Week 38

Wow! 2 weeks until our due date, and this hot weather just isn't letting up! I've pretty much been confined to the house (or other places with A/C), but do venture to the pool sometimes. Our weekly appointment was pretty uneventful, although my blood pressure is increasing. This week it was 138/84, and my nurse, Melanie said we start worrying when the bottom number hits 90. So, hopefully I can keep it at a good level. Baby's heartrate was nice and strong at 145, Melanie said that I was having a small contraction while she was checking it. I didn't really notice anything, but she said when my stomach gets really, really hard like that it's a contraction. Too bad all the contractions aren't going to feel like that but unfortunately, I'm thinking they're going to get more painful! Dr. Mark said I haven't dialated yet, but the baby's head is still down and heading in the right direction, so we were glad for that!

Our hospital bags are packed and ready to go, and I feel like I'm starting to begin "nesting". I feel anxious to get those last few things done before baby comes and I'm thankful Matt is around to help me (and calm me down when I need it). But, other than that, all is well. I'm feeling good, sleeping good and just waiting to meet our little one! More to come next week. Love, Matt & Ann

Week 37

A brief update on our appointment today. My blood pressure was 130/80, I'm hoping it doesn't start getting higher each week! Baby's heartrate was 140 again, and the blood test said that my iron pills are working, so I just need to keep taking them. My belly is measuring about 36 cm and Dr. Mark said I haven't dialated yet, although my cervix is softening a little. He said baby's head is in the downward position so it's on the right track.

We also went to the Hurst Police Department and got our car seat installed, so that is all set to go. This weekend we are planning on packing our hospital bag, in case baby decides it's show time! I'm still thinking we have some time, even though Dr. Mark said, "see you next week if not before!" I laughed because I think baby is staying put for awhile, just liking his/her home too much right now!

We'll keep you updated, but all is calm for the moment! :-) Love, Matt & Ann

Week 36

We had a good time with my mom and sister. We went to Lone Star Park and watched the horse races, had a picnic, went to a Rangers game and I know they enjoyed the hot weather! Matt and I also bought our stroller/car seat (thanks Grandma Julie and Grandpa Mark!) so we practiced buckling "baby" in as you can see in the 2nd picture. :-)

We had another appointment this morning. Baby's heartrate was 140 and my blood pressure was 130/78. I have to have another blood test to make sure the iron pills I've been taking are working, so I'll probably go on Monday for that. They also gave me my strep test and I had my first pelvic exam. Dr. Mark says I'm not dialated yet, so we'll just keep waiting and he'll be checking at each of our next appointments.

I'm still feeling good, some aches and pains but nothing unbearable. I notice I have good days with lots of energy and some days where I just want to nap and lay around. I've been taking advantage of my down time and getting plenty of relaxing in. From here on out we'll be having weekly appointments so I'll be updating a little more often. Hope everyone is doing well! Love, Matt & Ann

34 Weeks

6 more weeks to go and we are still hanging in there! Our appointment was pretty much the same, blood pressure 110/76, my belly is 34 cm and baby's heartbeat was 138. It actually took the nurse a little while to find the heartbeat because baby was moving around so much. Dr. Mark says, again, we're right on track and where we should be. I've been feeling prettty good, although with this hotter weather I am swelling more than ever. My shoe selection has been reduced to flip flops and my running shoes. My ring doesn't fit anymore, so I have been wearing Matt's. Baby is as active as ever, jabbing me in the ribs and poking his/her tiny limbs everywhere. It's fun trying to guess which part it is.

Last weekend we had our Baby CPR and child care class. It was Friday night and all day Saturday- a lot of information! We had practice babies to do CPR, obstructed airway, diaper changing, bathing, etc. We also learned about car seats, illness, immunizations and quite a few other things. It was a good class, but we're thankful they're done with!

I had my last day of work on Monday, so I am an official stay at home mom! My mom and sister are currently visiting to keep me company, we're taking it easy, but have a few plans so I will probably post a couple of pictures next time. Love, Matt & Ann