Remington's Birth Story


As far as birth stories go, I would say that Remington’s is pretty average. It was long and tiring, but nothing crazy happened and he’s happy and healthy. This is really long, though, so bear with me. I think it’s pretty easy to read.
Wednesday night we head to bed thinking that I’d be induced Friday at noon. We both still had to work Thursday. I even had an IEP meeting at 2:30pm to go to. It wasn’t going to be a big deal. I still hadn’t had any contractions.
Then early Thursday morning, 2:30am to be exact, I’m lying in bed when I feel the need to use the restroom. This is no big deal since I’ve been having to get up around 3-5 times a night to use the bathroom. As I get up I feel like I’ve accidentally peed a bit. I think that this sucks that I can’t even hold it anymore. Then as I start walking towards the door of our bedroom, it gets worse as fluid runs down my legs. I’m thinking, oh great, I hope my water didn’t just break. Just the way it happened I had a feeling that’s what it was. I make it to the bathroom and the fluid just rushes out and soaks my pajamas before I make it to the toilet. Now I know my water just broke. I spend some time cleaning up and being annoyed as every so often, I leak a little more. Finally it calms down a bit and I go back to the bedroom. Landon had half woken up through this. He told me later that he wondered what I was doing and just had a feeling that my water had broke. I tell Landon that my water broke and we start getting ready to go to the hospital. We had most of our stuff ready, but not everything was together. We spend almost 30 minutes getting clothes, toiletries, and baby stuff around. Landon mentions that we just lost another two days. We lost 2 days the first time by scheduling an induction before our due date, and now he’s coming earlier than that. We head downstairs and Landon calls the hospital. They ask if it was just a little fluid or a big leak (big of course) and what color the fluid was (clear- which is good, if it’s different colored then it could be a sign of an infection or possibility of one). They also tell me to wear a feminine pad so that they can test the fluid when I get to the hospital (I figured this and was already ready to go). They tell us to come in and we start heading that way.
This whole time it’s dark (it’s only 2:30am) and pouring rain. At least it wasn’t cold out. I’m dressed in pajamas and I rush through the rain to the car. The hospital is only about 5 minutes max from our house. On the way to the hospital and as we’re standing at the ER check in desk I feel 2 very mild contractions. At the time, I didn’t really know what they were, but I just assumed they were contractions. It just felt like cramps. We get checked in and I get a bracelet for just being in the hospital. As we’re being checked in, Landon looks at his ring finger and mentions that he thinks he lost his wedding ring. I’m like uh oh, and then I look down at his other hand. The ring is there, because it’s his left hand. He was holding up his right hand which doesn’t ever have a wedding ring. It was a funny little moment there. We then get ready to walk up to labor and delivery. I notice on our way up, another couple coming in to the ER area too. I just assumed they were they for an ER thing. I found out later that they were in labor and delivery too with their first boy. They called within 5 minutes of when we did. Later, she got an epidural right before me. She then started pushing and gave birth around 12:30 while I was fully dialated.
So we walk up to labor and delivery, and they take us to the delivery room that we saw when we toured the place. I get hooked up to the blood pressure cuff, baby heart monitor, contraction monitor, and they start an IV (mostly for the antibiotics for Group B Strep). The whole time of labor and delivery, Remington’s heart did just fine. There were never any problems there at all. We both just kind of sit in the delivery room then and chill out. I start feeling contractions more, but it’s not too bad. It’s around 4am now. We both have to call in to work, but Landon waits until 6:30am and I wait until just before 8am. Landon called work for me, though. We also waited to call our parents because we knew we’d probably be there for awhile and didn’t want to wake them up too early. Between 6am and 6:30am we call our parents and text our siblings. Landon’s mom takes off work and starts heading to the hospital. Landon’s sister does the same thing. My parents go to work and wait to come to the hospital until we’re further along. I’m only dialated to 2 or so. The contractions start getting really painful now. The contractions felt like someone taking their hand and holding your sides from the back then grabbing you really hard while kind of pushing in your back. The whole time I felt contractions the pain was in my sides, hips, back, and then in my thighs when they got really strong. Landon watches the contraction monitor and tells me how strong each one is. At first when they were around 50 (something- I don’t know the type of measurement it is) it didn’t hurt unbearably bad. But, as I went along, it’d get to 30 and I’d feel like I couldn’t take it anymore. I was definitely ready for an epidural. I think they hurt so much at the end because they were completely going away, there wasn’t as much time in between, and I was getting tired. At 7:30am I get the epidural.
I didn’t know really what to expect from the epidural. I’d heard stories about how the needle hurts really bad, because it’s so big and that it’s just super uncomfortable. When the anesthesiologist comes in, he has me lay on my right side and he preps my back. He puts a clear shield thing on and swabs the insertion area. He tells me that I’ll feel a poke and I prepare myself while laying there during a contraction. The contraction hurts so much it probably took my mind off the epidural some. Anyway, the needle didn’t hurt at all. The IV hurt 5 times as bad. The contraction goes away and I kind of feel the epidural being put into place in my back. He then starts taping the line up my back. He used a ton of tape. He connected it to the pump and showed me the little switch I could hit to get more drugs if the pain increased. He also told me, though, that it would only start the pump every 30 minutes so I couldn’t give myself too much. My legs start to feel tingly and numb. By the time Landon’s mom arrived at 8:00am I’m not feeling any pain at all. It was awesome. So, Landon’s mom is in the delivery room with us (which I didn’t realize she could do- but they let 2 visitors back there at a time and kick them out whenever they do anything) and I’m feeling great. I take a little time to update Facebook and email the special education teacher who was running the IEP I had that day to tell him I wouldn’t be at the meeting. Also at 8am, our doctor comes in and checks me. By this time I’m dialated to 4 and 100% effaced.
Around 9am or 10ish, the epidural starts to wear off on left side and I’m feeling the pain of contractions and just constant pain. I tell the nurse and she helps me turn to lay on my left side. This starts working fairly quickly and I feel better again. At this point I still can’t feel my legs. It was amusing that I couldn’t move my legs at all really. I could feel touch for the most part though. Every time the nurses would come it to check me or do something where I would have to move my hips I needed a ton of help to do so. I just couldn’t move. The whole time my right leg was much more numb than the left. I’m good for a while, then the epidural wore off on my right hip shortly before noon. I had to wait awhile before I was able to push the button again. I was then rolled to my right side to help too. Finally that worked and I was good again. By now the people next door had their baby. The doctor comes back at 12:30pm and I’m dialated to 9. They wait just a little bit (all the nurses were busy with the other people anyway), then they kick Landon’s mom and sister out totally and get me ready to start pushing. When a contraction would come (I couldn’t feel it very well, so the doctor and nurse felt me and watched the monitor) I would take in and blow out two breaths then take in one and push. For each contraction I would push three times and take in another breath after each count of 10. I ended up pushing for almost 3 hours. At first, it wasn’t bad because I couldn’t feel anything. It was annoying though because it was taking forever and nothing was changing. Finally towards the end, I’m more tried of pushing mentally than physically. I worried once that I might have to have a C section if it went on much longer. That was one thing I did NOT want to do. During all the pushing the doctor was infront of me, the nurse was on my right side holding one leg and Landon was on my left side holding my other leg. There were a couple times when I had to hit the epidural button to get the pain down again. The worst part of the pushing was towards the end when I could feel that his head was halfway out, but I’d have to stop pushing because the contraction was over. The labor/pushing took so long because the contractions just weren’t being strong enough or close together, even with a lot of pitocin. Finally when his head was almost out, the doctor decided to use the vacuum too. So, for the last contraction she suctioned and I pushed and Remington Talon was born at 3:41pm on Thursday, October 29th, 2009!
I did not want the doctor to put him on my chest until he was cleaned (that’s gross) so they start cleaning and let Landon cut the cord. They checked him over and made sure he was healthy. Landon took a bunch of pictures. They swaddled him and gave him to me. He was so cute. Neither me nor Landon cried at all. We’re just not emotional. While he was being cleaned and the doctor was stitching up a minor tear that I had, I’m just kinda chilling out and watching Landon take pictures. As the days have gone along though I mostly just think he’s really cute. I got to breastfeed him right away, and he took to it with no problem at all. After a little bit, they wheeled me down to the permanent room and let family visit. I felt great and Remington was awake and alert.
That was an amazing day and birth story. It was tiring, but so worth it. I’ll post more about the rest of the hospital stay later.
I'll also add more pictures later.

Here We Go

In the hospital right now. Remington decided he wanted to come today. Water broke at 2:30am.

The Final Countdown

We had our last weekly doctor appointment today. I haven't been feeling any contractions so I wasn't expecting much. However, I'm dilated to 1.5 and 70% effaced! Wow! The doctor then asks us about inducing again and how we felt about it. I told her that we were wondering if we could possibly induce on Halloween (Saturday). The doctor was understandably hesitant, especially since she has her own kids that she'd want to take trick-or-treating.
Then I mention that maybe we could induce late on Friday (30th) and hope that labor lasts past midnight. She thinks it over a little, and then says she'll go call the labor and delivery dept. at the hospital to explain what's going on and see if it'll work out. When she came back to the room, she said we were good to go and told us what to expect when we get to the hospital. Awesome! I'm supposed to report to admissions at the hospital at noon on Friday and then go up to labor and delivery to start the baby process. This works out great too because I don't have to work at all on Friday and Landon won't have to take off any time (except a half day Friday) unless I'm still in the hospital on Monday. Friday is also my brother's birthday. I don't really want Remington to have to share his birthday, but my brother would love it if Remington was born then.
I'm excited, but kinda nervous too. It's like we lost 2 days now, and now it's a bit more real that we'll have a baby this weekend. I'll make sure to bring the laptop along to the hospital to post something of an update if I can. I don't know how much I'll be able to post though, but I will definitely have pictures up ASAP. So, Remington, we'll see you in 3 days!

By the way: We just sold our last two puppies tonight. A couple our age took the last two puppies together. It was so cute how they were cuddling each other, it was probably hard to split them up. :)

Picture: Our porch for Halloween.

Wish List Wednesday


The Lift Off Rocket from International Playthings looks like a great toy.

I love Infantino educational toys. Here is an animal puzzle set.

We finally have a crib!!!

After more than 5 months of waiting, we finally have a crib for Remington. Luckily he hasn't come early since we only have 5 days left! Landon and I went to the store yesterday, picked up the crib, and stayed up putting it together. It really wasn't that complicated. Landon had no problem putting it together. I really love the color and design and it looks great with the bedding and the room.

With the days getting closer, I don't know what to think. I've been preoccupied with getting everything done at work before I leave. It's stressing me out. I'm just glad that he hasn't come early and is giving me a chance to make sure everything is ready. I can already tell that it's going to be hard to come back after leave ends in January. At least all the IEPs and high need students are ready. Tomorrow is our doctor's appointment. I highly doubt that I'm dialated at all. I haven't even felt any contractions really. We'll ask if we can induce on Halloween, and hopefully we can. I'll post more tomorrow. Now enjoy the pictures of the crib and the nursery.









Week 39


Week 38 baby bump.

Whether you give birth tomorrow or next week, it's pretty much all the same for your baby, who is now truly R-E-A-D-Y to face the big bright world outside of your womb. Speaking of wombs, your body is priming up for the big moment and hopefully, you're as prepared mentally as you can be. Your baby is well stocked up on fat, all their organs have put on the finishing touches. Here's hoping your child is already in the birthing position and basically just "hanging out" waiting for that elusive moment when all systems synchronize in your body to trigger the labor process.

How far along? 39 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 22 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? Sadly.
Sleep: I have to get up multiple times during the night and even when I'm not waking up it's hard to get comfortable.
Best moment this week: Getting to 10 days and less left.
Movement: Lots!
Food cravings: None
Gender: BOY!!
Labor Signs: It's so close now, I keep worrying that everything is a sign of labor.
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: Sleep and comfort.
What I am looking forward to: The crib is supposed to be here tomorrow, and of course I'm so looking forward to meeting our little boy.
Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy the last days while you can, they'll be over before you know it.
Milestones: 1 Week Left!!!!!

Check out my swollen ankles after a short trip to Walmart. Yikes!

Random 10 Friday

Wow, just a quick trip to Walmart today to get groceries and my feet are killing me. My ankles are incredibly swollen.

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Less than 10 days until the due date, I can't believe how fast it's going. We got a call from the crib place earlier this week, and the crib is supposed to be in on Monday! Yay, finally.

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Landon and I started decorating the house for Halloween tonight. We might not get to see the kids come, but our house will still look awesome. At our next doctor's appointment I'm going to ask if we can induce on Halloween. We might not be able to though since it's on a weekend. We'll find out.

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Random 10 Tunes:
1. Soul Fire- 12 Stones
2. What It's Like- Everlast
3. Lay Me Down- Under the Influence of Giants
4. Turnin Me On- Keri Hilson
5. Pride and Joy- Stevie Ray Vaughan
6. Take That- Shine
7. Froze- Akon feat. T-Pain
8. Straight as an Arrow- Marty Casey and the Lovehammers
9. Deserted- Blind Melon
10. Hard To See- Five Finger Death Punch

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Picture: Shelf in the nursery.

Wish List Wednesday


Here is a cute play pack thing for 0-10 months. It's the Tiny Love Gymini Total Playground.

Another great toy for babies is from Bright Starts. The Bunch-O-Fun plush character.


I found these Jumbo Blocks a while back. They look like so much fun!

Week 38 Doctor Appointment


Picture: Remington's name letters in the nursery.

Another week, another doctor appointment. This one was boring again. The doctor checked the baby's heartbeat and made sure he is still head down. Everything seems good. I've been having some Braxton Hicks contractions, but nothing much other than that. The doctor is going to be out of town this weekend, but neither of us think he's gonna come that soon, so it'll be okay. The doctor also mentioned induction. She said that they don't induce before 39 weeks, but after that it's mostly up to me. I told her we would wait until November 1st (the due date) and then after that, induce away. It sounds good to me that I probably won't have to wait (and work) an extra week before they would induce.

So, everyone should prepare to meet this little guy right around Nov. 1st. I can't wait and it can't come soon enough.

Week 38


Week 37 baby bump.

As you know, you've arrived at the final leg of your pregnancy journey, and if you're still carrying your little love around, they've just about reached their birth weight (somewhere between 6 to 8 pounds is average depending on whether they're a boy or girl). There really isn't a lot to report on baby this week, so lets do a quick recount of where we're at: all internal organ systems are pretty much ready for the outside world, they've got their meconium stockpile building up (their first black baby poo), lots of healthy baby fat, a rapidly developing brain (that'll keep growing with them for years to come), and they've more or less reached official baby status-- all they need to do is "head out" and say hello to the rest of the world and especially their ready-to-pop momma.

How far along? 38 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 22 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? Yes, grr.
Sleep: I was awake all last night with Braxton Hicks contractions
Best moment this week: Putting Remington's name letters on the wall in the nursery.
Movement: He keeps kicking my ribs. They're not gonna move, baby, give it up. :)
Food cravings: None
Gender: BOY!!
Labor Signs: Starting to feel Braxton Hicks (I think).
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: Sleep.
What I am looking forward to: Still waiting for the crib.
Weekly Wisdom: I still can't think of anything...
Milestones: 2 weeks left!

Random 10 Friday

I can't believe we only have two weeks left! It's really getting down to it now. We still don't have a crib, so I'm not sure what we're going to do. We have another weekly doctor appointment Monday and I plan on just relaxing this weekend. I've been feeling pretty crampy the last two days, but if anything it could be Braxton Hicks contractions. I haven't really felt any contractions, but I know this crampy feeling is not real labor contractions because they go away when I change positions and they're constant not coming and going.

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Random 10 Tunes:

1. Piano Man- Billy Joel
2. Breakeven- The Script
3. Move Shake Drop- DJ Laz
4. We're Not Gonna Take It- Twisted Sister
5. Snoopy's Christmas- unknown?
6. Sittin' At A Bar- Rehab
7. Veil of Darkness- Nox Arcana (Halloween song)
8. Jane- Jefferson Airplane
9. The Best Is Yet to Come- Frank Sinatra
10. You Know My Name- Chris Cornell

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Random Picture: Baby shower gift. A crocheted blanket made by my great aunt.

Wish List Wednesday

Here is a cute idea for keeping the baby's hospital bracelet:


Here are some closet organizers that would be handy for all the baby clothes:


An adorable print with a cute poem. Click on the link to read it:

Baby Shower

The following are pictures from the baby shower Sunday (10/11/09). It was held at my parent's house in Lyons. We played the guess the chocolate in the diaper game, the problem and solution mix up game, and guess the white powder/baby powder game. Thank you for all who attended, and I'm sorry you couldn't make it for those of you who might not have gotten there. We received some great gifts and you can see the Facebook album of all the shower pictures here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2065535&id=77201731&l=6937251821



Pacifier favors made from lifesavers:




Decorations were my sets of classic children's books with matching doll:


Chocolate diaper game:


Baby blanket made by my Grandma:


Crochet clothes made by Landon's great grandma, now handed down to Remington.


Baby blanket made by my mom:


Another baby blanket made by my mom (still in progress):

37 Week Doctor Appointment

Yesterday we had our weekly doctor appointment. It was another boring appointment since I haven't had any contractions yet. The doctor just listened to the heartbeat, felt around on my stomach to make sure he's still head down, and sent us on our way. She also told us the results of last week's Group B Strep test, which dang it, I'm positive for. From americanpregnancy.org, and Mayo clinic:

"Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacterial infection that can be found in a pregnant woman’s vagina or rectum. This bacteria is normally found in the vagina and/or lower intestine of 15% to 40% of all healthy, adult women.

Those women who test positive for GBS are said to be colonized. A mother can pass GBS to her baby during delivery. GBS is responsible for affecting about 1 in every 2,000 babies in the United States. Not every baby who is born to a mother who tests positive for GBS will become ill.[...]If you test positive for GBS this simply means that you are a carrier.

According to the CDC, if you have tested positive and are not in the high risk category, then your chances of delivering a baby with GBS are:

* 1 in 200 if antibiotics are not given
* 1 in 4000 if antibiotics are given

The signs and symptoms of early onset GBS include:

* Signs and symptoms occurring within hours of delivery
* Breathing problems, heart and blood pressure instability
* Gastrointestinal and kidney problems
* Sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis are the most common complications

Newborns with early-onset are treated the same as the mothers, which is through intravenous antibiotics.
How serious is GBS? GBS can cause bladder infections and womb infections for the mother. In some cases GBS can cause stillbirth. Newborns can get meningitis, sepsis, and pneumonia.

If I test positive for GBS does that mean my baby is going to get it also? No. Approximately 1 of every 100-200 babies who are born to mothers who carry GBS will become ill.

Group B strep infection is fatal in about 20% of infected men and non-pregnant women and about 5% to 15% of infected newborns."

What this means for me and the baby is that during delivery I'll be given antibiotics (through an IV). The antibiotics are therefore transfered to the baby so that he's okay after birth. The hospital will then just keep an eye on him and watch to make sure he doesn't show any signs of the infection (Breathing problems, heart and blood pressure instability, Gastrointestinal and kidney problems). Our doctor also made sure to mention that this means I'll be in the hospital for at least 48 hours because of the doctors wanting to watch for the Strep B. From what I've researched, it sounds like the infection isn't really all that bad (especially compared to other things that can happen during birth- living in an information packed world is scary sometimes), especially when antibiotics are used to treat it. Our doctor didn't seem to worried about it, so I think we'll be okay. It's just another thing to worry about. By the way, that brings me to a scary thought Landon and I have expressed to each other... this pregnancy has been so easy and uncomplicated that it makes us worry about what could happen after the baby gets here. What if he has some disease or syndrome that we don't know about until he's born? It's scary to think of all the things that a baby could have wrong with them or have happen. I just hope I don't become one of those crazy worried new parents. Think positively, think positively, think positively...

Week 37


Week 36 baby bump

You're now officially considered full term! That's something to proud of (if not just a tad impatient). At this point, your little 'un is pretty much leveled off in weight gain, at slightly more than six pounds and around 20 inches in length. It’s the calm before the storm. Changes in your baby's weight have leveled off with only a few ounces of fat added this week. At this point your baby should weigh in at around 7 lbs and 20 inches (with boys somewhat heavier and longer than girls). Happily, as far as internal organs go, they are now developed enough to function in the outside world although the oh-so-important immune system is still developing and will continue to do so after birth. With a large boost of antibodies provided by breast milk when nursing begins. Fighting infection and staying healthy should be well within their physical capacity when your little fighter is born.


Month 9: Watermelon
At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.

How far along? 37 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 20 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? Yes, dang it.
Sleep: Ugh, I have to get up at least 3 times a night.
Best moment this week: Baby shower today.
Movement: Quite a bit still
Food cravings: None
Gender: BOY!!
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: Comfort.
What I am looking forward to: The crib coming in.
Weekly Wisdom: I don't know...
Milestones: I'm officially full term now!

Random 10 Friday

I really have nothing much to say. I've been sick the last couple days so I haven't done much. Today I did go shopping with my sister and brother to prepare for the baby shower this Sunday at my parent's house. I can't wait.

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Landon and I are starting to decorate for Halloween tomorrow. Last year we went all out and became "that house", the one that the kids were talking about. This was mostly because we handed out huge pixie sticks, full size candy bars, and laffy taffy. We probably had over 100 kids. This year, we plan to do much the same. The only thing is that Remington is due the day after Halloween. If he comes early we'll have someone (one of my brothers, probably) at the house to hand out candy. We both really hope he's born on Halloween, it'd be so cool to have your birthday on Halloween every year.

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Landon is watching the movie Tommy right now on VH1 Classic. Now that is a movie you have to watch stoned or high for it to make any since. Weird.

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Random Tunes:
1. Heavy Metal Machine- The Smashing Pumpkins
2. Nothing Else Matters- Apocalyptica
3. Foxy Foxy- Rob Zombie
4. Master of Puppets- Apocalyptica
5. I Love College- Asher Roth
6. I Think I'm Going Insane- Brokencyde
7. Party People- Nelly
8. Wait- Seven Mary Three
9. Crosstown Woman- Black Stone Cherry
10. Fell On Black Days- Soundgarden

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Picture: 8 week old puppies. We still have to sell 2 of them.

Wish List Wednesday

Since Halloween is coming up this Wish List Wednesday is devoted to baby costumes. Remington may or may not be here in time for Halloween, so we'll have to wait a year, but here are some unique costumes.

A car freshener:


Tootsie Roll:


Marshmallow Peep:


Billion
Dollar Baby:


Pizza:


Smartie:


Wonder Bread:

Blame it on the Baby


Picture: The nursery in progress.

For the last couple weeks I've been waking up with numbness and tingling in my hands. It's like they've 'fallen asleep.' So I Googled and found out it's pregnancy induced carpal tunnel! So weird. Apparently, while you're retaining water everywhere, you also retain it in the carpal tunnel in your wrists, so that's why my hands are going numb and tingly when I sleep on them.

Today was another weekly doctor appointment. The doctor did a Strep B test, which is an infection that affects the baby when it's born, but is no problem for the mother. I'll have to wait to see if I have that. If I do, then the doctor will just give me antibiotics during labor. Today was also the first time the doctor checked my cervix for dilation. Remington's not coming this week- 0 dilation. I'm glad he's waiting, we're not ready yet. We don't have a crib.

This baby was completely planned even down to being born in October/November, but now that it's getting closer you start thinking, "Am I really ready for this?" Our lives are going to change forever. We're going to be responsible for this little helpless creature. Can we do it? Everytime I ask myself that I always think, well so and so did it when they didn't plan to have a kid, etc. so we can if do it if they can, right? Only 3 weeks to find out.

By the way: This is my 100th post!!! Wow, I never would have thought I'd be blogging this much, maybe I need to cool it down before I get carpal tunnel for real, :).

Week 36


Week 35 baby bump


The countdown continues… and in fetal developments: most of the bones (soft skull aside) in their little body are now completely hardened, providing a solid structure from which they can now make their grand debut into the world. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we are structurally ready for a secure launch. In physical fitness news: their muscle tone has also improved over these past few weeks, and you’ll definitely be impressed by their steel-like Ulnar grasp (a newborn reflex that occurs if you lay your finger in their palm). And in genital development: if you’re having a girl, her labia are now fully developed. Finally, in the fluids/excretion department: the amniotic fluid-to-baby ratio has fallen over these past weeks, although they’re still swallowing fluid (building up even more meconium for that historic first poop), and some vernix caseosa. They will be more than ready to swallow and digest milk after birth. Just in case you didn’t get it quite yet: you’ve got yourself an adorable and hungry 6.5 lbs 20 inch baby—are you ready?


How far along? 36 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 20 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? Unfortunately yes, a few
Sleep: I wake up every time I change position. It sucks!
Best moment this week: Finding out that he's head down.
Movement: A lot around 5pm
Food cravings: None
Gender: BOY!!
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: Being comfortable.
What I am looking forward to: The crib being here and my 2nd baby shower.
Weekly Wisdom: Read all the baby books far enough ahead of time before the baby comes, but not so far ahead that you forget what they said.
Milestones: One month left!!! One week 'til I'm technically full term.

Random 10 Friday

The last couple of days the baby has been kicking my ribs on my right side like no other. It's so uncomfortable and I really wish he'd find a new spot. At the same time, though, it's reassuring that he's moving a lot again. He's just changed his schedule to being active around 5pm instead of 11am.

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I can't believe I only have a month left until we can meet our son. I'm excited and nervous. He could really come any time now, but hopefully he waits until right around the due date. As far as work goes it would work out perfectly. The due date is on Sunday. The Friday before that I have a day of (no school), then it's Saturday which is Halloween, then the Monday after is a school inservice day. It'd be awesome if he came anytime during those couple days. We'll see what happens.

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Random 10 tunes:

1. Feel Good Drag- Anberlin
2. Invincible- Crossfade
3. Sometimes- Ours
4. I Dare You- Shinedown
5. Cute Without the "E"- Taking Back Sunday
6. What I Got- Sublime
7. We Fly High- Big Mike
8. O Holy Night- Bing Crosby
9. Halloween Spooks- Spooky Tunes CD (yay, Halloween songs)
10. Break- Three Days Grace

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Random picture: Nursery artwork from Etsy. Find it at this shop. This artist is creepy, but really awesome too. It's crazy that we're using his artwork in the nursery.