- If I could vote a co-worker off the Island, I know exactly who I'd pick
- I get to sleep in tomorrow and tonight Mr. Berg and I are watching a movie.
- We've been invited to a 4th of July Fireworks Party tomorrow night. I highly doubt we'll make it, esp. seeing as the weather is going to be hot, hotter and humid.
- My feet = boulders
- I have a hair appointment tonight. I scheduled it back in May and said "Man, I hope I make it." Clearly, we have no problem with that.
- Sophie hasn't left Mr. Berg and I any gifts near the litter box lately. I'm not sure why, but we're going with it.Now that I've admitted that in a public space, it will be masterfeces theatre in our basement tonight.
Tales of the 39 Week Appointment
Mr. Berg and I arrived at our doctor's office yesterday evening in typical fashion. 15 minutes early for our appointment as instructed, co-pay in hand, water bottle at the ready and a list of questions a mile long. It was our very last appointment scheduled prior to our due date. We both commented on how weird it would be to not be making the weekly trek to the doctor's office in the coming months. We knew we were standing on the ledge of our current life, a new life is just around the corner. Complete with a bouncing baby boy and a new definition of sleep deprivation.
We were greeted by our usual nurse as we were called back to the exam room. I love this woman. She understands the mindset of the nearly due woman. She took my blood pressure and said "perfect" she took my weight telling me "it looks good" and never said a word about exactly what I've gained. Trust me, at this point, I just don't want to know. No one really needs to know.
I decided to decline a cervix check. Why bother, it won't prove much of anything anyway. Our nurse chuckled and agreed. "But they are so comfortable." She said with a grin. Next week I won't get a choice, but at 39 weeks, the choice is mine and my choice was why worry.
We listened to the baby's heart beat, it was higher then normal but I'm carrying the next Michael Phelps, so none of us batted an eye. We listened to the heart rate while watching my son swim laps in my belly. No wonder his heart rate was in the 160s.
When asked about contractions I told the nurse about the occasional braxton hicks contractions I've been feeling. Then Mr. Berg reminded me of Saturday night. "Oh yes," I started "I woke up Saturday night to go to the bathroom and I felt one real, ouchy contraction. So I went to the bathroom, drank some water and laid back down to wait for the next one...... and then I woke up again at 8:30 on Sunday morning."
She laughed and wrote something in my chart that I'm sure said "this woman is dysfunctional." and excused herself from the room.
Mr. Berg and I then found ourselves waiting for the mid-wife. We went over our list of questions, the main concern being, how late would they let me go? Where we smart to decline the cervix check? Am I normal for no real signs of progress?
After a few minutes the exam room door opened and our favorite mid wife walked into laughing "Only one contraction? Just one measly contraction?" I smiled and shook my head.
"Well, he has to come out eventually and I set his end date, like it or not Baby Boy."
Mr. Berg and I looked at each other in shock. He has an end date?
As it turns out, July is a busy time at our hospital. Between vacations, OB rotations and the anticipated amount of births for this month, our hospital had alerted all of the area OB practices that inductions for the mere purpose of "this baby is late" should be scheduled about two weeks out to ensure they could be properly staffed and prepared. As an obsessive planner, this tactic works for me.
While Baby Boy could very easily make his own entrance in his own time, if he doesn't before July 16th, he'll be evicted.
Our midwife knows us well. She explained her thought process behind the induction to Mr. Berg quickly and with lots of facts and statistics. While I'm more often then not inclined to believe a doctor's opinion because they've gone to medical school and I have not, Mr. Berg doesn't function that way. He needs facts, statistics and purpose behind all decisions. She aced his exam.
In short: Baby Boy is still high and tight, measuring about 1-1/2 weeks behind. He's still moving well and within normal range, but it's becoming obvious my body isn't in any hurry to force him out.
She agreed with my decision to decline a cervix check. It wouldn't prove much of anything, I could be on cervical lock down and give birth 12 hours later or I could be 3cm dilated and he still won't come until the 16th.
If he doesn't arrive by next Monday I'll have NST, ultrasound and cervix check. If everything looks good, we'll let him ride until he arrives or the 16th, which ever comes first. If Monday rolls around and something doesn't look right with my NST or ultrasound, they will induce earlier.
Either way, I'm comfortable. I trust our medical team and their opinions. They've delivered thousands of babies. I've had none.
So, we'll see what happens.
I have packet on my desk explaining the process. It could go a couple of ways.
I'm not 100% confident I'll be induced. He still has plenty of time to come on his own.
But I'm looking on the bright side. If I do end up being included at least I can go in completely prepared and feeling ready.
And I'll have time to blow out my hair, run it through the flat iron and put on some make up.... yes, I am that vain. Don't act that surprised
We were greeted by our usual nurse as we were called back to the exam room. I love this woman. She understands the mindset of the nearly due woman. She took my blood pressure and said "perfect" she took my weight telling me "it looks good" and never said a word about exactly what I've gained. Trust me, at this point, I just don't want to know. No one really needs to know.
I decided to decline a cervix check. Why bother, it won't prove much of anything anyway. Our nurse chuckled and agreed. "But they are so comfortable." She said with a grin. Next week I won't get a choice, but at 39 weeks, the choice is mine and my choice was why worry.
We listened to the baby's heart beat, it was higher then normal but I'm carrying the next Michael Phelps, so none of us batted an eye. We listened to the heart rate while watching my son swim laps in my belly. No wonder his heart rate was in the 160s.
When asked about contractions I told the nurse about the occasional braxton hicks contractions I've been feeling. Then Mr. Berg reminded me of Saturday night. "Oh yes," I started "I woke up Saturday night to go to the bathroom and I felt one real, ouchy contraction. So I went to the bathroom, drank some water and laid back down to wait for the next one...... and then I woke up again at 8:30 on Sunday morning."
She laughed and wrote something in my chart that I'm sure said "this woman is dysfunctional." and excused herself from the room.
Mr. Berg and I then found ourselves waiting for the mid-wife. We went over our list of questions, the main concern being, how late would they let me go? Where we smart to decline the cervix check? Am I normal for no real signs of progress?
After a few minutes the exam room door opened and our favorite mid wife walked into laughing "Only one contraction? Just one measly contraction?" I smiled and shook my head.
"Well, he has to come out eventually and I set his end date, like it or not Baby Boy."
Mr. Berg and I looked at each other in shock. He has an end date?
As it turns out, July is a busy time at our hospital. Between vacations, OB rotations and the anticipated amount of births for this month, our hospital had alerted all of the area OB practices that inductions for the mere purpose of "this baby is late" should be scheduled about two weeks out to ensure they could be properly staffed and prepared. As an obsessive planner, this tactic works for me.
While Baby Boy could very easily make his own entrance in his own time, if he doesn't before July 16th, he'll be evicted.
Our midwife knows us well. She explained her thought process behind the induction to Mr. Berg quickly and with lots of facts and statistics. While I'm more often then not inclined to believe a doctor's opinion because they've gone to medical school and I have not, Mr. Berg doesn't function that way. He needs facts, statistics and purpose behind all decisions. She aced his exam.
In short: Baby Boy is still high and tight, measuring about 1-1/2 weeks behind. He's still moving well and within normal range, but it's becoming obvious my body isn't in any hurry to force him out.
She agreed with my decision to decline a cervix check. It wouldn't prove much of anything, I could be on cervical lock down and give birth 12 hours later or I could be 3cm dilated and he still won't come until the 16th.
If he doesn't arrive by next Monday I'll have NST, ultrasound and cervix check. If everything looks good, we'll let him ride until he arrives or the 16th, which ever comes first. If Monday rolls around and something doesn't look right with my NST or ultrasound, they will induce earlier.
Either way, I'm comfortable. I trust our medical team and their opinions. They've delivered thousands of babies. I've had none.
So, we'll see what happens.
I have packet on my desk explaining the process. It could go a couple of ways.
I'm not 100% confident I'll be induced. He still has plenty of time to come on his own.
But I'm looking on the bright side. If I do end up being included at least I can go in completely prepared and feeling ready.
And I'll have time to blow out my hair, run it through the flat iron and put on some make up.... yes, I am that vain. Don't act that surprised
Monday, July 2, 2012
39 Week Letter
Hi Baby Boy-
Well, we here we are, our last week together. Well, atleast according to all the books, the doctors and all that good stuff. As of Sunday, your time with expire and you'll be in your way out. Right? Ha! I'm not so sure about that. If I had to guess, you are currently in there hanging upside down from my ribs in an effort to never, ever come out. Guess what kid, you're coming out one way or another.
If I had to place a bet, my guess is, you'll be late. Part of me thinks you'll be here on the 11th, another part of me believes you'll arrive on the 13th. Probably because I want you to share 13 with your Uncle James. He was born on a Friday the 13th and he is the luckiest guy around. I want that to rub off on you.
Regardless, I know you'll come when the time is right and perfect for you.
In the meantime, we are ready for you. Your room is all set up, your swing, pack n play, car seat, play mats, the whole nine yards have been washed, set up and prepared. We packed our hospital bags last night and we made a list of important people to call when you decide you are ready to make your entrance.
We can't wait to meet you, to name you, to get to know exactly who you are. We hope you'll love us just as much as we already love you.
Mama.
Well, we here we are, our last week together. Well, atleast according to all the books, the doctors and all that good stuff. As of Sunday, your time with expire and you'll be in your way out. Right? Ha! I'm not so sure about that. If I had to guess, you are currently in there hanging upside down from my ribs in an effort to never, ever come out. Guess what kid, you're coming out one way or another.
If I had to place a bet, my guess is, you'll be late. Part of me thinks you'll be here on the 11th, another part of me believes you'll arrive on the 13th. Probably because I want you to share 13 with your Uncle James. He was born on a Friday the 13th and he is the luckiest guy around. I want that to rub off on you.
Regardless, I know you'll come when the time is right and perfect for you.
In the meantime, we are ready for you. Your room is all set up, your swing, pack n play, car seat, play mats, the whole nine yards have been washed, set up and prepared. We packed our hospital bags last night and we made a list of important people to call when you decide you are ready to make your entrance.
We can't wait to meet you, to name you, to get to know exactly who you are. We hope you'll love us just as much as we already love you.
Mama.
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