Thursday, September 29, 2011
Concrete Patio
The last official landscaping project of this year was completed this week and we are so excited to have it crossed off our list! Hopefully we will get a chance or two to use it before it gets real cold.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
36 Week Dr. Appt
We went to the doctor on Monday for our first weekly appointment. The appointment wasn't as good as it normally has been, but it wasn't bad either. This week we saw the nurse practitioner. (My doctor, Dr. Jorgensen did have her baby about a week ago so it looks like she will definitely be around for my delivery!)
Weight Gain: 1 pound; which I'm very pleased with....this brings the total to 29 pounds
Blood Pressure: Had to be taken 3, yes 3, times! After taking the first reading, the nurse had me lay down and then she came back to take it again. Well, it was actually worse. She had me lay down again and Johnny rubbed my back. The nurse came back in to take a 3rd reading and it was back to normal....thank goodness! She also told me that there was no protein in my urine which she was kind of concerned about with the swelling I have.
Heartbeat: Hearing Mellany's heartbeat always starts my week off right. This week it was at about 140 which the doctor said was great.
Measurement: I am measuring right where I should be for 36 weeks
Cervix Check: The doctor checked my cervix and said I am about 50% effaced and barely a "fingertip" dilated. Mellany's head is down (wahoo!) but is still high. Hopefully she will come down soon because having the NP feel for a "high head" was quite uncomfortable.
Injections: The nurse practitioner said that they suggest a flu shot and a TdaP shot to protect baby. I was totally game for the TdaP, but having never gotten the flu shot (even while teaching), I was a little reluctant. I decided to go ahead with both and while they didn't hurt whatsoever going in, my arms (especially from the flu shot) were so sore afterwards....even while sleeping!
Our next appointment is on Monday where all of the above will be repeated. Hopefully my BP will have gone down and I am even more dilated and effaced!
Weight Gain: 1 pound; which I'm very pleased with....this brings the total to 29 pounds
Blood Pressure: Had to be taken 3, yes 3, times! After taking the first reading, the nurse had me lay down and then she came back to take it again. Well, it was actually worse. She had me lay down again and Johnny rubbed my back. The nurse came back in to take a 3rd reading and it was back to normal....thank goodness! She also told me that there was no protein in my urine which she was kind of concerned about with the swelling I have.
Heartbeat: Hearing Mellany's heartbeat always starts my week off right. This week it was at about 140 which the doctor said was great.
Measurement: I am measuring right where I should be for 36 weeks
Cervix Check: The doctor checked my cervix and said I am about 50% effaced and barely a "fingertip" dilated. Mellany's head is down (wahoo!) but is still high. Hopefully she will come down soon because having the NP feel for a "high head" was quite uncomfortable.
Injections: The nurse practitioner said that they suggest a flu shot and a TdaP shot to protect baby. I was totally game for the TdaP, but having never gotten the flu shot (even while teaching), I was a little reluctant. I decided to go ahead with both and while they didn't hurt whatsoever going in, my arms (especially from the flu shot) were so sore afterwards....even while sleeping!
Our next appointment is on Monday where all of the above will be repeated. Hopefully my BP will have gone down and I am even more dilated and effaced!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
36 Weeks
With only 4 weeks left, we're getting more anxious than ever! We are slowly but surely getting things together for the hospital stay and my list of "to-do's" before Mellany arrives is dwindling. It is such a good feeling! It is still somewhat shocking to us also to see "28 days left" on our baby emails but I think we're ready!
As for what I've been feeling lately; I feel like a balloon. I feel like I am swollen literally everywhere: my face, my feet, my fingers, even my thighs and I am ready for it to go away. I've had some pretty sharp pains which I can't decide are ligament pains or contractions. What I do know is that it was so bad one night that I dropped to the floor and had to crawl to the living room. It took probably a good 5 minutes for me to be able to get back up. Emotionally, I'm still hit or miss when it comes to crying. It is just so easy to do these days; wether I'm dropping Bo off at the vet or just in a conversation with Johnny. I think Johnny is most ready for this "symptom" to go away. :-)
I had the first (I'm sure of many) labor "scares" last night where I thought I might actually have to call the doctor. I had a lot of pressure on my lower abdomen and some pretty bad back pain. It wasn't something that was present and then went away and would come back; it was pretty constant for about an hour or so. I was able to sleep somewhat in between and when I did wake up I looked up my symptoms in the "Pregnancy Bible" (What to Expect When You're Expecting) and sure enough, it labeled those symptoms as real labor symptoms. But, I decided that since my water hadn't broke and the pain wasn't too bad, that I would at least wait until morning. Sure enough, once morning came, the abdomen pressure was gone and the back pain was mostly gone. Johnny quickly used this opportunity to suggest I take it easy until Mellany's arrival and at this point, I agreed. I must admit that I was a little scared that "the time" could be here, but I also know that when the time comes, I will be ready and I'll just have to put it all in God's hands to help me (& Johnny) get through it. Here's to a possible 4 weeks of wondering and guessing if "the time" has finally come. (haha)
At this point in the pregnancy I am at weekly doctor visits (which I can't even believe!). This coming Monday will be my first cervical check to see if I am dilated and/or effaced and I'm anxious to see where I'm at. (Just another thing that makes it VERY real!) While I really don't mind these doctor visits at all, I wouldn't mind being done with them if it meant having Mellany in our arms. I feel that we are pretty ready for the whole process and are MORE than ready for our little lady to be here. (People always tell you that you will get tons of stories about pregnancy and labor and delivery and such and I haven't really experienced that until recently. Everyone that I have a conversation with that has had a baby has shared their story with me, wether it is good or bad; pleasant or scary. While I absolutely love hearing the pleasant, good ones; the bad, scary ones do freak me out a little. But I realize that every story is different and that's what makes the process so amazing! And I'm very thankful that these women are willing to share!)
This weekend is our baby shower and I'm excited to make the trip back to KC for the last time as a couple to celebrate Mellany's upcoming arrival with our family and friends. There are so many amazing people in our lives and we really don't get to see them often enough. It will be so nice to catch up with everyone! I can't wait to post pictures of the weekend!
As for what I've been feeling lately; I feel like a balloon. I feel like I am swollen literally everywhere: my face, my feet, my fingers, even my thighs and I am ready for it to go away. I've had some pretty sharp pains which I can't decide are ligament pains or contractions. What I do know is that it was so bad one night that I dropped to the floor and had to crawl to the living room. It took probably a good 5 minutes for me to be able to get back up. Emotionally, I'm still hit or miss when it comes to crying. It is just so easy to do these days; wether I'm dropping Bo off at the vet or just in a conversation with Johnny. I think Johnny is most ready for this "symptom" to go away. :-)
I had the first (I'm sure of many) labor "scares" last night where I thought I might actually have to call the doctor. I had a lot of pressure on my lower abdomen and some pretty bad back pain. It wasn't something that was present and then went away and would come back; it was pretty constant for about an hour or so. I was able to sleep somewhat in between and when I did wake up I looked up my symptoms in the "Pregnancy Bible" (What to Expect When You're Expecting) and sure enough, it labeled those symptoms as real labor symptoms. But, I decided that since my water hadn't broke and the pain wasn't too bad, that I would at least wait until morning. Sure enough, once morning came, the abdomen pressure was gone and the back pain was mostly gone. Johnny quickly used this opportunity to suggest I take it easy until Mellany's arrival and at this point, I agreed. I must admit that I was a little scared that "the time" could be here, but I also know that when the time comes, I will be ready and I'll just have to put it all in God's hands to help me (& Johnny) get through it. Here's to a possible 4 weeks of wondering and guessing if "the time" has finally come. (haha)
At this point in the pregnancy I am at weekly doctor visits (which I can't even believe!). This coming Monday will be my first cervical check to see if I am dilated and/or effaced and I'm anxious to see where I'm at. (Just another thing that makes it VERY real!) While I really don't mind these doctor visits at all, I wouldn't mind being done with them if it meant having Mellany in our arms. I feel that we are pretty ready for the whole process and are MORE than ready for our little lady to be here. (People always tell you that you will get tons of stories about pregnancy and labor and delivery and such and I haven't really experienced that until recently. Everyone that I have a conversation with that has had a baby has shared their story with me, wether it is good or bad; pleasant or scary. While I absolutely love hearing the pleasant, good ones; the bad, scary ones do freak me out a little. But I realize that every story is different and that's what makes the process so amazing! And I'm very thankful that these women are willing to share!)
This weekend is our baby shower and I'm excited to make the trip back to KC for the last time as a couple to celebrate Mellany's upcoming arrival with our family and friends. There are so many amazing people in our lives and we really don't get to see them often enough. It will be so nice to catch up with everyone! I can't wait to post pictures of the weekend!
36 Weeks......Swollen, Puffy and Large!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Car Seat: Check!
We installed our car seat two weekends ago and had it "safety checked" last week and we passed! We are ready to bring our little lady home; definitely makes the whole thing feel VERY real!!!
A few things I did learn:
A few things I did learn:
- If you have a Chicco base, put your car seat manual and an extra diaper in the compartment that faces forward. (Also, put the car seat manual in the bags you take to the hospital, that way if you question anything about the seat you have it right at your fingertips.)
- In the owner's manual of your car, it lists the best places for a car seat to be placed.
- Find some way to put your baby's name, baby's parent's names and phone numbers on the car seat base and/or car seat as well as the diaper bag. That way if you wreck, emergency responders can find the info easily.
- The car seat base is for convenience only. It is not needed; you can put the seat belt through the car seat and be just as safe-it just takes a bit longer to install each time.
Overall, even though I was aware of most of the information that was given to me, I did learn a few things and am glad I went. After attending the safety check, I feel more comfortable for ensuring the safety of Miss. Mellany! (We will be installing the car seat in the truck for our trip back to KC this weekend......just in case she decides to make her grand entrance a few weeks early)
Monday, September 19, 2011
Johnny Turns 32!
Sunday (yesterday) was Johnny's birthday and we celebrated his "birthday weekend" with a visit from his mom, Virginia, and by attending a 3rd birthday party for Mr. Noah Schmit. Sadly I didn't take any pictures from either event :-( but we had a great weekend! During Virginia's visit we spent time just visiting at our house, eating pizza and a watching a movie one night, exploring the countryside of Kearney, NE and even shopping. It was so much fun having her here and can't wait for her next visit when Mellany arrives.
Noah's birthday party was a blast and it was the perfect day for a party! We had a great lunch, watched him open gifts, bust open a pinata, and eat cake and ice cream. As an added bonus, DJ & Shantel surprised everyone by announcing that they are expecting another baby in May!!! We really couldn't be more happy for them!!! We had to leave the party a little earlier than we really wanted to because my feet started exploding/swelling, but we had such a great time and can't wait for many more birthdays together. The rest of our Sunday was spent with Johnny washing his truck, mowing the yard (and blowing off the grass on the sidewalk using his new leaf blower given to him by Virginia as her birthday gift--which is really a pretty cool gift that deserves its own post--basically it is a gas tank with mower that you can buy different attachments for. He needed a leaf blower so that's the one he picked out; but you can get just about any kind of tool you could ever think of. It's pretty awesome!) (yep, that's what he wanted to do on his big day--wash the truck and mow the yard) and then not much of anything else except spending time together. It was wonderful!
This next weekend will be our last trip to KC (until after Mellany arrives) for our baby shower and I really cannot wait to see all our friends and family!!
The traditional Barrett ice cream birthday cake......this year Johnny chose a strawberry, red velvet cake from Coldstone and it was so yummy!
Johnny already got his gift from me (his AR-15) a while back, but while shopping one day, Mellany decided she wanted to get her daddy a picture frame to put on his desk at work. He absolutely loves it and is ready to put her picture in it and display it in his office!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Branson, MO--Labor Day Vacation
We traveled to Branson, MO for labor day and had such a great time. We were able to sit back and relax, which was much needed for the both of us. We spent our time shopping, fishing, riding on the boat, visiting with family, eating great food and of course soaking up time with Daxton. Somehow the only pictures I ended up with were pictures of us with Daxton.....(note to self to improve on this next year)! Daxton definitely initiated his aunt and uncle this weekend as he had a major blowout on his Uncle Johnny and vomited all over his Aunt Rachele. We didn't mind of course; we'll do anything for our sweet nephew PLUS it's really good practice for us!
34 Weeks
Our little lady is almost here and neither of us can believe it! It just doesn't seem real, but we are both more than ready for her arrival!
In my 32 week post I forgot to mention that we attended our childbirth preparation class as well as a breastfeeding class. Johnny and I both went to the all day Saturday childbirth class and it was well worth our time. While the information was mostly stuff I had heard/taught, it was extremely informative for Johnny. We were able to tour the OB floor which was nice for my hospital fears and got to meet a few of the nurses too. Overall, it was well worth it. Because the breastfeeding class was on a thursday night, Johnny wasn't able to go with me because of work demands. The class was fantastic! I learned so much and was the complete nerd in the group who took notes so I could remember just about everything. (Even though I did teach about breastfeeding, it was nothing in depth as this.) I came home with a new found respect for breastfeeding moms and a realization of just how amazing women are. I mean, don't get me wrong, I knew that women were amazing (duh!), but after the class, I realized that with the whole pregnancy, labor and delivery and post partum processes that women go through, we truly are AMAZING! After the class, I'm very comfortable with the aspect of breastfeeding and the choice to do so for our little girl is completely solidified for me/us. For all expectant moms I would highly suggest going to a breastfeeding class if your hospital offers it, even if you think you might bottle feed, there is some great information that is given.
As far as how I'm feeling now, the swelling has continued, I'm tired more often and need a mid-day nap on most days and one of the biggest changes has been going from being really hungry to hardly hungry at all. I think that since Mellany is growing and taking up more space (love feeling her strong movements though), there is hardly any room for my stomach to expand, which means less eating, but eating more often. My belly button looks like it could "pop out" of my belly any day and I've also developed a very faint linea negra (the line that extends down your belly). Stretch marks haven't made their appearance yet, but with the tightness of my bump, I imagine it will be any day now. Lastly, I'm just overall uncomfortable. Because she is losing space and I'm getting larger, breathing has become uncomfortable as well as rolling over in bed, sitting or standing for any length of time, getting dressed, even shaving/showering and getting ready to go anywhere (mainly because clothes don't fit like they used to). I can only imagine how much worse it will get, but I'm hoping it doesn't get too unbearable.
Our conversations lately have been around packing for the hospital, taking care of Bo while we are at the hospital, labor and delivery options and Mellany as a newborn. It is exciting to be at this point and making decisions as parents! One thing I can say for sure is that Miss Mellany is so LOVED! (and not just by us)
I had my 34 week doctor appointment yesterday and saw a different doctor in the practice (mine is on maternity leave). She was very nice and while the appointment didn't go like I really hoped it would, things are still on track for a healthy little lady. When the nurse came out and called my name (after waiting almost 30 minutes) she checked my weight--up 5 pounds.....5, yes 5 pounds!!!! I was in complete shock. (The gain brings my total gain to 28 pounds which is where I wanted to be at the end of my pregnancy....bleh....) I immediately began to pick my brain over my habits in the past 2 weeks to figure out where I had gone wrong. But I couldn't come up with anything except that I have been so tired, some days I haven't been able to go on my daily walk; my eating habits have been the same (or even eating less), my water intake had been the same, etc. etc. The nurse could see my concern so she said she would double check my previous gain while I gave my urine sample. After giving the sample she told me that I had been correct and proceeded to take my blood pressure. And of course my blood pressure what high. I was shocked.....never have I had high blood pressure. Again, I began panicking thinking I had developed preeclampsia. The nurse again could sense my fear and said she would go check my urine and then come back and recheck my blood pressure. While she was gone I tried to relax as much as possible, taking deep breaths, etc and thankfully when she did come back into the room, she said there had been no protein in my urine!!! THANK GOODNESS! Since there was no protein, it completely ruled out preeclampsia. The nurse then rechecked my blood pressure and it had gone way down! She then left the room (after looking at my lovely swelling) and said she would send in the doctor. Dr. Philpot came in and she checked Mellany's heartbeat (and did so for a while, which I loved) and discussed blood pressure and weight gain with me saying she saw no concern. She said that with the 5 pound weight gain, that most of it is probably just from the swelling, which I agreed with. (I think I need to just stop reading books because they give you these guidelines and then when you have people like me who really try to follow them and it doesn't happen, you freak! But the doctor is never concerned and I end up being baffled.) Anyway, after asking a few questions about pediatricians and swelling I was on my way out the door. She said she would see me in 2 weeks where my cervix will be checked, then I'll be seen every week after that.....holy cow this is moving quickly now!!! I made my last appointments (cross your fingers) at the "check out" and headed out the door. For now, I'm making sure that I take it easy to keep the swelling down and am even more so watching what I eat. I also plan to get more walking in and hopefully the next visit to the doctor will be better. :-)
While on our recent trip to Branson over Labor Day I did splurge and bought some clothes for Mellany that are completely unjustified, but super cute! I have promised Johnny that I will not purchase anymore clothes for her until after our baby shower. Well, I blew that promise when I went to a huge children's consignment sale here in Kearney last week. I purchased 2 Christmas outfits for Mellany for $4. They are really cute and with all of the Christmas dinners we have, she'll be able to wear them both without us having to pay a fortune for a one-time outfit. Based off of the amount of items that were there, I was able to really practice some self control. But I'm very excited for the spring sale when I can hopefully find tons of bargains to fill in for items that we need.
In my 32 week post I forgot to mention that we attended our childbirth preparation class as well as a breastfeeding class. Johnny and I both went to the all day Saturday childbirth class and it was well worth our time. While the information was mostly stuff I had heard/taught, it was extremely informative for Johnny. We were able to tour the OB floor which was nice for my hospital fears and got to meet a few of the nurses too. Overall, it was well worth it. Because the breastfeeding class was on a thursday night, Johnny wasn't able to go with me because of work demands. The class was fantastic! I learned so much and was the complete nerd in the group who took notes so I could remember just about everything. (Even though I did teach about breastfeeding, it was nothing in depth as this.) I came home with a new found respect for breastfeeding moms and a realization of just how amazing women are. I mean, don't get me wrong, I knew that women were amazing (duh!), but after the class, I realized that with the whole pregnancy, labor and delivery and post partum processes that women go through, we truly are AMAZING! After the class, I'm very comfortable with the aspect of breastfeeding and the choice to do so for our little girl is completely solidified for me/us. For all expectant moms I would highly suggest going to a breastfeeding class if your hospital offers it, even if you think you might bottle feed, there is some great information that is given.
As far as how I'm feeling now, the swelling has continued, I'm tired more often and need a mid-day nap on most days and one of the biggest changes has been going from being really hungry to hardly hungry at all. I think that since Mellany is growing and taking up more space (love feeling her strong movements though), there is hardly any room for my stomach to expand, which means less eating, but eating more often. My belly button looks like it could "pop out" of my belly any day and I've also developed a very faint linea negra (the line that extends down your belly). Stretch marks haven't made their appearance yet, but with the tightness of my bump, I imagine it will be any day now. Lastly, I'm just overall uncomfortable. Because she is losing space and I'm getting larger, breathing has become uncomfortable as well as rolling over in bed, sitting or standing for any length of time, getting dressed, even shaving/showering and getting ready to go anywhere (mainly because clothes don't fit like they used to). I can only imagine how much worse it will get, but I'm hoping it doesn't get too unbearable.
Our conversations lately have been around packing for the hospital, taking care of Bo while we are at the hospital, labor and delivery options and Mellany as a newborn. It is exciting to be at this point and making decisions as parents! One thing I can say for sure is that Miss Mellany is so LOVED! (and not just by us)
I had my 34 week doctor appointment yesterday and saw a different doctor in the practice (mine is on maternity leave). She was very nice and while the appointment didn't go like I really hoped it would, things are still on track for a healthy little lady. When the nurse came out and called my name (after waiting almost 30 minutes) she checked my weight--up 5 pounds.....5, yes 5 pounds!!!! I was in complete shock. (The gain brings my total gain to 28 pounds which is where I wanted to be at the end of my pregnancy....bleh....) I immediately began to pick my brain over my habits in the past 2 weeks to figure out where I had gone wrong. But I couldn't come up with anything except that I have been so tired, some days I haven't been able to go on my daily walk; my eating habits have been the same (or even eating less), my water intake had been the same, etc. etc. The nurse could see my concern so she said she would double check my previous gain while I gave my urine sample. After giving the sample she told me that I had been correct and proceeded to take my blood pressure. And of course my blood pressure what high. I was shocked.....never have I had high blood pressure. Again, I began panicking thinking I had developed preeclampsia. The nurse again could sense my fear and said she would go check my urine and then come back and recheck my blood pressure. While she was gone I tried to relax as much as possible, taking deep breaths, etc and thankfully when she did come back into the room, she said there had been no protein in my urine!!! THANK GOODNESS! Since there was no protein, it completely ruled out preeclampsia. The nurse then rechecked my blood pressure and it had gone way down! She then left the room (after looking at my lovely swelling) and said she would send in the doctor. Dr. Philpot came in and she checked Mellany's heartbeat (and did so for a while, which I loved) and discussed blood pressure and weight gain with me saying she saw no concern. She said that with the 5 pound weight gain, that most of it is probably just from the swelling, which I agreed with. (I think I need to just stop reading books because they give you these guidelines and then when you have people like me who really try to follow them and it doesn't happen, you freak! But the doctor is never concerned and I end up being baffled.) Anyway, after asking a few questions about pediatricians and swelling I was on my way out the door. She said she would see me in 2 weeks where my cervix will be checked, then I'll be seen every week after that.....holy cow this is moving quickly now!!! I made my last appointments (cross your fingers) at the "check out" and headed out the door. For now, I'm making sure that I take it easy to keep the swelling down and am even more so watching what I eat. I also plan to get more walking in and hopefully the next visit to the doctor will be better. :-)
While on our recent trip to Branson over Labor Day I did splurge and bought some clothes for Mellany that are completely unjustified, but super cute! I have promised Johnny that I will not purchase anymore clothes for her until after our baby shower. Well, I blew that promise when I went to a huge children's consignment sale here in Kearney last week. I purchased 2 Christmas outfits for Mellany for $4. They are really cute and with all of the Christmas dinners we have, she'll be able to wear them both without us having to pay a fortune for a one-time outfit. Based off of the amount of items that were there, I was able to really practice some self control. But I'm very excited for the spring sale when I can hopefully find tons of bargains to fill in for items that we need.
34 Weeks and definitely growing at this point! I think that this shirt shows me a little larger than I actually am, but oh well!
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