Week 34

A donut and water gave me heartburn this morning for breakfast.
My Tums are giving me heartburn.
I'm not complaining. Really.

DesvousJunior weighs 5 pounds this week!! I essentially have a canteloupe in me! I can really feel the weight of it and was quite uncomfortable last night. Every other week or so, I can really feel things stretching and growing, so today I'm wearing my "girdle." The extra support really helps my skin and muscles feel better.

Baby is filling out, putting on fat and its skin is smoother than ever. Its lungs and nervous system continue to develop from here on out until birth. Click on the photo to the right for a closer view of baby and some more facts.





At my doctor's appointment last week, I mentioned that I hadn't felt the baby move all day. Well, they FREAKED and made me drink apple juice as fast as I could and then put my feet up (hel-LO heartburn!) in a recliner while attached to the fetal monitor. I kept saying, "Guys, I'm sure it's no big deal!" But they didn't want to take any chances. Of course, after ten minutes, the baby went crazy from the juice and we heard a nice, heatlhy heartbeat that ranged from the 130s-150s! It was pretty cool to see my baby's heartbeat printing out while I got to listen for almost 15 minutes. Poor Richard was stuck at home. This was the first appointment he missed and it was killing him not to be there if something was wrong. Of course, though, it turned out just fine! To date, I have gained 23 pounds and am thrilled about it!

Pumped

I'm pumped.
I spent last night organizing and putting away all my shower gifts. By my count I only need ONE MORE THING to be ready for DesvousJunior to arrive!!
Putting away baby gifts is a million times more fun than putting away wedding gifts. I had no idea!
More belly photos coming soon, I promise!

Dear Kris H.,

This is what you missed.

I'm so not kidding. I could not stop crying when I walked in to the shower and discovered that my friends had hung up pages from my blog for everyone to see. I was so touched by their thoughtfulness and how well they really know me...
And from there my heart just filled and filled.
I couldn't even begin to list the highlights of the day, because it was all so overwhelming and wonderful at the same time.
My car was so full when we left that my sister had to thumb a ride home with another guest. (I'm not kidding!)
What a wonderful day, everyone. Thank you so much.
I don't know what I expected, but I was honestly not prepared to be so overshelmed by love and kindness.
In an effort NOT to wax emotionally dramatic, I think I'll sign off.
I told the girls, "I'm going to bed very exhausted and very happy!"
I'm hoping Aunt Kris will send me her photos tomorrow so I can post some more soon (hint, hint).
Sincerely yours,
Erin


























Hey! Who's got the photo of Erin, Sarah, Cara & Naomi??? I want it!

Speaking of Which

The other day, I stopped at the grocery store on my way home from work. I paused at the donuts (hmmm...where did I put the donuts?) to pick out a few glazed heavenly yummies.
A gentleman came up behind me and waited his turn.
I said, "Sorry! I'm almost done." [Smile.]
He said, "I'm in no hurry. Take your time!"
I said, "Well that's good because I'm not moving very fast these days!"
We shared a laugh.
Shortly thereafter the same gentleman was in line a couple of people behind me as I was grunting to reach the back of my cart for the last item.
I bagged my groceries and made my way to the car.
He followed me out and said, "Can I help you with your groceries? You just look so...uncomfortable."
Cue intense humiliation.
"Oh! Thank you so much, but I'm fine. I'm almost done!"
"Well, at least let me take your cart."
"Ok, thank you! Thank you so much!"

I'm NOT that uncomfortable, though, folks! That's why it was so embarrassing.
Oh well, apparently chivalry hasn't gasped its last in Oakdale.

Also, Jolene, yes, everyone holds doors for me, while smiling directly at my tummy.
It's a weird feeling.

Dear Shoppers, Drivers, Pedestrians and Other Millers-About,

I'm only going to say this once:
GET. OUT. OF. MY. FREAKING. WAY.
Can't you see that I'm pregnant here?
Sincerely,
Erin

A Shower for Sarah

I had the honor and privilege of co-hosting a baby shower for Sarah yesterday at church.
We have been friends for over twenty years, and it is so fun to get to share this special time with her! The timing on our pregnancies can only have been ordained by God, so I can't wait to see what He has in store for our children.

Ruthie, stealing the show and helping Sarah open gifts.




Cara, we miss you!

Week 32

Well, I missed a photo for Week 31. So sue me.

I'm starting to feel pret-ty pregnant. I'm having trouble getting up from the couch, sitting up in bed, and of course, putting on socks.

This week, DesvousJunior measures 19 inches long from head to heel and weighs in at a whopping four pounds. This means that Baby won't get much longer, just basically double in weight. It's hard enough as it is to reach my feet! I can't imagine how I'll feel in a couple weeks!

By this point, DJ has all the hair it is going to have by the time it's born, whether it's a full head like those Plumm babies, or a little (though respectable) peach fuzz like the Dufferts. We shall see!

Last night, I laid on my back on the floor and Cara taught me how to feel for the baby's head and bottom. VERY cool! The head feels like a little baseball right below my belly button.

Naomi, Lauren, Emma and Pedro all got to feel. Then when Richard came upstairs I showed him. We got worried that we were poking the baby's eyes, so we stopped. : )

Not much else to report at this time. My face has cleared up without having to use the cortizone cream that the doc sent home with me, so that was nice. We're still not quite sure what happened there.

I've been thinking...

...about my breasts.
Unusual?
No.
I have a shower coming up soon, as many of you know. Invitations should be arriving yesterday or today!! : )
Is it appropriate to have a breast pump on my registry for the shower?
I just don't know.

I'm done now.

Warning: this post contains graphic content.

Turns out, I had an allergic reaction to.......something.
The doc wan't sure what happened to my face, but called it scaly.
Cool.
It still covers well with makeup, so I'm not too stressed about it, plus it's a lot better today and I'm not nearly so itchy. Yay!

Between you and me, I've been really down in the dumps since Saturday. I just couldn't put my finger on what was bothering me.
I couldn't put my finger on it, but I kept having visions of you-know-what's ripping open, and birthing squished up, blue infants that come out screaming and never stop until the day. they. die.
Rich and I talked about it last night and I have come to a conclusion:
Yeah, I don't want to do that.

I suspect that I have had an allergic reaction to giving birth.

Face

I'm headed to the doctor tonight to figure out what's wrong with my face.
I said it was hives yesterday, but I don't REALLY know what it is. I have a circle of red patches around my right eye that are now starting to get itchy and sore. Make-up covers them beautifully, which doesn't seem very wise, but oh well.
I am also very itchy around my wrists, ankles and hairline.
What does this mean?!
I'll let you know...

Baby Class: Day Two

I woke up with hives this morning. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the 12 hours of baby class that we did this weekend.
Ah, well.
We didn't learn anything that you all don't already know, so instead of telling you what we learned, I'm going to share the Top Five stupid questions asked by our fellow classmates. Please note, all five questions were asked by men. I'm just saying.

5. Can my baby have tummy time while it still has it's umbilical cord stump?
4. When can I take my baby to a Twins game?
3. When can I take my baby swimming?
2. Can I still go to the gym after the baby is born?
and...drum roll, please...
1. How long does food last in the refrigerator?
The nurse's response: Oh, you shouldn't give your baby regular food until your doctor says you can.
Questioner: No, I know, I was just wondering how long food lasts.
Nurse: You know, I don't really know the answer to that one.
A stunned silence filled the room and we broke for refreshments.

I'm glad it's over.

p.s. I have now seen three births on film. I don't need to see any more. I know what's going to happen. I won't be able to stop it. I don't need to see it. Period.

Baby Class: Day One

Tonight as everyone was assembling in the incredibly over-heated classroom for our childbirth prep, the husbands looked particularly nervous as all the preggos checked each other out.

Richard leaned over and whispered, "Do we have to take a test at the end of this thing?"

I said, "Yes, all the husbands have to take a test."

The husband in front of us looked at his wife, " Really?!" He whispered, loudly.

"Oh, absolutely," she said.

She and I had a good laugh about it later in the bathroom.

Tonight!

Childbirth Preparation class starts tonight!
I'm sure I'll have lots to share...
We're taking the "Weekender Class" (aka Crash Course), so I won't be available until at least 4pm tomorrow.
Wish us luck!

BabyMan!

BabyMan says I'm having a girl.

This same website told Brenda that both Richard and Jeff should have been girls, so I'm not sure how much stock we can put in old BabyMan, but sort of a funny website either way.

I DO find it creepy, however, that there are baby horoscopes on the site. Ewwww! That just seems extra wrong to me for some reason.

So, is BabyMan right for your babies?

Fireworks in Week 31

Last night, if someone had been listening to us, they would have thought we were watching fireworks. Richard was laying with his hand on my stomach and the baby was ferociously kicking him. Every time, he would say, "Woah!" "Wow!" "Ooh!"

Although, now that I read that, any listeners might have thought of a different kind of fireworks. Oh well...I digress.

I haven't updated you all on my doctor's visit last Friday.

It was the funnest visit yet. We got to feel where the baby's rump, feet and head are laying. Fern even showed Richard where to feel on my stomach to feel the head, but he stopped suddenly and said, "I don't want to squish it!" We all had a good laugh. I thought it was really exciting to feel all of DesvousJunior's parts, and now I know what's poking me and where!

Its bottom is under my right rib, it's feet are under my left rib, and its head is just below my belly button.

My blood pressure was 120/66, the baby's heartrate was 156bpm, and I gained four more pounds, making my total weight gain 17 pounds to date. Wahoo!

Baby weighs 3.5 lbs this week and measures over 17 inches long. My book says we are heading into a growth spurt now. Whew!

I am feeling good, but my ligaments are stretching so quickly that I was in pretty serious pain last night by the time I laid down. I feel like my belly may split open at any moment and often wonder if I'm tearing in half from the inside out. I'm wearing my spandex "girdle" today to see if it will help support a little bit.

I think that's everything...

Booby Trap

I booby trapped the crib so we would know if the cat was getting into it.
I guess this answers the question.
Remember that old joke, "The beatings will continue until morale improves?"
Yeah.

I just can't believe it.

My friend, Jolene, made this for me today. Another thoughtful and loving gift.

I am so touched.

Thanks, Jolene. This is another gift that I will treasure forever.

The Best Yet

I got to spend a significant amount of time in the nursery tonight crossing things off my list, folding and sorting baby clothes, and enjoying myself thoroughly.
I decided that it was time to share the best gifts I've received for my baby as of yet. The first came from Future Grandma Brenda--she found a Westie beanie baby! I look for stuffed Westies everywhere I go, and now I don't have to anymore. I can't believe she knew I wanted one.
The other came from Future Papa & Grandma Duffert--a McClain Clan hunting tartan kilt. I couldn't believe it when I opened it up. It's made from real Scottish wool and imported straight from Scotland. AND it's my family's tartan!
You know when Mary "pondered these things in her heart?" I am pondering these two gifts. I am treasuring them up in my heart. To me they represent the baby's heritage and the baby's future, if that doesn't sound too silly.
They are both so special to me that I may never let the baby touch them. : ) It's not the getting of the gifts...it's the love behind them.

An haiku in honor of these lovely gifts:

I treasure up these
gifts, deep in my heart of hearts,
for you, my baby.

Jodi's Shower

I got to go to my friend's baby shower yesterday.
Jodi is due within two days of me, which made it so fun to watch her open all her gifts and imagine the things I'll have for my own baby some day soon. Jodi & Brian know that they are having a girl, and it was great to listen to them talk about little Gracie all weekend.
Thanks, Jodi, for a fun weekend!




p.s. Jodi, I show more than you in this photo. Not that it's a competition or anything. It's probably because I sleep on my back so much...
; )

A first for everything.

I did something yesterday that I have never done before.
I parked in the "Expectant Mother" parking spot.
I felt like I would have to justify myself to the officials so I left my coat in the car because it hides my tummy too much.
No one said anything, but no one held the door for me, either.

High Chair

There was a high chair waiting on my front step when I pulled out of the driveway this morning.
My employer has a special program for expectant mothers. If you sign up in your first trimester, you get a free carseat and high chair.
Sweet deal except that they want your first born child by the age of 18.

You laugh now, but we'll see who's laughing in 18 years.

Week 30

For what it's worth, it took us SEVEN tries to get a decent photo tonight.

Not sure what that means about turning 30...

I am still feeling very good, though it's getting harder to sleep comfortably at night. Despite this, however, I have a surprising amount of energy. Silly as it may be, the lists have helped.

My coworkers have started openly staring at me now and several have barely been able to hold back from touching me.

I have to say, the weirdest thing about it is that they're all men. The women say, "You look so cute!" The men get as close as is socially acceptable (note that I didn't say professionally acceptable), and comment on my growing tummy.

As somebody who has always dressed overly modestly, this uninvited and unexpected attention is uncomfortable.

Lately I've been craving...are you ready for this?

Sausage McMuffins. Rich and I found some frozen ones that do the trick, but I have been late for work (see other blog) repeatedly because I was in the drive through line at McDonald's. I've also definitely been getting my proper doses of calcium and then some with the large glasses of milk I crave with whatever we're having for dinner, and bowls of cereal that I eat at 3am.

Despite my weird cravings, I am still not eating in excess, and am anxious to see what my total weight gain will be at my appointment at 4pm tomorrow.

This week, our baby weighs a total of 3 pounds, and is between 16 and 17 inches, depending on the source. DesvousJunior's vision is 20/400 right now, which means he or she can only see objects that are right in front of its face, which is a good thing, because I can't imagine there's much to see on the other side of a uterus.

The baby has been kicking me in the ribs a LOT lately to the point where I nearly scolded it today. I held back because I thought I might look foolish scolding my own belly button, which is stretched even further than the last time I mentioned my belly button...

Crib Diaries

Mandi came over today and woke me up to help me get my nursery organized. She ironed curtains and the dust ruffle while Richard and I put the crib together.
The crib still needs to be refinished on one end, but we were all so excited to see it set up that we went for the gold. Tell me what you think!

The teddy bear is one I brought back with me from Scotland. What you can't tell in the pics, is that Pedro chewed off most of its nose. Oh well.









I've been feeling pretty discouraged lately because I feel like there is so much to do, and no energy to do it, and my time is ticking away.
So, after (another) nap today, I decided to make detailed lists of what I want to do in each room of the house before the baby is born. It's four pages long.
Richard and I knocked one room out of the park this afternoon.
I'm starting to feel better about life in general now.
Tomorrow? 1-2 items on the Nursery list and onward to the future.