40 Weeks and 5 Days Pregnant

So, today(August 23) is D-Day.  I unfortunately have not gone into labor on my own.  So, since I can't be induced due to a previous c-section, I am automatically getting a c-section on this day.  It's not the way I was hoping to deliver Little Cub, but what I ultimately wanted is about to come true - "Healthy Baby, Healthy Mom."  It's rather surreal that I will have a baby in my arms in a few hours without having to labor.  I even had time to shower, and do my hair and make-up. So, as soon as my parents arrived to watch Little Bear while we were in the hospital, we loaded up and made the trip.  We got there 15 minutes ahead of schedule.  We were told to wait in the waiting room while they finished getting things ready.  So, Papa Bear and I made ourselves as comfortable as possible.  An hour later and we still hadn't been called back.  Then, another hour went by and still no word.  The worst part for me was the fact that I hadn't been allowed to eat or drink since midnight.  I was HUNGRY!!!!  Finally, a nurse came out and informed us that she was sorry we were having to wait, but there were several emergencies that came up.  I wasn't upset about being pushed back when someone else was needing medical attention more than I.  I was just hungry and wanted to eat so badly.  

I finally got back to the holding room 3 hours after I should have been there.  And then, I finally got to the hour 4 hours after I was supposed to.  Despite the delay, everything went very well and Little Cub was born.  The moment I heard her cry, tears of joy came to my eyes.  I was able to hold her within minutes after her birth.  As soon as I was taken to the recovery room, I was able to breastfeed.  And, my prayers were answered.  Little Cub took to nursing right away without any problems.

40 Weeks and 5 Days - hours prior to Little Cub's birth

Mama Bear and Little Cub just hours after she was born

39 Weeks Pregnant

Ok, so I'm so so ready to meet Little Cub!!!  I've been feeling pretty good this last week.  I'm just tired and uncomfortable.  I've had a lot of contractions this past week.  So, I thought for sure when I went to my appointment this morning that I would be further dilated and effaced.  But, no such luck.  However, that doesn't mean a whole lot as far as when Little Cub will make an entrance.  I really want to have a v-bac (vaginal birth after cesarean).  Because of my previous c-section, I'm not allowed to be induced due to the risk of uterine rupture.  So, I have to go into labor on my own or end up having the scheduled c-section which is scheduled for August 23.  Knowing this, I asked my midwife if she would strip my membranes.  She did, which was really uncomfortable!!!!  But, I'm hoping it helps.  Also, I work Wednesday and Thursday this week, so that should also help since I'll be on my feet a lot.  Then, I also scheduled a massage for Friday morning.  My massage therapist has induced labor with massage therapy on other women, so I'm hoping it works for me if I haven't gone by then.

Little Cub is still moving around quite a bit.  And, at times I feel like he/she is punching me in rather uncomfortable places.  I'm really looking forward to meeting Little Cub and can't wait to kiss the cute little face. 

38 Weeks Pregnant

So, something happened several days ago.  I had been feeling really nauseous again with no appetite last week.  However, just a couple of days ago, I woke up ravenously hungry.  I couldn't eat enough.  When I went to work over the weekend, I even had several people say that Little Cub has dropped some.  I thought so too, which is why I had more of an appetite.  I hope this means that Little Cub's entrance is soon to come.  Since I'm now 38 weeks, that means that Little Cub is officially considered full term and can come at any time.  I'm starting to feel more and more discomfort "down below."  I think I've lost the mucous plug.  At my appointment I was dilated 1cm and my cervix was soft.  I was encouraged by that since the last week there was nothing.  Little Cub continues to make his/her presence known by a lot of movement.  I'm ready to see Little Cub moving with my own eyes instead of just feeling the movement and seeing the waves in my stomach.

37 Weeks Pregnant

I may look happy in this picture, but I'm not feeling very well lately.  I've been rather nauseous again and don't have much of an appetite.  Little Cub is about 7 pounds and around 20+ inches.  I met with one of the doctors in my midwife's office since I want to v-bac.  He checked my progress and there wasn't any.  I was bummed, but oh well.  There is still time for things to be prepared.  We all went on a little trip this last weekend and I wasn't sure if I should considering how close I was to D-Day.  But, all went well and it was great to have some quality family time. 

36 Weeks Pregnant

Little Cub is now mature enough to live in the outside world.  He/She is practicing breathing, sucking the thumb, moving from side to side, and blinking.  Fat continues to accumulate as well.  I had an ultrasound today and got to see the cutest litte face.  I wanted to reach out and kiss those little lips.  Little Cub looked great and the ultrasound tech estimated the weight to be about 6 pounds, 6 ounces.  I can't remember exactly what Little Bear weighed at that same time, but I still think Little Cub is going to be smaller than Little Bear was when born. Time will tell.

35 Weeks Pregnant

This post is a week late since we still don't have internet at our new house.  I'll have another post in the next few days for this weeks pic.  Wow, I'm 35 weeks along. This pregnancy has gone by rather quickly!  That's mist likely because we moved, are still finishing projects on our old house, and chasing after a toddler.  I just got back from a check up and Little Cub is doing well. Little Cub is the size of a cantaloupe, weighing about 6.5 pounds and 20+ inches.  Blood circulation is perfected and the immune system is mature enough to survive on the outside. Growth is slowing down too so Little Cub can get through the birth canal.

34 Weeks Pregnant

Well, so I missed posting a pic last week.  Oh well, here I am at 34 weeks.  I'm starting to feel uncomfortable and have a feeling that I won't make it to 40 weeks.  I'm OK with that.  My goal is to make it to 38 weeks.  Little Cub is 20 inches long or so and about 5 1/2 pounds - the size of a cantaloupe.  The main thing going on right now is continued accumulation of fat for Little Cub (I'm sure some for me too - bummer).  Also, Little Cub's brain power is growing rapidly.  I'm praying for wisdom for this baby.  I haven't done much to get the new nursery ready since I've been so preoccupied with Little Bear.  I have a friend coming over tomorrow though to help put all the furniture together so I'm super excited to start setting up the new nursery.

32 Weeks Pregnant

Another week has gone by. Its hard to believe that Little Cub will be here in 2 months or less. He/She has been moving and almost hurting me in the process quite a bit this week.

31 Weeks Pregnant

So, I tried posting this a few days ago.  However, with our move, we haven't set up internet.  So, I've been using my phone.  Well, I did a full post and it's still in the process of being saved on my phone.  So, this might not be exactly how I remembered the original post, but oh well.  Little Cub is growing and getting stronger.  He/She is starting to kick me in the ribs rather frequently.  Little Cub is around 4 pounds and at least 19 inches long.  Fat is continuing to accumulate so his/her skin is looking more like ours.  Muscles are also getting stronger.  That would explain why my phone bounces if I lay it on my belly.  Little Cub even put on an acrobat show for my midwife yesterday.  This kid is moving and grooving.  The picture is not flattering at all.  But, I guess that's what happens when you use the self timer instead of having someone else take it.  

With our move, I've been rather stressed out.  However, at my appointment yesterday, my blood pressure was the lowest it's ever been.  I can only attribute that to God and His amazing ability to take care of me and my unborn child.  I was also glad to know that my weight is the same since my last appointment.  I gained 55 pounds when I was pregnant with Little Bear.  But, so far I've only gained 20 pounds with Little Cub.  With only 8.5 weeks to go, I don't think I'll gain another 35 pounds.  That makes me happy.

My parents have been coming up frequently to help with our move and Little Bear has become very comfortable with them.  He's even started saying, "Grandpa and Grandma."

Snack time with Grandpa

30 Weeks Pregnant

I seriously cannot believe that I have only 10 more weeks left in this pregnancy.  I'm so not ready for Little Cub to arrive yet, so I'm praying the babe stays put for at least another 8-9 weeks.  I haven't thought much about anything in regards to preparing for Little Cub's arrival because I've been so focused on our move.  Yep, that's right.  In the midst of getting ready for another baby, we are moving to a new house.  We are super excited about our new place.  But, with that comes lots of stress with packing and getting our current house ready to be on the market.  Prayers would be appreciated that someone would buy our house quickly.  Meanwhile, Little Cub continues to grow and let me know that he/she is getting stronger.  At my last appointment, Little Cub was in the proper position for which I was thankful.  I'm now getting lots of kicks in the ribs and punches on my bladder.  Little Cub is about as big as a head of lettuce - 18 inches and about 3.5 pounds.  Connections between all the nerve cells are growing so rapidly and all 5 senses are working.  I know I'm definitely looking forward to seeing, touching, hearing, smelling, and tasting my Little Cub through kisses.

29 Weeks Pregnant

Little Cub at 29 Weeks

Little Bear at 29 Weeks

So, Little Cub is around 3 pounds and about 17 inches and approximately the size of a butternut squash.  I LOVE butternut squash, but I already know I love Little Cub even more.  Little Cub's brain is growing and getting the necessary grooves to allow for more brain tissue (and increased smartness).  Bone Marrow is now fulling in charge of making red blood cells.

I feel like I'm carrying differently, or at least my belly shape is different.  When I compare the pictures side, by side, my suspicions are confirmed in my book.  My belly now looks for like a ball up high.  With Little Bear, I think I carried all over.  What do you think?

I will say that sleeping continues to be better than a few weeks ago.  However, I'm starting to have to get up twice a night to go to the bathroom.  I'm looking forward to going to my chiropractic appointment this week.  My tailbone/pelvis have really been out of whack this past week.  It really got messed up when I had to sleep with Little Bear on the floor of his nursery last Friday night.  For some reason Little Bear wouldn't sleep unless I was holding him, or at least touching him.  Me sleeping on the hard floor is not comfortable being 7 months pregnant.  Then, add a toddler who tries to sleep on top of me and then moves and wakes me up.  Then when I moved, Little Bear would wake up.  Eventually, I was able to get him back in his crib and he slept.  I eventually was able to sneak out of the room and went to the couch so I wouldn't wake up Papa Bear.  However, Papa Bear was up making coffee 30 minutes after I laid down.  So, I went to our bed at 6:00.  But, Little Bear was up at 7:00.  Needless to say I was completely exhausted Saturday and my body ached and my tailbone/pelvis hurt every time I walked.  I feel better now, but know my body is out of wake.

28 Weeks Pregnant

I realized in all the craziness around here that I didn't get a picture taken this week of Little Cub's growth progress.  Sorry!  We did manage to get away for a day at the end of the week last week.  We took the short drive to the Omaha zoo.  It was a great day for it!  Little Bear did want to be out of the stroller and when we wouldn't let him, he got rather cranky.  He loved seeing all the animals and made appropriate noises for them.  It's such a blast to see him developing right before our eyes.  We also drove through a wildlife safari which Little Bear slept through.  Mark and I enjoyed it though.  The neat thing for me was to see a family whose son I took care of in the hospital.  It was great to reconnect with them.

This week, Little Cub is around 17 inches long and almost 3 pounds.  More fat deposits are being made -under Little Cub's skin that is - though I feel I'm getting more as well.  I'm feeling a lot of strong movement now.  I love that feeling!!  Little Bear continues to point to my belly.  I say, "Little Cub is in there."  He then goes, "Aww," then proceeds to hug my belly.  So cute!!!  Oh, I forgot to let you all know that I passed my glucose tolerance test with flying colors.  The number had to be less than 150 and mine was 74. Whoo hoo!!!!  Good thing I passed it since I'm totally loving carbs this pregnancy.  My hemoglobin was a little on the low side, so I have to start taking iron.  I had to take iron with Little Bear's pregnancy too.

I hope you all have a great start to your summer.

Little Bear totally into whatever was in that exhibit

27 Weeks Pregnant

My belly is getting a bit bigger now. Little Cub is about the size of a head of cauliflower, weighs 2.5 pounds, and is around 16 inches long. This kiddo is really starting to move and groove. I saw my actual stomach move from Little Cub's exercises. So totally cool!!! The good news is I've been sleeping a bit better this past week. I still have issues with restless leg syndrome and constipation. So frustrating.  Little Bear "hugs" my belly a lot these days. I love it. I'm not sure how much he understands at his age though.  I have to do my glucose tolerance test tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to that. Hopefully I do as well with that test this time as I did when I was pregnant with Little Bear.

26 Weeks Pregnant

My belly is looking more and more like a basketball.  I feel like I'm definitely carrying differently this time.  I don't know if that means the gender is different or what.  Doesn't matter to me.  Little Cub is about 15 inches from head to toe and 2+ pounds.  Sight and hearing continue to improve and Little Cub is also practicing breathing.  Thankfully the last several nights I have been sleeping better.  A definite answer to prayer.  I'm still taking afternoon naps when Little Bear does because of having to chase him around all day.  I run out of breath sooner because of how high I'm carrying.  Next week I take my glucose tolerance test.  I hope I pass.  I aced that test when I was pregnant with Little Bear, so I'm hoping for the same result.  I feel like my weight gain has been steady and under control.  I guess chasing after a toddler helps in that department.  Also, Little Bear keeps wanting to eat whatever I'm eating, so I don't get as much anymore.

We went shopping this morning and he liked the hat - he was also checking out the ladies in the store

We went for a walk yesterday and he was so happy.  Love him tons!

25 Weeks Pregnant

I totally missed taking a picture last week.  Oops!  Oh well, Little Cub is now around 10+ inches long and 2 + pounds.  Little Cub's eyes are now open and starting to really see things - well, light and dark changes anyway since there's not much else to see.  Brain wave activity is really ramping up now too.  So, Little Cub can startin responding to sounds with increase in heart rate or activity.  I've slept a bit better the last few nights which is good.  However, I still need to take my naps in the afternoon when Little Bear is napping.  I wish I had more energy because there is so much to do around here.  Oh well, things will get done.

Doesn't it look like I have a little ball in there?

23 Weeks Pregnant

So, I'm a few days late in getting this post up.  Oh well.  I'm blaming it on the continued lack of sleep and chasing after a toddler.  We've also been a bit crazy busy with starting the process of buying a new home.  God has put lots of little pieces together to bring us the house we have put a contract on.  It's truly amazing!  One of the good things is that we will be in the house a few months before Little Cub is due to arrive.  I hope I can get things organized in the new house by then.

Little Cub remains very active and is ready for exercise time every time I'm ready for rest time.  Go figure!  He/She is about the size of an ear of corn (8.5 inches and 1.5 pounds).  Papa Bear felt Little Cub moving yesterday morning which was really cool.  The movements are getting more and more distinct and strong.  Little Cub can really hear everything that's going on now inside my body and outside my body.  Crazy cool!  I posted the pic of me when I was pregnant with Little Bear.  It's hard to tell if I'm similar size since one pic is taken from further away.  If anything, I'm about the same size, maybe slightly smaller this time around.

Little Cub at 23 Weeks

Little Bear at 23 Weeks

22 Weeks Pregnant

So this week, Little Cub is about the size of a papaya - 8 inches and just over a pound.  This kid moves around a lot and likes to kick my bladder.  Blood vessels are growing and expanding and the lungs are making breathing movements.  That's so cool!!  The eyelids and fingernails are also completely formed.     Little Cub's pancreas is now making insulin and the lungs are starting to develop surfactant.  I'm amazed at what all goes on to prepare this child for life outside the womb.  That didn't just happen by chance.  There was definitely a designer/creator involved.  I'm so thankful I have God to lean on during this time.  I still have moments of fear that say something is going to be wrong, but God continually reminds me of his goodness and my need to trust in Him.

As for me, I'm still having trouble sleeping.  I sleep really well until I have to get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, which is usually about 1:00.  After that, I just can't get back to sleep.  Last night I knew I was keeping my husband awake, so I moved to the guest bed.  It was cooler in that room anyway.  I slept a little bit after that, but still tossed and turned a lot.  I've also had issues with restless leg syndrome.  I had the same issue when I was pregnant with Little Bear.  Some women from a breastfeeding support group suggested to drink a pregnancy tea and that would help.  I have some of that left, but I just forget about it.  Call it placenta brain.  Little Bear is actually starting to "kiss" my belly.  I don't think he really understands, but it's still cute.  Speaking of Little Bear, I have transitioned him to 1 nap a day now in the last few weeks.  So, no more morning nap for me.  Oh well. I'm definitely taking advantage of getting an afternoon nap when Little Bear does, even though I have tons of stuff to do around this house.

21 Weeks Pregnant

In case you're keeping track, no, I'm not off in my week count.  I had an appointment last week Monday.  After having an ultrasound and getting those measurements and then my midwife getting the results of my first ultrasound, she wanted to change my due date.  So, she says I'm 5 days further along than I think I am.  I've had a bit of a hard time understanding this, since I know my body so well and know the exact day I ovulated.  I never ovulate on day 14 like the textbooks say.  With Little Bear I ovulated on day 21 - so a whole week later than the "normal" schedule.  With Little Cub, I know I ovulated on day 18.  So, how can "they" say that Little Cub is then due 5 days before I think it should be according to when I ovulated?  Anyway, the way I'm trying to look at it is that God is in control.  Little Cub is going to come when he/she is supposed to and there is nothing I can do about it.  All I can do is pray, take care of myself as best as possible, and trust that God is in control.  That last part is hard to do though.

Anyway, Little Cub is about a pound now and approximately 8 inches long - roughly the size of a spaghetti squash.  Little Cub is now developing the sense of touch and gripping a lot.  His/her's sense of sight is also increasing.  But, still just limited to differences between light and dark.  Can you believe that Little Cub now has eyelashes and eyebrows and hair is even growing on top of his/her head?  Crazy!!  We did have an ultrasound last week and I didn't see any hair, but I got to see a really cute unborn baby.  Little Cub was extremely active and rather photogenic during his/her picture session.  Mark and I really enjoyed the show.  Everything is growing a developing properly which made me breathe a huge sigh of relief!!!  With all the weird things I see at work, my "normal" is the world's "abnormal."  So, it was comforting that so far all the organs, brain, spine, etc., were as they should be.  Praise God!!!  We chose not to find out the gender of Little Cub.  The ultrasound tech said she doesn't even know.  I have my suspicions, but anyone out there want to make a guess?  Post a comment and put in your vote.  Who knows, maybe I might give a little gift to someone who guesses the gender and comes the closest to height, weight, and actual birth date.

21 Weeks and really starting to stick out

Perfect shot of Little Cub's entire leg from hip to toe

Nice profile of Little Cub's face and cute little arm

18 Weeks Pregnant

Another week has gone by and I'm now 18 weeks.  Little Cub is now approximately the size of a mango (6 inches and 1/2 pound).  I've really felt more movement this week.  So cool!  Neurons are now connected between the brain, muscles, and cartilage.  That's why I've felt more movement.  I'm feeling pretty good.  I'm not always sleeping the greatest, but at least I can usually get a nap on the days I don't work.  I thought I'd put up a picture of me when I was pregnant with Little Bear as well, just to show the comparison.

18 Weeks Pregnant with Little Cub

18 weeks Pregnant with Little Bear

17 Weeks Pregnant

I forgot to take a picture last week - sorry.  But, here I am at 17 weeks.  I actually think I'm starting to feel Little Cub moving around a bit.  I got to hear the heartbeat again this week when I took Little Bear in for his 15 month check up.  Little Bear's doctor is also my doctor.  However, my doctor no longer does deliveries, so I'm going to the same midwife that I went to last time.  Anyway,  at the end of Little Bear's appointment, the doctor was kind enough to get out his doppler and let me hear the heartbeat.  It is such sweet music to my ears.  Despite the fact that God continues to reassure me that everything is OK, I still allow some fears to creep in.  I guess that's not too surprising, considering where I work and my history of having a miscarriage.

This week Little Cub is around 5 oz and about the size of a sweet potato.  I LOVE sweet potatoes, but I can tell you right now that I love Little Cub way more even though we haven't met face-to-face.  This week the nerves are forming more complex connections, the hearing is growing more acute, and Little Cub is mastering the art of yawning.  It's so amazing to me how all that is going on inside me.  Truly a miracle!!!

I haven't been sleeping the greatest the last couple of weeks.  However, since Little Bear was kind enough to give me his cold, I've had to take a little Benadryl at night so I can breathe.  Which, in turn has helped me sleep better.  I finally got some sudafed - which is on the approved list my midwife gave me and also some saline packets to wash my nose out with.  I don't know if you have ever tried that, but it really works!  I actually felt like I could function this afternoon instead of just exist.  I'm also taking vitamin C and vitamin D.  I increased my vitamin D to 8000iu/day for a few days like my doctor suggested before when I had a cold early on in this pregnancy.  Despite the fact that my immune system isn't working as well since I'm pregnant, I'm hoping to kick this cold as quickly as possible.

I think I'm starting to show more now - I feel like I just popped out in the last couple of days