Week 34 was a great and fast moving week. First of all, it was my second to last week of work! There is nothing bad about that!
Thursday was my apt with the OB. This time, I was determined to ask what having a “big baby” actually means. The doctors, nurses, and ultrasound techs have been saying it for months. In the days leading up to my apt, I was suspicious it was going to be time for the group B strep test. This is when they swab the labia for bacteria so they know if you/baby will need some antibiotics at birth time. More importantly, this means someone was going to be looking down there… and probably the start of many lookings. So, the night before, I attempted to groom. I say attempted because it was damn near impossible to see what the hell I was doing! I tried every position to gain a better advantage in order to tame what was going on down there. I thought about asking Craigery for help, but realized this might be asking too much. In the end, I got it all trimmed, but not tailored if you know what I mean
So, at my apt, I was right! They told me to undress from the waist down. And after sitting my bare ass on the tissue covered exam table for about 20 mins, my OB came in, did the test, and then it was down to business. Good news is I passed the 3 hour gestational diabetes test! Thank God! But when I asked about our large Pickle, it was harder to get as clear of an answer. Basically, they can estimate the baby’s size, but the u/s can be off up to 2 lbs. Dr. Petite (my OB) said if at 39 weeks they are projecting a baby 10 lbs or more, I have the option to elect for a c-section. Though this is not ideal, she told me it’s much better than getting a baby stuck, breaking the collar bone, or causing paralysis in an arm. On the down side, they may project an 11 lb baby and c-section an 8.5 lb baby that might have been fine to vaginally birth. The great thing is, and this is why I chose UCLA, she told me whatever I want, she will do. Either way, she said don’t expect a small baby nor an easy delivery. I did inquire about maybe inducing at 38 weeks in order to guarantee a smaller baby. She said this was not really ideal either. Inducing before the body is ready is hard on mom and baby and can likely end up in a c-section anyway. In the end, we agreed to wait and see the growth pattern over these next few weeks.
Lastly, on Friday, after my morning pee… I wiled and found I had some mucus. Immediately I wondered if this could be some of my mucus plug. I called my nurse, who asked if I had had sex in the past 72 hrs (I had not), then concluded that yes this seemed to be some of it. She said don’t be alarmed. It’s ok and over the next week or 2 I will probably loose the rest. She said it means labor is about 3 weeks away. I’m hoping it is! Best case scenario would be that Pickle will come when he is ready and I wont even get to have that week 39 convo with Dr. Petite.
~Piece
Still time to get in or change your date for the pool!
I had to wait a few extra days to do this weeks wrap-up because they moved my EDD back to Sept 2nd again. Not really sure why since I’m pretty much measuring full term, but whatever. Only 2% of babies are born on their due dates so it doesn’t really matter, he will come when he comes.
This week was quite eventful. Ill get to the small things quickly, first. We got a few more things crossed off the list. Finally we got a mattress for the crib… which is very important . Also took care of the rug and I’ve been working on the mobile. My shower is awfully close and I happened to see some of what has been purchased off of the registry. So far, I’m impressed! We will be receiving some of our highly needed items. I wont be looking anymore though, accidental or otherwise… Ferrah gave me a hard time about letting it be a surprise and I agree *side note: I don’t know who bought what at all
Also, the photographer, Erin Leppo, who did our maternity shoot put a few teaser photos up! We love them! They are centric to us and include the belly, but doesn’t make it the main focus. I know Vee was interested to see how they came out as she is considering her own session. We will see about the rest but I have no doubt we will love them too.
As our week came to a close and week 34 started, we had our 5 year wedding anniversary on July 22nd! Its been 10 years total and it has been nothing short of wonderful! I love thinking of all the excellent times hubby and I have had together and I really look forward to future ones! As a tradition, we get a specialty made cake every year… usually a 6″ round that would be found as the topper to a wedding cake. Our wedding was on a tight budget so we didn’t splurge for a traditional cake. Instead, we treat ourselves each year! Here are the past 4 year’s cakes:
And this years, of course! I think this one is my FAVORITE so far!
Lastly, and most importantly, my grandfather, Randall S Epps Sr., passed away on July 11, 2011. He was 82 I think. He had a double aneurism about 8 wks ago. They did a lot of surgery, but he never awoke afterwards. A few days before he died, they stopped the breathing machines. He breathed on his own for a few days and then passed. I want to say I’m very grateful for all my friend’s support and condolences. Even the mamas I follow on twitter were very comforting. So, thank you.
I was in San Diego, where I’m from, this past weekend and part of the week. It was overwhelmingly awesome to see so much family I haven’t seen since I was a child. I noticed how much they flocked to me, because of my soon to explode belly. I hope it was a comfort and a joy for them after losing their brother, father, uncle etc. It was a joy and welcomed distraction for me too. The Church service was Monday and the burial was Tuesday morning. The service had so many people… family, friends, members of his church, and community. But Tuesday was the hardest as it was very intimate. Yet I find I’m comforted by my last encounter with my grandpa on Easter. He said a few things to me in a “in case I don’t see you” kinda tone. He told me I was beautiful, and I had a wonderful pregnancy glow. He told me he was proud of me and to take good care of myself and the baby… always remember to eat right and exercise. I happily told him we were expecting a boy and his middle name is going to be Randall… after him and my father. Ill never forget how his face lit up and the chuckle he gave. :’)
I hope no one minds, but I took a few shots that really capture Tuesday morning.
Next weeks wrap up will mostly be about finishing the nursery I think and posting photos. My shower is the 30th so that will be part of week 35 wrap up. In the mean time, there are still plenty of dates left in the baby pool. I think Ill send the winner something I made… like a cute vinyl bib or something. If that’s not useful to you, then maybe some earrings. Ill think of something. Check out the calendar to the right and hover over the dates to see what they say. Leave a comment with the date you want and Ill add you! Its ok to guess the same day as someone else.. its all for fun
Thanks for following all this time… we are almost to the end!
Weeks 32 was a great week! All the cool things far outweighed some of the less comfortable moments.
First I’m so glad we made progress on “the list” this week! We washed all the windows on the outside of the house! They were sooo dirty and nasty! Craigery also repaired the screens that had slits and dog claws in them. Many of the things on our list are to spruce up the house before the baby shower on July 30th. We were also able to frame and hang the artwork for the nursery. Its really coming together and looks adorable! AND we are expecting some fluffy mail… cloth diapers! I found a great deal at this site called Kelly’s Closet which sells all cloth diaper related items! The deal was pretty much buy 3 get 1 free! So we bought 18 and are getting 6 free= 24 cloth diapers! I know it sounds like a lot, but newborns use 8-12 diapers each day so that’s still a load every day.
On Saturday, I had an engagement session to shoot for a girl’s wedding on Nov 12th. I was a little worried about how difficult it was going to be getting around. Craigery was a trooper and came with to hold all my props and bags. The shoot was great, actually! I felt pretty good (during it, anyway) and I think I got some great shots! After, It was lunch and tea time with Vee, Minni, and Ferrah. We had a groupon to this awesome tea lounge near LAX. It was so wonderful and relaxing! We all had delicious teas and desserts and couldn’t resist bringing some home. We did have quite a discussion about Minni and I going to the Death Cab or Cutie concert at 39 weeks pregnant. I didn’t know everyone was feeling so nervous about it, even the tea shop owner! I suppose I’m taking a risk, but I only conceded to probably not going if I’ve given birth already . And lastly, that night was a Harry Potter tribute art show at a small gallery. Many people in animation contribute artwork to the various shows and its well known in the industry, but not to the public really. We get there and the line is comic-con sized! No f-ing joke! I saw a buddy from work and I waited with him for about 1.5 hrs to get in. The artwork was awesome, but we didn’t stay long.
Sunday was our maternity shoot! We were both so excited! We shot down in old town Pasadena area and I think it went good! I cant wait to see the photos! The photographer, Erin Leppo, did what I wanted which was to focus on Craigery and I, and not so much on the belly Pickle is housed in. Of course, there will be plenty that include the belly but I really wanted some good photos of us as a couple. I will post the link as soon as I have it!
This coming week, I’m working on a new episode at work so it should be pretty easy going. I’m gonna focus on doing the mobile during the week, and getting lots of other things done on the weekend! Only 3 weeks left of work and until the baby shower! Gotta get busy! BTW, next apt is Thursday with an ultrasound to check Pickle’s position and last week I finished the curtains so here is a photo of them!
**NEW POLL** I made this poll based on the discussion of the concert! Vote now! Feel free to elaborate on your opinion in the comments
**BABY POOL**! I posted a calendar on the sidebar for a baby pool! Its for fun so leave the date you want to sign up for in the comments and I’ll pencil you in! Ive posted some dates of things around that time in case it sways your choices. If more than 1 person wants the same date that’s fine!
Now that I’m 10 weeks away from my due date, I thought weekly wrap ups are in order. Now the reason this is 30-31 is because at my apt this past Thursday, they moved my due date closer! So that means Sat was the last day of 31 when it was supposed to be the first day!
I must say week 30 marked the beginning of uncomfortable-ness. You all know how easy my pregnancy has been and boy am I grateful! But now a little bitching is in order! Here it goes… I can’t sleep well. I want to sleep on my back but after 10 seconds I feel the baby pressing down on vital arteries and whatnot, causing my breath to shorten and my face to pulsate. Not to mention every night I have to trade off sides multiple times to keep from getting sore. I have to use Craigery as a push off or pulley to get to the other side. And the weight of that belly shifting is murder. Then, when I wake up, all my bones ache. I have to walk very slowly until they warm up. In fact, after sitting for more than 30 mins causes the same thing. I can be grateful that it’s rarely my back, though. Also, my feet are swelling like crazy! BUT, thanks to my twitter mamas, I have found a solution to that problem with Belli Skin Care’s foot relief cream. I also raved about it to Vee and I believe hers is on it’s way! I try to “exercise” by taking a brisk walk around the block but I have to stop often cause it’s so uncomfortable… it’s pathetic… especially cause I have the energy but my body physically can’t do it. Sigh. I suppose thats all for now. I’m sure the next few weeks will bring on other complaints.
I am really happy to say that our “to-do” list is coming along nicely! We have crossed things off like selling furniture on craigslist, I made the nursery curtains, looked into diaper service, organized closets and kitchen, making great progress on the backyard garden, and much more! We both are definitely in the nesting/hermit stage and I truly apologize to our friends and family we have turned down for visiting in the past 2 weeks… and I think there will be a few more times too. I hope you understand, though if you’re super desperate to visit, I could always use an extra hand
That’s all for now, this upcoming week we have a few things to look forward to including our maternity photo session! Stay tuned!
. Also took care of the rug and I’ve been working on the mobile. My shower is awfully close and I happened to see some of what has been purchased off of the registry. So far, I’m impressed! We will be receiving some of our highly needed items. I wont be looking anymore though, accidental or otherwise… Ferrah gave me a hard time about letting it be a surprise and I agree 
