Twig's Due Date is Here!

Twig's due date is finally here! After ten months of growing a little one, of counting down the weeks and days left, of loving her before I've met her, of wondering what she'll look like and who she'll be, the day is  finally here! But, where is she?

I've been 70% effaced for three weeks, 0 dilated, and at my last u/s the doctor measured her at 6 lbs & 9 ozs. I don't think she's dropped yet--in fact, I think she's actually crawled back up! I am beginning to think she's planning to go to college in my womb. She still is kicking up a little storm even though her heart rate has slowed down, she's happy and healthy.

My mom and I have been joking about Twig's refusal to show up! We were shopping at Carter's on Monday, and right there in the store I had a series of rather uncomfortable contractions that I had to breathe through…they continued in intensity as we drove home, and when I got home--they of course stopped. Then, this morning I experienced the same painful contractions…. close together, intense, shorter than a minute (5 in one half hour) and then they stopped as soon as I got up to fold laundry.

So, these false labors/ pre labors or early labor scares prompted me to serve an eviction notice to Twig. I doubt Twig will vacate the premises though, she's quite comfortable in there, despite the fact that everything is ready for her! Clothes washed, nursery set up, bassinet in our bedroom, meals frozen…all she needs to do is get it together!

But, in the meantime….I thought I would catalog a list of the most memorable things about Twig's pregnancy, so that I don't forget all the special little moments….or not so special moments.

1. The most gawd-awful indigestion and burping that makes me avoid food at all costs.

2. The lovely return of vomiting in the third trimester, and the miracle medicine, Zofran that allows me to keep some food down.

3. "Wow, you're due tomorrow?--you're so small! I looked like you at four months!" (or any variation of that phrase….all pregnancy long)

4. Hearing her little heartbeat, seeing her little hands and legs, feeling her kick me and then pull her little leg back when I tickle her foot.

5. Scott finally agreeing with me on a name--my first choice name!

6. My mom's excitement about little Twig, which leads to her buying Twig all the most amazing things

7. Imagining what Twig will look like. Whose hair color will she have? Eye color? Personality? We know she has Scott's lips!

8. Not one single stretch mark--thank goodness!

9. Joining the mommy club!

10. Creating new goals for my family now that we have a child on the way! It's great to have new motivation.

Fingers crossed she makes an appearance sooner, rather than later!

Twenty-Seven Weeks!

WOAH! It's been a long time between posts!!! But, I guess not too much has happened since the gender reveal other than baby growing! I have finally "popped!" Well, I guess a little pop. At six and a half months, I have a little bump which is great (since I know that some women can be uncomfortable larger), and I finally get to wear my maternity clothes. I've still been able to work out daily with my little bump (to the cutest little preggo workout system on DVD....hahaha) and I have been slowly watching the scale go up, which let's admit it--is the hardest thing to do. But, the little weight that I've gained makes me more determined to boot camp it after baby, eat healthy and not pig out (okay---cut back on pigging out) when I have cravings....which, so far have only been for caffeine free Diet Coke. 

Speaking of caffeine free Diet Coke, I used to be good. For five months prior to be being preggo, I was soda free---never looking back. Now, I have to have one a day. Please don't judge--it's my one vice and craving this whole pregnancy. (Note: as I write about Diet Coke Baby Twig is moving--maybe she's a fan).

Another, thing that's been going on daily....consistent lower back pain. I try everything....stretching, working out, heat, ice, shower, better posture. No such luck in relief! It's so aggravating. I'm not too far along and already my back hurts, so I worry that 1. I'll want to die the last month of pregnancy and 2. I'll have the back labor from hell....le sigh. I guess with Baby Twig being tucked so deep in my tummy, and my ligaments and joints loosening up, this is the new norm, but it's no fun when I am lecturing students and I get a sudden shooting pain that incapacitates me. I'm now that woman waddling around Target rubbing her lower back, which is sad because women further along than me are not waddling. I think I am a wimp. I think this whole delivery is going to be a nightmare. I think I've created an amazing birth plan

1. God is in control

2. Drugs

3. Drugs

4. Drugs

5. Drugs....I don't want to remember anything!

So, here's a fun story (my teacher friends can relate).  Last blog post I had mentioned that a baby name was coming soon...well that was seven weeks ago, and still we have no name. My original plan was to create a list of names that I like, give the list to Scott and he could pick 3 that he liked too. From there we would narrow it down. So, of course Scott picks the one name I used to love (until two students ruined it for me), and we can't agree on my top pick! However, were getting traction. I told a friend my two name choices, she loved mine (said it was sooo me!!), and she brought up the most winning key point to Scott, and now Scott is like, "eh...I kinda like my wife's pick! Thank goodness for girlfriend's who are experienced wives, moms and negotiators. Rachel, you're my BFF for life!!!

And finally, Baby Twig's nursery is coming along. I will share pictures, I promise (when it's all done), but her bedding came two weeks ago and with the crib set up it looks fantastic!! I have only the wall decor, pom pom and drapes to set up and I think her little corner nursery will be complete. I can't wait to post about sharing a nursery/office space, and how to make it work. Baby's nursery theme is turn-of-the-century modern, and I am loving how it is coming together. Also, my dear friend sold me some beautiful baby goodies like a deluxe pack n play, a bouncer, an awesome bath, and hundreds of cute baby outfits, onesies, shoes, bows and accessories from 0-18 months!! I am so blessed--her little closet is full of the cutest things EVER!!

So, without further ado here are my preggo updates about little Twigette!

The Gender Reveal of our Little Twig!

This weekend we had a gender reveal party, and our close friends and family came to celebrate our little Twig! The theme of the party was "Waddle it Be,"complete with vintage duck decor, a copy of "Make Way for Ducklings" displayed and a cute cake banner that asked, "Waddle it Be?" Orginally, Scott and I were going to find out the gender with everyone at the party, but at my appointment this week while Scott was in Columbia, I lost all self-control and asked the technician to tell me!! I know, I know---so bad!! But, without Scott with me, I couldn't resist. 

One of the best things about using yellow as a main colors was I was able to use all my favorite Fiestaware in soft yellows as part of the decor.

 I purchased vintage duck decor at local antique shops, included my childhood copy of "Make Way for Ducklings, " and even created a cake banner with my paper crafting supplies (not shown).

Guests drank out of bottles that had adorable little yellow and white straws with pennants as shown  above.

And, I even baked lemon sugar cookies (with help form my baking superstar cousin) as treats for the party.

Pom Poms hung above the cake adding a bright touch of yellow!

My cousin gave the baby this cute little stuffed duck that Scott is holding. It went along perfectly with the theme.

The minute people arrived they wanted us to cut the cake...hee hee hee, we made them wait! But, finally when they could stand it no longer, we cut the cake.

Everyone was so surmised and happy it was a girl!!! What a blessing to share such great news with people you love.

So, earlier this week when I was at my anatomy scan, Scott was away on business, so he couldn't attend. To make it special, I went out and bought some adorable little gender specific events, wrapped them up and then gave him the gift when he came home. He was so excited!

I fell in love with this little dress months ago, and was so upset because I knew it wouldn't be available by the time I had my anatomy appointment. I was so tickled when shopping this week and saw one last one at the store--a newborn size; perfect for bringing her home from the hospital.

So, here are the pregnancy stats at nineteen weeks....I can't believe I am already nineteen weeks. I am almsost halfway there. I finally have a teeny bump and in the past week, I've been feeling the most adorable little movements.

14 Weeks

It's fourteen weeks already!! I've made it into the second trimester! It seemed like it was taking forever to reach this point! So many things are happening with little Twig right now. Lots of growing-the little one's at least 3 inches and Twig's beginning to move around. I still can't feel anything yet, but I think I felt flutters this past week, or maybe it was gas! Finally, I think I am starting to see a little bump, and were thrilled because in less than four weeks we'll find out Twig's gender, and be able to share it with our family's.

Stay tuned for more updates about Baby Twig, it's all so exciting. Lots of people are sharing in our joy with us, which is such a blessing. One of my student's even made me a congratulatory  handmade card!

We've Announced on Facebook....I Guess It's Official!

It's official!! We announced the arrival of Twig on Facebook. Maybe that's where you're coming from. I am so glad you're here to share in our journey to parenthood. Were both very excited, and slightly overwhelmed. Things I never really thought about before now consume my daily thoughts. And, don't even get me started on the baby registry....there's so many things one could purchase for baby, what do I really need? 

We took this picture on the trail behind our townhouse. I am so glad the twig the onesie is hanging from shows up, since our little one's nickname is twig...ya know.....twig--branch....hahaha. My dad was so sweet to take these pictures! Even my mom came along. She's so excited, and it's really special to include her in on the baby's progress. She actually bought this little onesie for our shoot. We chose yellow because obviously, we don't know the gender....won't find out for at least another six weeks, but it is kinda fun not knowing.

We also created another announcement as a second option....I thought it was pretty funny! Although, I don't think Scott would ever sell his Xbox (we use it too much), he's already writing his letter to Santa for an Xbox One come Christmas time. Still, I thought this was a super cute idea, and it reminds me to stay healthy and fit so I don't have to say goodbye to my cute bathing suit. 

Thanks for stopping by! If you have any recommendations on must-have baby items, comment below and let me know, I'd love to have professional moms chime in!

I'm at Eight Weeks!

I can't believe its been two months already! Between bouts of nausea of tiredness, I am excited. It's been a blechy last two weeks. My morning sickness offically kicked in at the end of  sixth week. Being the wimp that I am, plus the fact that even drinking water makes me gag, I had my doctor write me a prescription for Zofran. For a week, I was good at 4mg, but at the end of the week I asked for a higher dosage, so I am hoping it helps me get through the rest of the first trimester, especially since school starts in less than two weeks, and I simply can't be sick all day and teach.

All my friends said that about this time, they started getting really tired and exhausted, I haven't felt that way yet (fingers crossed--I don't want morning sickness and fatigue simultaneously; it would make teaching a nightmare). 

Speaking of work, I have decided to try and hide the pregnancy as long as possible. I went out this week and bought some cute new tunics to hide my tummy during the awkward fat stage of pregnancy where you have a pudge, but not a noticeable tummy. I am not sure when I will people, especially the students but I did come upon some good news this week relating to my job. 

I've been saving up my sick leave and will get an extra six days this year (which is actually twelve days, since I am part-time, and a full sick day is cut in half into two days). So, by the time I take maternity leave I will have thirty-eight days saved up, plus I hope to use my spring break as part of my maternity leave, even if it's unpaid.

But on to the fun details of being eight weeks. I'm still trying to get through morning sickness, which as every mom knows is actually "all day sickness." The only part that makes this part of pregnancy remotely manageable is that I have carte blanche to eat anything that appeals to me, which is mainly salads! Who knew? I guess Baby Twig loves greens...and the Trader Joe's and Safeway salads aren't too bad.

I guess all this sickness means Baby Twig is growing! Right now the little one has webbed fingers and toes, even eyelids! In little Twig's brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect to one another, forming primitive neural pathways.....maybe that means that little twig is already thinking about crafting!

Here's a picture of what Twig looks like.

I thought I was Six weeks

When I scheduled my first OB appointment I figured that I would be exactly six weeks based on my LMP and the day I ovulated (I pride myself on meticulous notes). Hahaha....I guess I was wrong. When I went to my appointment, I had the ultrasound first so that the OB could confirm a uterine pregnancy and verify an EDD. According to my calculations, I had figured that my EDD would be March 19th, but after the technician measured the CRL, my baby was actually five weeks and 6 days instead of six weeks exactly. So now the little one is due on March 21st---no biggie!

Announcement (along with a baby swim shirt)  that we mailed to the DH's parents and grandparents

Since this is my first pregnancy, I didn't know what to expect. Thankfully, the technician didn't remember me from my last ultrasound two months prior where in a failed attempt at a joke, I embarrassed myself horribly. He got straight to work and immediately I saw little Twig's flickering heartbeat. Twig clocked in at 176 beats per minute, which I am told  means that he's a boy.....or a girl!!

Hahaha....people always base gender on the the silliest things. Apparently, anything over 140 bpm means that you're having a boy....or a girl (ironic, since there are only two genders to choose from) So, right now I will assume that my little one is healthy, and that I am having a baby that will someday let me eat without indigestion (although, my husband is convinced it's a boy.

After the ultrasound I met with my OB who was so happy for my hubby and I. I, of course asked her all my questions that I compiled from various websites that you're supposed to ask at the first appointment such as; "can I exercise?" "How much weight should I gain each trimester?" "Can I delay cord clamping?" and a whole host of others, that I will soon forget answers to.

Luckily, for the google-searching control freak that I am my OB gave me a pregnancy guide that answered all my most basic questions, and a pamphlet on prenatal screening, which I am still on the fence about. My husband and I decided that no matter what (if any) disability our little one has, we'll keep it regardless. so why bother testing? I've also heard that the tests are known to give false positives.

What do you think? Did you do prenatal screening tests? Which ones did you do, and would you recommend them?