As Mr. Berg put it, this weekend was all about the baby.
Saturday morning we were up early for our hospital tour. Our town has two local hospitals, one of which is considered a community hospital, the other is a large, regional hospital with NICU, Trauma Center and Cardio Center, etc. Basically, if you're in medical trouble, you want the ambulance to take you there instead of the other place.
Luckily, Baby Boy is being born at the regional hospital. It just so happens, his Mom was born there too. As was his Uncle. And another fortunate thing, his Mama's company built the new patient tower where we'll all be staying once he arrives. We renovated the labor and delivery hallway too, way back in the 80's, while I was being born.... if you want to get down to the nitty gritty details.
Anyway...
I have a good history with said hospital, but haven't spent a whole lot of time there. Other then for my own birth and three trips to the ER in my life time. I was pretty excited to see how everything looked, where we would be, what a typical room looked like etc. I wasn't expecting the reaction I had. My initial impression: This is a hospital, I am not staying here! That bed doesn't look comfortable, I do NOT like that wall paper border, nope, not staying here.
After our tour of the labor hall and where the NICU would be, should we need to go there, we were taken over to the maternity wing. After Baby Boy makes his arrival, we'll be hanging out there for a night or two.
I was excited to see the new floor as we built it and were promptly locked out (for good reason, gotta keep the babies safe). It was certainly spacious, bright, beautiful and clean. However, the minute we walked into a room I felt the same way. I am NOT staying here. This room is small and dark. This room is not fun.
It was only after I was home and on with my day that I could remind myself that I was standing in a maternity wing room with 30 other people, no wonder it was small. It was dark because the lights were dimmed and the window shade was down. It looks sterile because IT SUPPOSED TO BE. The room will be as fun as I make it.
My apprehension died down as the day wore on and I didn't give it much thought again until we arrived at our Labor and Delivery Class on Sunday afternoon. My first impression, nope don't like the instructor. Are you noticing how much of a bitch I've become? Okay, good. Me too.
The instructor got off to a rocky start with me. First off, she got pretty judgey with a classmate over her caffeine consumption. This of course set Mr. Berg off into a frenzy. How much caffeine is okay? How much have you had? OMG is the baby going to go through withdrawal?
No.
I wasn't thrilled with a few things she said, as they all either went against my Doctor's advice or created avenues for fear mongering. Such as caffeine consumption, tail bone pain and baby positioning, labor stalling issues. Etc. However, I had anticipated a few of these things. I knew I wouldn't be the stellar student: I'm not breastfeeding, I will be getting pain medication and of course, I drink caffeine. Every day.
Thankfully, as class worn on, she grew on me. I soon realized that while yes, she was a bit crazy, she had good intentions. She made sure to touch on special needs for several people with pregnancy related issues, she showed us some amazing relaxation techniques for labor and engaged the group in a few well informed talks about pain management, including several types of drugs. Another thing she talked about that I wasn't expecting was what we'd need for Mr. Berg.
I left feeling better prepared, more educated and suddenly, that hospital and my impending overnight stay didn't seem to bad..... I still hate the wall paper boarder though.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Embracing the Quiet
Last night Mr. Berg and I sat quietly in the living room for a few hours while he caught up on three weeks worth of Sunday News Papers and I ordered our car seat, made lists and caught up on some reading of my own. We hardly spoke a word and just let the silence embrace us. As I was finishing up my last list and beginning to grow restless with all the silence Mr. Berg looked up and commented on how nice it was to sit in the quiet.
I rolled my eyes and make some off handed remark on how boring it was. I've never been one to really work with the quiet. While Mr. Berg could easily go all day without saying a word or hearing a noise, I would rather die. I thrive with distractions, activity and movement. I often get in trouble with Mr. Berg for leaving all the TVs in the house on, and tuned into the same channel. Why? So when I move from room to room as I clean, make beds, cook, organize, I can still pay attention to whatever is on. Which is typically the Food Network, but whatever.
But as I went to bed later then night, I could help but reflect on how nice it was to just be quiet. So much of life is filled with noise for me. Between the radio, the TV, voices as work, voices as home, meowing cats, traffic, other customers, alarms, bells, whistles, whatever is going on around me, you name it. My life is filled with a lot of noise. Not that I'm complaining. I love to surround myself with lots of everything. But sometimes you just have to stop and listen to the silence.
I realized in those quiet moments, how at peace I am with my life right now. Yes, I have things to do and places to be and people to see. But right then, at that moment, sitting on my sofa with my sore pregnant self and my swollen ankles, I couldn't have found a better place to be. It wasn't until hours later then I realized how important it was for me to take inventory of myself and my feelings.
A few years back a friend of mine had to take his car into the shop, his radio had died. In the two days between the car radio dying and the appointment as the shop his engine started making a funny, yet some what quiet noise. As it turns out, the radio was easily fixed and the engine noise was the start of what could have been a catastrophic and costly failure. The mechanic who fixed it said not many people catch the problem that early.
Had my friend's radio not died, he would never have heard it. He would have reached catastrophic failure.
So, my advice to you, to myself really, is to take time to stop and listen. Listen to your own heart, listen to your own head and take inventory of what it going on in there. What quiet rumblings would you otherwise be missing?
I rolled my eyes and make some off handed remark on how boring it was. I've never been one to really work with the quiet. While Mr. Berg could easily go all day without saying a word or hearing a noise, I would rather die. I thrive with distractions, activity and movement. I often get in trouble with Mr. Berg for leaving all the TVs in the house on, and tuned into the same channel. Why? So when I move from room to room as I clean, make beds, cook, organize, I can still pay attention to whatever is on. Which is typically the Food Network, but whatever.
But as I went to bed later then night, I could help but reflect on how nice it was to just be quiet. So much of life is filled with noise for me. Between the radio, the TV, voices as work, voices as home, meowing cats, traffic, other customers, alarms, bells, whistles, whatever is going on around me, you name it. My life is filled with a lot of noise. Not that I'm complaining. I love to surround myself with lots of everything. But sometimes you just have to stop and listen to the silence.
I realized in those quiet moments, how at peace I am with my life right now. Yes, I have things to do and places to be and people to see. But right then, at that moment, sitting on my sofa with my sore pregnant self and my swollen ankles, I couldn't have found a better place to be. It wasn't until hours later then I realized how important it was for me to take inventory of myself and my feelings.
A few years back a friend of mine had to take his car into the shop, his radio had died. In the two days between the car radio dying and the appointment as the shop his engine started making a funny, yet some what quiet noise. As it turns out, the radio was easily fixed and the engine noise was the start of what could have been a catastrophic and costly failure. The mechanic who fixed it said not many people catch the problem that early.
Had my friend's radio not died, he would never have heard it. He would have reached catastrophic failure.
So, my advice to you, to myself really, is to take time to stop and listen. Listen to your own heart, listen to your own head and take inventory of what it going on in there. What quiet rumblings would you otherwise be missing?
Monday, June 11, 2012
36 Week Letter
Good Morning Baby Boy-
Welcome to your 9th month in Mama's belly. How goes it in there?
I'm willing to bet that you're very comfortable and happy. This morning at our doctor's appointment you were snoozing away when the nurse tried to find your heart beat. You weren't having it and we got a good laugh as you tried to move away from the mean Doppler wand.
According to the doctor you are in the right position but you aren't progressing downward just yet. I wasn't surprised to hear it. I have a feeling you'll be on the later side. I must admit, I'm okay with that. I have had so much fun having you inside me. I'm not ready for that to be over yet. With that said, I reserve the right to change my mind in a few weeks.
In all honesty though, take your time. There is a whole big, wide world waiting for you outside. It's an exciting place, but an overwhelming place too. We'll be here with you're ready for it.
Dad and I have all the big things out of the way. Your nursery is set up, our birthing class is complete and we went on the hospital tour this weekend. All in all, the big items are crossed off the list. Now it's time for the little things, packing our hospital bag, ordering your car seat, washing your clothes and making your bed. I can't believe in a month, give for take a few days, you'll be here. I won't be guessing at whether or not I'm feeling little feet or little hands pressing against my belly. Instead, I'll be kissing your little feet, your little hands and your little belly.
I am just so excited to meet you.
All my love,
Mama
Welcome to your 9th month in Mama's belly. How goes it in there?
I'm willing to bet that you're very comfortable and happy. This morning at our doctor's appointment you were snoozing away when the nurse tried to find your heart beat. You weren't having it and we got a good laugh as you tried to move away from the mean Doppler wand.
According to the doctor you are in the right position but you aren't progressing downward just yet. I wasn't surprised to hear it. I have a feeling you'll be on the later side. I must admit, I'm okay with that. I have had so much fun having you inside me. I'm not ready for that to be over yet. With that said, I reserve the right to change my mind in a few weeks.
In all honesty though, take your time. There is a whole big, wide world waiting for you outside. It's an exciting place, but an overwhelming place too. We'll be here with you're ready for it.
Dad and I have all the big things out of the way. Your nursery is set up, our birthing class is complete and we went on the hospital tour this weekend. All in all, the big items are crossed off the list. Now it's time for the little things, packing our hospital bag, ordering your car seat, washing your clothes and making your bed. I can't believe in a month, give for take a few days, you'll be here. I won't be guessing at whether or not I'm feeling little feet or little hands pressing against my belly. Instead, I'll be kissing your little feet, your little hands and your little belly.
I am just so excited to meet you.
All my love,
Mama
Thursday, June 7, 2012
35 Week Survey
How far along?
35 Weeks and 4 days
How Big is Baby:
The bump says Baby Boy is the size of a coconut and is somewhere between 4.2 and 5.8 pounds. My money is that he is on the smaller size as he's been consistently measuring just a little bit behind.
According the emails I get, he won't get much longer at this point but will continue to pack on the pounds.
Symptoms:
I am now the proud owner of a geriatric butt pillow. I kid you not. But it really helps since I spend so much of my time sitting at work.
And thankfully, Mr. Berg has been giving me nightly back rubs. They make everything so much better.
Weight Gain:
I haven't stood on the scale at all this week. I'm not even sure I could see the scale at this point to be honest.
Best moment this week:
Mr. Berg was a sweet heart and brought my pillow to work this morning. My mind was elsewhere when I left for work and I forgot it.
And Baby Care Class.... what a hoot. I think the best part was Mr. Berg saying "I'm ready to expand my skills in baby care." as we were driving to our class. What kind of statement is that?
Worst Moment of this Week:
The tailbone. It's been horrid lately.
Movement:
He's still moving and grooving in there. I'm pretty sure I can distinguish between knees, his butt and his back now.
Food cravings: Water, fresh fruit, iced tea
Black Bean and Corn Salad, again. So, guess what we had for dinner this week.
Gender: A very sweet baby boy
.
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? I swear its caving in. Can that even happen?
What I miss: Always the following:
Raw Sushi, Wine, Beer, Pants with zippers and snaps, Spinning, a Hard Work Out, Running, Staying Up Late, Spray Tans, Frozen Margaritas, Jamaican Smiles and Walking Up Steps Without Having to Stop and Catch my Breathe, Wine on the Back Deck on a warm night. The beach in general.
What I am looking forward to: A nice weekend with Mr. Berg. Our hospital tour is on Saturday and we have a 5 hour childbirth class on Saturday. I'm not thrilled about that part, but it is what it is.
35 Weeks and 4 days
How Big is Baby:
The bump says Baby Boy is the size of a coconut and is somewhere between 4.2 and 5.8 pounds. My money is that he is on the smaller size as he's been consistently measuring just a little bit behind.
According the emails I get, he won't get much longer at this point but will continue to pack on the pounds.
Symptoms:
I am now the proud owner of a geriatric butt pillow. I kid you not. But it really helps since I spend so much of my time sitting at work.
And thankfully, Mr. Berg has been giving me nightly back rubs. They make everything so much better.
Weight Gain:
I haven't stood on the scale at all this week. I'm not even sure I could see the scale at this point to be honest.
Best moment this week:
Mr. Berg was a sweet heart and brought my pillow to work this morning. My mind was elsewhere when I left for work and I forgot it.
And Baby Care Class.... what a hoot. I think the best part was Mr. Berg saying "I'm ready to expand my skills in baby care." as we were driving to our class. What kind of statement is that?
Worst Moment of this Week:
The tailbone. It's been horrid lately.
Movement:
He's still moving and grooving in there. I'm pretty sure I can distinguish between knees, his butt and his back now.
Food cravings: Water, fresh fruit, iced tea
Black Bean and Corn Salad, again. So, guess what we had for dinner this week.
Gender: A very sweet baby boy
.
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? I swear its caving in. Can that even happen?
What I miss: Always the following:
Raw Sushi, Wine, Beer, Pants with zippers and snaps, Spinning, a Hard Work Out, Running, Staying Up Late, Spray Tans, Frozen Margaritas, Jamaican Smiles and Walking Up Steps Without Having to Stop and Catch my Breathe, Wine on the Back Deck on a warm night. The beach in general.
What I am looking forward to: A nice weekend with Mr. Berg. Our hospital tour is on Saturday and we have a 5 hour childbirth class on Saturday. I'm not thrilled about that part, but it is what it is.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
A Bunch of Wednesday Randomness
Because you're all dying to know what goes on in my life.....
Baby Stuff:
Baby Stuff:
- Baby Boy has furniture in his room and a mattress on his crib. I know, unbelievable.
- His mother has yet to wash his clothing or his sheets, blankets, bibs, etc. But everything is in a huge pile on the dresser waiting for wash day.
- Mr. Berg and I have picked out three different car seats. All three have either gone out of stock, sold out or are no longer available. At this rate, our kid will be riding around town in a wash basket lined in bubble wrap.
- Baby Boy is head down, kind of. His head is off to the right and no where near where it should be. My doctor isn't too concerned and neither am I.
- Things we still need: Changing Pad, Bottles, Burp Clothes, Extra Blankets, and baby pants.
- My child has 48 pairs of socks
- I've been doubling up on meals and freezing them for after Baby Boy arrives. It makes me feel better.
- I am not at all concerned about how clean my house is, it's always pretty clean. But ask me how much food is in my freezer and you might cause a melt down. No joke.
- Mr. Berg's office is throwing him a surprise shower in two weeks. He is going to be so thrilled. I'm really, really excited for him. His co-workers are sneaking me into his office for the shower. I can't wait to see the look on his face.
- My mom thinks because 4 people are allowed in the delivery room at our hospital that means she's automatically invited to the delivery of baby boy. She is not. She always follows up the denial of her request with "But they said...."
- I am loving this weather
- My in-laws are coming to see us tomorrow night. I might have to work late, in another state, three hours away...... I wish
- Work has been insane lately, I love it
- Home has been quiet and calm lately. We've been working on a lot of projects around the house and catching up on Deadliest Catch on the DVR.
- I am 100% perfectly content with my life. I couldn't ask for anything more.
- I'm trying my best to save a much money as possible before Baby Boy arrives. It is not happening.
- In the spirit of saving money, I have stopping getting my bi weekly manicures. I'll start them up again once I'm back to work. But until then, boring nails.
- But on the same note, I have a hair appointment scheduled for 1 week before my due date and I have every intention of making it.
- The weather has been perfect lately. Not too hot, not too cold and just perfect.
- I'm starting to realize that pretty soon it won't just be Mr. Berg and me anything more. I know that part of me is really going to miss that.
Monday, June 4, 2012
35 Week Letter
Dear Baby Boy-
Can you believe it, we reached the big 35/35. We've been together for 35 weeks now and in about 35 day you'll be here. I can shocked and amazed at what that means for us.
Back in December, 35 weeks sounded like such a long way away. I wondered what I would feel like, how big my belly would be, if we'd be folding blue or pink baby clothes? I have to say, everything I I hoped I wouldn't feel, I don't. Everything I hoped I would feel, I do and so much more.
This has been hands down the easiest pregnancy on the face of the earth. You haven't given your Mama any grief and for that I am completely grateful. I always assumed that by now, I'd be ready for you to be here and for this pregancy to be over. I don't feel that way at all. I love having you safe and secure in my belly. I love knowing that no matter what I do or where I go, you're right there with me. I can't wait to meet you, I can't wait to see your little features and touch your little face. But truth be told, I love knowing that every minute of every day right now, you are safe. Your are with me. It won't always be that way, will it?
Your Daddy and I went through a mountain of baby clothes yesterday. Sweet Baby, you will be the best dressed boy in all the world. That is, until you're wearing 6 month clothes, then we'll have issues. But for now, we aren't without our fair share of onesies, socks, hats, mittens and sleepers. There is talk you won't have pants, sorry about that. But for whatever reason, your pants supply is pretty dismale.
Have fun growing in there. According to our doctor, you probably won't be getting much taler in the next few weeks but you'll be packing on the pounds. I'm making sure we have plenty of fruit and veggies and lean protiens to keep you strong and healthy. Oh and ice cream, we do love our ice cream.
I love you Little Man,
See you in a little over a month
Mama
PS- Did you know your Daddy is the one that's been poking my belly lately trying to get you to move? He loves feeling you wiggle around in there. He calls you his little man and I swear it is the highlight of his day when you respond to him. You are the luckiest little man in the world to have a Daddy like him.
Can you believe it, we reached the big 35/35. We've been together for 35 weeks now and in about 35 day you'll be here. I can shocked and amazed at what that means for us.
Back in December, 35 weeks sounded like such a long way away. I wondered what I would feel like, how big my belly would be, if we'd be folding blue or pink baby clothes? I have to say, everything I I hoped I wouldn't feel, I don't. Everything I hoped I would feel, I do and so much more.
This has been hands down the easiest pregnancy on the face of the earth. You haven't given your Mama any grief and for that I am completely grateful. I always assumed that by now, I'd be ready for you to be here and for this pregancy to be over. I don't feel that way at all. I love having you safe and secure in my belly. I love knowing that no matter what I do or where I go, you're right there with me. I can't wait to meet you, I can't wait to see your little features and touch your little face. But truth be told, I love knowing that every minute of every day right now, you are safe. Your are with me. It won't always be that way, will it?
Your Daddy and I went through a mountain of baby clothes yesterday. Sweet Baby, you will be the best dressed boy in all the world. That is, until you're wearing 6 month clothes, then we'll have issues. But for now, we aren't without our fair share of onesies, socks, hats, mittens and sleepers. There is talk you won't have pants, sorry about that. But for whatever reason, your pants supply is pretty dismale.
Have fun growing in there. According to our doctor, you probably won't be getting much taler in the next few weeks but you'll be packing on the pounds. I'm making sure we have plenty of fruit and veggies and lean protiens to keep you strong and healthy. Oh and ice cream, we do love our ice cream.
I love you Little Man,
See you in a little over a month
Mama
PS- Did you know your Daddy is the one that's been poking my belly lately trying to get you to move? He loves feeling you wiggle around in there. He calls you his little man and I swear it is the highlight of his day when you respond to him. You are the luckiest little man in the world to have a Daddy like him.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Enough Already.
Mr. Berg left for a business trip on Wednesday night. He'll return sometime tonight depending on how the weather is where he's at. He's supposed to be golfing right now.
Anyway.....
Rationally, I know it's only been two nights. He enjoys this business trip more then any other and looks forward to it all year long. He always has a wonderful time and it's good for him to be around other sales people. All in all, it's a great experience and I'm very grateful his boss felt it important to start sending him 3 years ago.
But I'm not rational right now. I'm almost 35 weeks pregnant and my hormones are ruling my once logical brain with reckless abandonment.
Thus, I have been a complete mess. In the 24 hours prior to his departure you would have thought he was leaving for a month. I cried, I moped, I whined.... none of my best sides, obviously. Since he's been gone I've had a complete feeling of unrest. I can't settle into my normal routine, I'm edgy, sad and worried. I haven't slept well in two nights.
The fist night I was up in the middle of the night for two and half hours just willing myself to go back to sleep. Last night I woke up from a horrible dream where Dave feel in love with another girl. It was terrible. I never did go back to sleep.
I know all of this is dumb. I know that tonight my husband will return from his trip and my world will return to normal again. I am so over feeling like this. It's not me, it's not normal. It is dumb. VERY, VERY DUMB.
And yet, I can't help but be haunted by a memory of a dream of my husband falling in love with another woman.
Anyway.....
Rationally, I know it's only been two nights. He enjoys this business trip more then any other and looks forward to it all year long. He always has a wonderful time and it's good for him to be around other sales people. All in all, it's a great experience and I'm very grateful his boss felt it important to start sending him 3 years ago.
But I'm not rational right now. I'm almost 35 weeks pregnant and my hormones are ruling my once logical brain with reckless abandonment.
Thus, I have been a complete mess. In the 24 hours prior to his departure you would have thought he was leaving for a month. I cried, I moped, I whined.... none of my best sides, obviously. Since he's been gone I've had a complete feeling of unrest. I can't settle into my normal routine, I'm edgy, sad and worried. I haven't slept well in two nights.
The fist night I was up in the middle of the night for two and half hours just willing myself to go back to sleep. Last night I woke up from a horrible dream where Dave feel in love with another girl. It was terrible. I never did go back to sleep.
I know all of this is dumb. I know that tonight my husband will return from his trip and my world will return to normal again. I am so over feeling like this. It's not me, it's not normal. It is dumb. VERY, VERY DUMB.
And yet, I can't help but be haunted by a memory of a dream of my husband falling in love with another woman.
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