Week 37: Wow! This Baby sure is Loved!

The favour I made for the Baby Shower

Quick Recap: 164lbs (up 39lbs from prepregnancy). Feeling big and awkward. Group B Strep negative (whoo!). Labour and delivery class. Hospital tour. Baby Shower!! :)

Peanut's Progression: Officially full term (ok time to come out now!).19.25 inches. 6.3lbs. All organs ready for the outside world.

Labour and Delivery Class

The only thing my doctor has really hounded me about is signing up for a labour and delivery class. At $50 a couple I was hesitant because I figured I could just read it all on the internet. I ended up signing us up for the class and it was well worth the $50.

If you will be delivering at Langley I highly recommend you take this class (I'll put the contact details below). Two nurses (Trudy and Sandra) teach it and they are just fabulous! They have both been working in the maternity ward of Langley for 10+ years and are very funny and sweet.

A lot of the information given I already had a good idea about (mostly because of my pregnancy app obsession) but it was a great refresher and reminder that all my questions and concerns are totally normal. The most impactful part of the class was learning that my goals for birth are very closely aligned with those of the hospital. They want to keep baby and mom and dad together as much as possible. They even wait for the cord to stop pulsing before cutting it (I was shocked that they adopted this idea and it seems to be a more midwife/naturalistic viewpoint).

You will leave with a much clearer understanding of what to expect and probably feel more confident too!

If you are interested in taking their class (and are delivering at Langley Memorial Hospital) their number is: 604-229-2241

Hospital Tour

This was mediocre. It started off with a bitter taste in my mouth because of a nurse in maternity. I was told when I booked the tour to go to the maternity ward, so I did. I was greeted not so pleasantly by a nurse who told me (as if I should know) I needed to go to the basement. Well I don't know about you but thankfully, I haven't been in that hospital for 8 ish years, and I have no idea what floor you consider the basement. Sometimes I think staff at hospitals forget that this is a place most people (hopefully) don't have to visit very often and they probably have NO idea where anything is.

Anywho, once I finally made it to the correct room the nurse leading the tour was, well, more like one of those teachers you hated in high school. Instead of telling you what you needed to know, she insisted on asking everyone. "Who knows when to call the hospital?" "Do you swaddle babies still?" etc etc... It felt like high school all over again. I was more annoyed than usual because, well, let's recap... I'm 164lbs of big bulging belly, in short shorts because I can't help but sweat ALL THE TIME, I'm sticking to these vinyl seats because I wore shorts, my boobs are itching and I sure as hell won't be scratching in front of these strangers and my brain hardly functions regarding topics I know like the back of my hand. And you want me to answer questions about something YOU are the expert on?! Don't waste my time, just tell me what I need to know and show me where to waddle myself to.

The GOOD part about the tour was, well, the tour! It was nice to see the actual ward (even though its under renovation and could look totally different when I get there). We were shown really helpful things like where to keep our snacks and food, where hubby can get extra linens and ice packs for our tender bits after birth. Seeing the rooms was great too. I was surprised how spacious they are and I was SO excited to find it had a bath tub. Momma loves herself some baths so you best believe I'll be in that tub during labour. Now if only we could add a glass of wine to the mix!!

BABY SHOWER!!!

WOW! That is the only way I can start this section. I have never felt so loved or so special (except when Steve proposed of course). Until the past couple years I've always struggled to keep friendships alive. I didn't try very hard to keep in touch and also never felt that they put the effort in either. Something switched when I moved away and I got so much better at keeping in touch, maybe it was because I was so lonely living in a city where I knew no one. It was a change for the better and I must admit I just can't get over how much support I really have in my life.

As a self professed control freak it was SOOO hard to ignore the planning process and just let my girls take over. My bridesmaids took care of everything with some help from the grandma's to be and a few others. I can't express my awe at everything they did for me and baby. They remembered how much I've loved sour keys and used them as part of a game. They had a custom cake made with the PERFECT elephant to go on top. Filled the room with balloons and streamers and had so many delicious things to eat! Even got a whole pile of classic kids books and had guests write message in them.

Speaking of guests, I had no idea so many people would want to come and celebrate our little baby with me. I was truly touched by how generous our guests were and how truly thoughtful their gifts were. My only regret is not being able to talk to everyone more. I sat that night reading through the messages guests wrote in books for Wiggles and felt guilty for missing out on some of our guests. I can only reassure myself that there will be plenty of visits once the lil monkey is here and lots of time to talk then.

I've entered the last 3 weeks of this journey with a very full heart (and belly, that cake was SO yummy!)

Week 36: You're Putting That Q-Tip Where!?

Quick Recap: Weight 162lbs. Now weekly Dr. appointments. First stretch mark. Insatiable hunger. Friggen pelvis pain.

Peanut's Progression: Almost 19inches. 5.75 lbs. Head down still. Getting fatter every day.

Give Me More FOOOOOD!!!!

OMG I didn't know it was possible to feel so hungry! Thankfully I'm not like this everyday but my god there isn't enough food in the house to possibly satisfy my hunger.

According to the books, around this time I should experience "lightening" which basically just means the baby drops a bit and my stomach and lungs get more space again. I haven't really noticed any change in the shape of my belly but then again I've haven't carried high so I'm not sure I would notice anyways. If I really think about it, breathing isn't as challenging and I certainly can stuff WAY more food in my face now.

Stretch Marks

Don't worry Christina I'm not going to tear you to shreds here for pointing out my first stretch mark :). Despite my constant belly inspection I never noticed the new addition on my skin, perhaps I was too busy counting all the silly little bumps I have. I consider myself quite lucky that it took until 35 weeks for any stretch marks to show up but it doesn't mean I wasn't annoyed about it.

In fact the whole thing went down like this... "Ok thanks for coming over Stina! Have a great night." I close the door and immediately go to my bathroom and begin the inspections. "Stretch mark!? Where!? How could I have missed it!!! THERE IT IS! Mother fucker. Stupid friggen stretch mark" Cue the pouty face. I have a moment of distress over this stupid mark but then immediately let it go. Wow! I've made some serious progress. Weeks ago that pout would have turned into a full fledged ugly cry meltdown, probably resulting in spending the rest of the night lotioning up my stomach.

I blame my 16 year old self for getting a belly button ring. I took the piercing out several years ago but that ended up being exactly where the stretch mark showed up. Makes sense I suppose since there is scar tissue there not to mention the fact that my belly button couldn't possibly push out any farther from my stomach.

The good news is there are only 2 and they are less than an inch each and pretty hard to notice. 

Group B Strep Test

Short and sweet. WHY didn't any of the books mention this!? 36 weeks and you get a q-tip swabbed into places you would rather it not. I suppose at this point I really shouldn't be surprised by anything anymore.



Baby is full term next week!

Week 35: NO! Not another Sneeze!!!

Quick Recap: Weight still steady at 160lbs. More fatigued. Back to the sour key craving. Now on meds for my barf burps

Peanut's Progression: All major organs nearly complete. Light hair called lanugo is all gone. Still fattening up.18 inches long. 5.25lbs

Beware The Sneeze!

Seriously! I never thought sneezing could be so terrifying! For my whole life I've been a 3 sneezer. It is super unusual for me to sneeze only once. That little fact makes sneezing that much scarier for me. Why? Bladder Leakage! That's why! At 28 years old, pregnancy has made me a senior citizen. Not only do I roll out of bed like I'm 80, walk slower than people 3 times my age and have to sit with lumbar support but now I also can't seem to clench hard enough to keep things contained while sneezing.

I suppose when I bought my massive pads for post pregnancy I also should have picked up some adult underwear. That satisfaction you feel after a good sneeze is now replaced with the thought of "ah shit, did I dribble?!". Perhaps this is my punishment for being able to still get through an entire night without having to get up to pee. You can't have it all ladies!

Hey Hey! Look at me!! Notice ME!!!

Did someone install a neon sign over my head when I wasn't looking?? Does it happen to say "HEY! Talk to me! Mention my belly! NOTICE ME!"?? Sure feels like it. I literally cannot go anywhere in public without questions now. That being said, everyone has been very kind and non invasive but sometimes I just want to go pick up groceries and not talk about pregnancy. I've been talking about it for 8 1/2 months!

I ran some errands the other day and out of the 3 stores I was in, I received at least 1 comment in each.

Canadian Tire - Sales lady was walking me to find burlap and passed a guy, asked if we were together (super random) he says "no, but I sure hope she has someone". Could you imagine if I didn't have a lovely man to come home to?! I probably would have burst into overly emotional irrational tears!

Walmart - Cashier asks how long I have left. I answer just about a month. Granny behind me says "Oh wow! That much still!?" this makes me chuckle... Especially because I've been about the same size for a solid month now. (ps - she thinks its a girl, and according to her Grandmas are always right)

Fabricland - Some random dude in front of me in line says, "6 months pregnant?" HAHAHAHAHAHA oh god! Yes, because men have even the slightest idea of what a 3 month/6 month/9 month belly looks like. I actually laughed out loud after he said it and replied "oh gosh no, much farther than that thank god!" His wifey, clearly the more intelligent one, laughs and says "that means, get this thing out". The best part about this one was that his comment essentially told me I looked small which is a welcome compliment for me!

Barf Burps Be Gone!

After visiting my doc last week and asking about exactly how many tums I could take in a day he ended up prescribing me something for my raging silent reflux. It's basically Zantac but in prescription form, called Ranitidine. Quite safe for pregnancy and has certainly helped tremendously. I just take 1 in the am and 1 at night. I still very occasionally feel some discomfort but 90% of the time I have no pain at all. And that need to burp all the time!? GONE! Something tells me Steve is happy about that.

The Age of Over Protection

If we don't stop this madness the next generation will be one that won't take risks, make decisions on their own and will lack any sort of social finesse. Do I have your attention yet?

I saw a Facebook status that caught my attention this week, more than they usually do. It was a status regarding the book "Perks of Being a Wallflower". I have NOT read this book although it's definitely on my must read list now. The status was from someone who is outraged that this book is assigned reading because it contains "offensive content". Again, I haven't read it but it apparently contains content about rape and other sexual topics.

This book has been approved by the school district and is assigned to grade 10 students (age 15). Sure, reading this kind of content may not be comfortable and certainly not for parents when your teen asks you questions about it. BUT isn't it much more valuable to take that opportunity to educate them about rape and sex and the nitty gritty of it. One way or the other kids/teens are going to find this information and I would much rather them read about it in school where they can have a good discussion about it and come home to also talk about it with their parents. Ignoring those topics will not make them go away. My guy and I have discussed sheltering our children many times and share the same opinion that in today's world kids are held back in too many ways.

Our children are no less capable of assessing dangerous situations than we were. I was walking to and from school around age 8, by myself (although my Mom did follow me the first day to make sure I was ok) and staying at home alone by age 10. I was taught exactly what to do if I ran into a scary situation. I survived and so will our kids. I'm not actually convinced that there are more predators lurking in out streets now than there were 10, 20 or 30 years ago. I simply think that we are exposed to more stories of it because we have so many more news sources at our finger tips.

For a second think back the last time you learned something new, as an adult. While you were training someone was likely there beside you to help guide you through the process. If that person is always beside you you will never make the decision entirely on your own. You will always seek out their "ok". When they did leave you alone to do your new task, you remembered what they taught you and applied it correctly. Kids are the exact same. They will always look to you for direction if you are always there, sometimes you just have to let them do it on their own, even if it is the scariest thing ever for you.

I'm sure someone, somewhere is thinking right now, "you don't have your child yet, you don't understand" and you're right. My baby isn't here and I don't truly understand what it is to let your child go at it on their own. But what I do know is that in my opinion that is what's best for them. I want my child to be independent and self-sufficient and to grow into a successful and confident adult.

My other gripe/concern about today's society is our disdain for discipline and our inability to let our children fight their own battles. When it comes to discipline I'm not saying beat your children every time they disobey but I am saying that a gentle conversation about it doesn't cut it. Actions have consequence, end of story. If kids never learn that how do you think they will react when they screw up at work as an adult and are fired. The words "it's not fair" comes to mind. Life isn't fair. And how do you expect for them to learn to deal with conflict on their own in a healthy way if you never let them sort it out themselves. Yes, they do need a certain amount of guidance for how to properly deal with certain conflicts but when it comes right down to it they should be resolving it on their own rather than having adults do it for them.


I intend on working my butt off to teach my kids as many lessons as possible and to give them all the trust they deserve. I am a total control freak so it's going to be a huge uphill battle for me to let go and let them do it themselves. It will be hard, I will cry, they will make mistakes and it will be worth it.

Week 34: Massive Pads and Granny Panties!

Quick Recap: Still hovering at 160lbs. Very achy pelvis. Swollen hands. Baby feeders leaking slightly.

Peanut's Progression: Hearing is fully developed. About 5 lbs. 18 inches. Gaining more fat to regulate body temperature. Central nervous system still developing but lungs are almost completely mature.

Packing the Hospital Bag

6 weeks out and we figured it was a good time to starting packing our hospital bag. The one issue I've come across is that many of the things I want to bring I will also use or wear in the next 6 weeks. So maybe the best idea is to make a list of the items not yet in the bag but that I want to take (and where they are so it's easier on everyone)

So far we have packed:

-change of clothes for Steve
-pillow for each of us
-nursing pj's
-diapers/wipes
-couple onesies
-camera with charger
-toiletries (chapstick, lotion, shampoo/conditioner, facecloth, pads, toothbrush/paste, brush)
-big black granny panties (soooo sexy!)

Still to add:

-slippers and robe
-change of clothes for me
-phone chargers/phone
-kobo
-water bottle
-snacks
-hot water bottle
-sweat pants and hoodie


Buying Big Ol Pads

It has been YEARS since I've even looked at buying pads but I know I'll need them post pregnancy so I may as well buy them now. It's been so long since I've bought them I actually googled what kind were best for post pregnancy. Found an interesting tidbit. While Always makes the nicest ones, thin and super absorbent they also have that mesh like covering which could potentially grab on to any stitches you have. Something I never would have thought of. I opted for the generic brand from Walmart, they were cheap at less than $5 for 32 pads. I also made sure to get pads with wings, for me it gives me more peace of mind that this massive stack of cotton on my crotch will stay in place.

While We're At It, Let's Get Granny Panties!!!

This advice comes straight from my friend who recently had her beautiful son and ended up with an emergency c-section.


DO NOT buy low cut briefs in an attempt to have cuter undies. If you do end up with a cesarean the top of the underwear could be too close to your incision for comfort. Do your post pregnant self a favour and buy full bottom hi waisted BLACK underwear. I'll never understand why they even make white underwear. I mean they never stay white for long and they certainly won't after pregnancy. At least with black ones even if you have a leak overnight or have excess bleeding it wont be so obvious. And besides its not like you'll be keeping these sexy undies around for use later on. Opt for comfort now and treat yourself to some sexy new ones later on.

One final note: Doctor finally referenced, for the first time, that my weight has been "just fine" HA! 34 weeks in, about time!

Week 33: Is It Over Yet?!

Quick Recap: Ultrasound. Weight steady. Grumpy. Tired. Emotional. Uncomfortable. Really sore pelvis. Burning throat and lump all the time.

Peanut's Progression: Per ultrasound estimate 4 lbs 13oz. 17 inches long. Skeleton is hardening. Rapid weight gain will start to slow next month.

7 More Weeks of THIS!? UGGGGH

I was really hoping I wouldn't get annoyed with pregnancy until closer to the end. I've had several days this week where I wished it was all over and done with. Walking is now really more of a waddle, especially when I first get up from sitting. I may as well be 50 years older the way my joints stiffen up. My pelvis has decided to start acting up again and in a whole new level of discomfort. I rarely sleep without 5 or more interruptions. My acid reflux is super duper lame and means my throat hurts all day every day and even wakes me up at night.

To sum it up, I'm grumpy as all hell. Really though, I have nothing to bitch about, my pregnancy has been quite easy but I am so done already. When I think that I have to do this for another 7 weeks I am utterly exhausted at the thought.

The bright side? I still have 7 weeks to go and good thing because lord knows I DO NOT have everything I need, nor is anything organized enough.

Last Ultrasound

We had our last ultrasound with our specialist this week. Honestly it was kind of disappointing. For some reason we had a different doctor this time and although he was quite nice he wasn't nearly as charismatic as the last one. At the last appointment she made sure to mention that I shouldn't do a 3D ultrasound (and pay for it) because she would give me pictures next time. Well I didn't really think that through. If I had given it any thought I would have realized we are probably too far along to get good images. Baby is just too crowded. The doctor did try to get a face shot for us after I asked but baby is head down face down so it wasn't possible.

Even though we didn't really get to see much of the baby this time it was nice to find out that the placental lake that was once measured at 8cm wide is now much much smaller, so much smaller in fact that the doctor said it wouldn't even be something he included in a report. Yay! And to top it off our lil wiggles is growing right on schedule. Everything looks good and is within a normal growth range. Go wiggles go!  

Silent Reflux aka Barf Burps 

I have finally found some relief from the dreaded barf burps! This past week has been a rough one in terms of throat pain. After many Google searches I decided to try taking Tums daily as a preventative measure. Small meals and staying upright weren't helping so it was worth a try. Almost immediately I felt better! I purchased the Ultra strength Tums and can take up to 3 a day. I take one in the morning, then afternoon and then before bed.

It has made a huge difference. I no longer NEED to burp after eating and the lump in my throat is gone! I'm only 1 day in and feel so much better! One last note, if you have heartburn choose an antacid made from calcium bicarbonate not sodium bicarbonate, the sodium will increase water retention and our feet are fat enough already!

Also, after speaking with my doctor I was cleared to take up to 5 tums a day, after that you risk an excess of calcium in your system and that can cause kidney stones.

Week 32: What's sleep?

This isn't me but it definitely show my eating issues

Quick Recap: Dropped 3lbs from last week (water retention?), Fundus height spot on. Baby settled into head down position. Sleep deteriorating. Baby's room progress.

Peanut's Progression: About 16.5 inches long. 3lbs 9oz. Doc says he/she is long and skinny. Brain creating more and more neural connections.

Cranky Calves! 

Several weeks ago I had my first and only calf cramp of my pregnancy and then this week happened. Every night (despite drinking lots of water) I have at least 5 calf cramps. The interesting part is that I can feel them starting in my sleep and I automatically flex my foot to stretch out the muscle. I've managed to avoid a full on cramp so far. I talked to my doctor about it in this weeks appointment and he warned Steve that I may suddenly sit up in the middle of the night and scream bloody murder if a big cramp hits. Considering some of the strange things I do in my sleep, that wouldn't be overly unusual.

Doc's tip for relieving the cramps were to:
1 - stay hydrated
2 - wear compression socks (remember those sexy things from my travel adventure)
3 - elevate my feet before bed

Barf Burps (only the nastiest part yet)

As my coworker put it, I've had an entirely unremarkable pregnancy and for that I am very thankful. Not too many gross things have happened to me but these barf burps are the worst ever!

At the end of December our household came down with Norwalk, which meant a lot of praying to the porcelain gods. All the acid ended up burning my esophagus and causing a sensation of a permanent lump in my throat. Some women will also get this in the 1st trimester if you have really bad morning sickness.

It has gone away for the most part until one of the dreaded barf burps sneaks up on me. At 32 weeks pregnant my stomach has basically experienced its very own lap band surgery. Baby has taken up most of the real estate in my abdomen pushing up all the other great organs that used to reside there. Which means my food container has now been squished beyond belief, which really is a cruel trick when you consider how hungry you get and how little your stomach will hold. WTF mother nature!? You could have designed this better!

So here's the deal... I cram as much food as humanly possible into my stomach and then immediately regret it. There is a desperate need to burp to relieve some of the pressure but then instead of air its gnarly tasting partially digested food. UGH worst thing ever! Not only does it taste vile! But it burns my throat and brings that pain back all over again.

The absolute worst of it happened one night this week. I succumb to my sour patch kid craving and lay in bed reading and shoveling handfuls of the sweet/sour treats into my face, all while mostly reclined in the flat position. Yes, because that is a perfect spot to be in when your trying to keep food down. The scary part happened a few hours later when in the middle of a peaceful sleep I "burp" and instead I almost vomit in my sleep. Obviously I wake up and realize what just happened, and terrified that it will happen again I prop myself up on pillows and attempt to fall back to sleep. Ya right. Sleep. Instead of resting I battle the rest of the night, waking up with either a calf cramp or with the painful sensation of barf burps in my throat.

Still think pregnant women are sexy??

Stained Shirts, Can I get a Bib please?

This is serious business, do not attempt a meal without a belly bib. You heard me! Immediately after sitting at a table to eat, proceed to place your napkin under your boobs and over your belly. You'll thank me later when every single one of your shirts DOESN'T have a food stain on it like mine. I never thought I was a sloppy eater, at least I wasn't until I was prego. Apparently I can no longer properly judge how to hold a fork full of food, how wide to open my mouth and how to chew. Just a hot mess.