Introducing: Tasso Thomas Yant

And, the baby is finally HERE! We'd like to introduce Tasso Thomas Yant!

He arrived on Saturday, July 11th (8 days past his due date!) at 4:51pm and was 8lbs 4oz and 22 inches of pure joy! Mommy and daddy are so in love and everyone is doing well.

I wanted to tell the story of his birth, while it's still somewhat fresh in my mind, as it's been over 3 weeks now, but every time I sit down to update the blog, the baby starts calling my name! Welcome to parenthood :) Be forewarned, this is a long post, so I apologize about the length, but here we go!

Let's just say that my labor and delivery did not go as I had expected and/or anticipated... and no matter what anyone tells you about the actual labor itself, nothing will quite prepare you for it.

SO, it all started on Saturday morning, July 11th. I woke up around 7am and felt a gush of fluid down there. Now, mind you, I had been feeling small "gushes" for the past few days and was never quite sure if my water had broken, if I peed myself and/or if I was just slowly leaking amniotic fluid? This felt like a bigger "gush" and I was pretty sure my water had broken.

Holy crap, I thought, this is FINALLY happening... and then I started having contractions. Real contractions. Not the fake contractions that I had been having the past few weeks. Okay, this hurts, but it's not terrible, I thought. I woke up Lukas and told him my water broke and I was having contractions. He asked if I called the doctor, and I hadn't yet, as it was 7am on Saturday, and I thought I could wait a little longer, so I hopped in the shower and got the remaining items ready for my hospital bag.

We started timing my contractions and they were coming 5 to 15 minutes apart. I decided I should probably called the doctor now. I gave them a call and explained that I thought my water broke and I was having contractions, so they said to come into the hospital.

By about 8:30am we were on our way to Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, and I couldn't believe our baby boy was finally going to arrive! Yippeee! My contractions were getting stronger and starting to hurt more and more. We got to the hospital and checked in, and they sent us to an exam room. The nurse came in to examine me and determine if my water truly had broken. They did a quick test and the nurse said she didn't think my water had really broken. I said okay, well I'm having contractions and I'm in pain... I'm 41 weeks pregnant, so let's get this show on the road! She went to talk to the doctor and they determined they would "admit" me. But, if I hadn't been overdue, they probably would have sent me home, which is crazy!

At this point my contractions were coming on stronger and stronger and my real labor had begun. I couldn't sit still and needed to pace back and forth and work on my breathing. The nurse took us into the labor and delivery room and got my IV started and hooked up to the monitor. My contractions continued and we waited... and I thought... so, is this it? Do we just wait? When do I get an epidural?

I was able to somewhat "breathe" through the contractions and squeeze Lukas's hand, but the pain was getting worse and worse... the nurse came in to see how far dilated I was, and I was only 1-2cm STILL... she said they wouldn't give me the epidural until I was 3-4 cm. But, they could give me Stadol, which would help take the "edge" off a bit, but it would make me feel a bit loopy. I said okay, give me something, anything to help with the pain! They gave me the meds and I did feel really loopy... like I was out of it, and I didn't like the feeling... the pain was still there, too, maybe a tiny bit better, but not much... I didn't like the feeling.

My mother-in-law, father-in-law and sister-in-law stopped by to see how we were doing and my parents were on their way from Madison. The labor was progressing, but slowly... and I was in more and more pain... The Stadol slowed my natural contractions, so they gave me Pitocin to make sure my contractions continued. It had been 4 or 5 hours now, and the pain was becoming UNBEARABLE.

I couldn't breathe through the contractions anymore... I was crying each time a new one came and it was AWFUL... why couldn't they give me the damn epidural? This was misery. And then, my water broke (for real this time!). I felt all this pressure... and then... I thought my uterus had exploded and the baby's head popped out. It was nothing I had ever felt before, and the pain was insurmountable. That was my breaking point when I lost it. I couldn't handle the pain anymore.

I couldn't stop crying and I was gasping for breaths between the contractions, and finally the nurse said they could give me the epidural. FINALLY. I didn't understand why they made me suffer for hours first!?! I got the epidural and I felt immediate relief, except I could still feel some throbbing pain on my left side, and my contractions were coming closer and closer together. The fact that I could still feel some pain wasn't normal... so they had to come back and give me another dose of medication... and then, AHHHH, relief. I didn't feel a thing. What contraction? What pain? I felt GREAT! This whole labor thing wasn't so bad after all.

Then, the nurse checked me again, and said I was already at 5-6cm, wait I was at 8cm, no, now 9cm. In a matter of minutes I went from 2cm dilated to 9cm dilated. Wahooo! This baby was finally coming! The nurses were getting the delivery table setup and my mom and MIL were jumping for joy that it was almost time for baby boy to arrive.

And then, this in when my labor changed course. The nurse had me turn on my side, and the baby's heart rate dropped... that wasn't good... and she had me turn back on my back, and the baby's heart rate was fine. And then she had me turn on my other side, and the baby's heart rate dropped again. I didn't understand, what was going on? The nurse called the doctor in and they had me turn from side to side again. They both were acting very serious and it had me worried. This wasn't good. What was going on?

The doctor explained that somehow, when I dilated so quickly, the baby "dropped" and was now lying and/or wrapped around the umbilical cord. Hence, every time I shifted positions it put pressure on the cord and made the baby's heart rate drop. That's when they said I might need a c-section and brought in the paperwork for me to sign. I looked at Lukas, I really didn't want a c-section. I obviously would do whatever we needed to do to delivery the baby safely, but a c-section was not part of my birth plan!

I had already labored for 7 hours, was 9cm dilated and was just about ready to deliver naturally... and now I might have to have a c-section? Of course as soon as they mentioned the "c" word, I knew that it was inevitable. They had me sign the paperwork as a precaution as they watched me go through a few more contractions, and I could tell things weren't headed in a positive direction. We all stared at the monitor as I had another contraction and we say the baby's heart rate drop again... my heart fell as I knew what was coming...

"Molly, this isn't looking good, we need to move now," the doctor ordered. They threw some scrubs at Lukas and wheeled me out of the room into the operating room, in what felt like a matter of seconds. They told Lukas to wait in the hall and they would come get him when I was ready.

In a matter of minutes they literally threw me on the table and prepped me for surgery. I couldn't believe this was happening. They gave me more of the epidural and told me that I would feel the surgery, but I wouldn't be in pain. They put the sheet up and pulled Lukas into the room and quickly began the c-section.

"I can feel you. I can feel you tugging me! Is this normal?" I asked the doctor. "Yes, you're fine. As long as you don't feel pain."

I didn't feel pain, but it was the oddest sensation, to know that someone was slicing into your body and you could feel the pressure, but you couldn't feel the pain... it was uncomfortable, to say the least. Before I knew it they were shouting at Lukas to stand up, as they were pulling the baby out. Since the baby was already so far down the birth canal, they had to do some tugging, and Lukas witnessed our baby boy being born. I heard a cry and they quickly whisked him away to the table.

I was so confused. Didn't I get to see my baby? What was going on. I didn't hear anything. The doctors were talking but I didn't hear the baby... then, within minutes we heard the baby crying again. Thank god. What's going on? The doctor said the baby cried immediately and then he wasn't breathing... they were about to intubate him, when he coughed up the fluid and started crying, but he needed some oxygen to help him breathe and they were going to take him to the NICU.

The nurse asked what are you going to name him? I looked at Lukas. We had our top name, Tasso, picked out, but we wanted to wait to see what he looked like before we named him. Lukas said he looked like a Tasso, so I said okay, let's go with Tasso! We told the nurse his name is Tasso Thomas. What was that she asked? How do you spell it? HA, the confusion began :) Tasso was Greek (as we wanted to pay homage to Lukas's family heritage) and we wanted to name him after my dad, Thomas.

Okay, I had so many questions. Is the baby going to be okay? When do I get to see him? Before I knew it they said look to your right, as they wheeled him away... and all I got to see was the back of his head. I didn't even get to see my baby yet :(

I was drugged and confused and thirsty... SO thirsty. My shoulders ached with all this pressure, and my body was shaking uncontrollably. What's wrong with me? Why am I so sleepy? I asked if it was okay to close my eyes. And, all I wanted was some water. Can I please have something to drink? I asked the doctors. They said no, as I would throw up anything ingested right now. I needed to wait a while and then I could have some ice chips in recovery. Why did my shoulders hurt so much? I was in pain. They told me that when they do surgery on your stomach air gets into your body and rises to your shoulders... hence all the pressure I was feeling.

They wheeled me into recovery and put this floaty-type blanket around me called a "bear hug" that they filled with hot air to help me stay warm and stop the shaking. I was in a sleepy haze and remember asking the nurse a ton of questions... I couldn't wait until I could have some ice chips, as my throat burned, and I kept asking Lukas to rub my shoulders... I couldn't believe that I just had a c-section and our baby boy was here. It felt surreal. We realized that we had been back in recovery for quite some time and we hadn't let our families know that everything was okay and the baby was here. I told Lukas to go see the family and give them an update.

I had to stay in recovery for 2 hours and then I could go see the baby in the NICU and see my family. It felt like time dragged on and it took forever to get through those 2 hours, but finally it was time, and I couldn't wait to see my baby boy! They wheeled me into the NICU and it was love at first sight... I felt so terrible that Tasso was hooked up to oxygen and had all these tubes and monitors on him... my poor baby! But, I knew that he was a fighter and he would be okay. It was torture that I couldn't hold him or do anything for him, but I had faith that he was in good hands with the doctors and nurses.

First picture of Tasso Thomas

After I saw my sweet baby, they wheeled me into our hospital room, and told me our family could visit now. My mom, dad, sister Kristin, brother-in-law Michael and my brother Austin had all drove up from Madison. I felt bad as they were en route when the turn of events occurred and they had been waiting for hours to see me and the baby. It was so nice to see my family, and I'm so glad they were there for Tasso's birth, albeit didn't quite go as planned. It was such a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by loved ones at this special time.

Lukas was able to bring back 1 person at a time to see Tasso in the NICU, so I was so thankful everyone at least got to see the baby before they had to head back to Madison. My family left and Lukas's mom and dad came in to see how we were doing. They got to see the baby and left for the night so we could get some rest. I think it was around 9 or 10pm at this point and I was beyond exhausted... I still couldn't comprehend what had happened and how the events had turned, but I was beyond grateful that my baby boy was okay! I love you my little Tasso bean!

Thankfully, Tasso was released from the NICU within 48 hours and recovered in flying colors. We were so appreciative for the wonderful nurses and doctors who helped our little boy and we are so thankful he's healthy, happy and thriving.

Here are a few pictures of our time in the hospital with our little Tasso T :)

My first time holding Tasso!

Daddy and Tasso

He was so tiny!

Sleeping angel

Our beautiful baby boy!

The Waiting Game: Week 40

And here were are, 40 weeks, and we're STILL waiting for our little man to arrive! Come on baby, your due date has come and passed... let's get this show on the road!

I am envious of all the mamas out there that went early or delivered on their due dates, because this waiting game is seriously the pits! What makes it worse is that I had the mindset that we would go early... and of course, here we are, almost a week late and still waiting... and it's torture, I tell you!

All in all, things could be much worse... I could be in a lot of pain and super uncomfortable, and thankfully I'm not. Physically, I feel pretty darn good for being 40+ weeks preggo. It's the mental game that's the worst.

But, we do have an end date in sight. The doctor said if I don't go into labor on my own we'll be induced next Tuesday, 7/14. I don't understand why they're letting me go 11 days past my due date... most people only have to wait a week max... but, alas, that's the plan. I would just REALLY like to go into labor on my own before then. Each day when I wake up I tell baby today is the DAY, but he doesn't seem to like to listen to his mama :) HA.

I had a doctor's appointment on Monday and they had to start doing non-stress tests (NST) since the baby is over due. I got hooked up to this machine where they monitored the baby's heartbeat, the baby's movement and my contractions... and baby was a little wiggle worm... so needless to say, we passed the NST in flying colors and baby is not in distress, which is great.

Unfortunately, I wasn't much more dilated :( They said last week I was "starting" to dilate and this week I was a full 1cm. The doctor was trying to help dilate me more, and let me tell you, OUCH. That was really painful... I guess it was just a small foreshadowing of the pain of labor! And, the doctors continue to say that they think baby will be in the high 7lbs, so we'll see!

Okay, enough of my complaining! Baby boy, I just can't wait to meet you!

And, here's my baby bump at 40 weeks.

40 weeks!

We tried to make the most of our 4th of July weekend. It was hard, just not knowing when (and if) the baby would arrive. But, we spent most of the weekend lounging by the pool... going out to eat... going for long walks...and spending time hanging out with family. Thankfully the weather was beautiful, so it was nice to spend some time outside! 

In baby land, baby's hair and nails continue to grow... he's continuing to pack on the ounces... and his lungs are continuing to develop as well. But, he is fully cooked and ready to arrive! 

How far along: 40 weeks

Baby's size:  Jackfruit (18.9 - 20.9 inches and 6.2 - 9.2lbs) 

Weight gain: 44 lbs

Symptoms: I've felt more pressure in my pelvic region and lower back, but it hasn't been terrible. Otherwise, same symptoms as last week: swollen hands and feet (it's been better this week as it's been cooler outside), achy joints, trouble sleeping, and the need to pee 24/7! I swear I pee every 30 minutes... ha :)

Pregnancy perks: I have to say, everyone has been very nice this week... from complete strangers saying I look great to family members and friends providing encouragement... and of course, my hubby! It's nice to have a support network to help get me through this waiting period.

Things I miss: I started cheating and drinking coffee again this week. Mama deserves something at this point! Baby is fully cooked, so a little caffeine now won't hurt him! But, I still can't wait for wine, sushi and deli meat! SO SOON! And, I can't wait to get back in shape and wear my "normal" clothes... I have like 3 outfits that fit right now and I keep rotating them... 

Food cravings: I am still hungry ALL of the time. I thought at the end of pregnancy you were supposed to "run out of room" in your stomach for food and the weight gain was supposed to slow down... Not so much for me! 

Labor Signs: I've definitely had more pressure in my pelvic region and I've felt more contractions... I hope that I'm dilating more and the baby will be here SOON!  

I can't wait to meet you baby! Let today be the DAY!

Still Pregnant: Week 39

And, here we are! 39 weeks! 3 more days until Baby Yant is due!

Will we make it to the end? I think so! Will we go late? I hope NOT! Ha :)

This waiting game is the WORST, but I am trying to make the best of it. I keep reminding myself to enjoy this time, because once baby arrives, our lives are going to be turned upside down! But, it's just so hard!

I'm just SO excited and anxious and (insert a million different emotions)!

I had another doctor's appointment this morning and we're making progress... I'm 100% effaced (cervix is thinned out), baby's dropped and head is low, and I'm 1 cm dilated. I was REALLY hoping to be like 3 or 4 cm dilated... but, it's something.

The doctor said we could go into labor any time... or he could hang on for a while longer... I'm really hoping it's the former :) Let's go baby boy!

Oh, and, the doctor asked if I've been having contractions. And I swear, I felt like 2 contractions 2 weeks ago, and that was it...otherwise it's been nada. And, I said no, I haven't really felt anything at all? Is that strange? And she goes, well, you're having contractions right now. WTF!? How do I not feel my own contractions? Haha. I think the doctor thinks I'm special...

I feel movement and sometimes it just seems like the baby is shifting positions... I mean I guess I feel a bit of tightening... and since she said that I was having contractions this morning, I've been feeling more "contractions" all day. SO, regardless, that's a good sign. YAY! Come on contractions.

39 weeks!

Baby is able to flex his limbs now, his brain is still rapidly developing and he's getting smarter by the week (and will continue to do so once he's born!) and his finger nails are probably longer than his fingers (ouch)!

How far along: 39 weeks

Baby's size:  WATERMELON (18.9 - 20.9 inches and 6.2 - 9.2lbs) 

Weight gain: 42 lbs

Symptoms: I honestly have to say that I've felt better these past 2 weeks (physically) than I did previous weeks... because baby has dropped and is putting less pressure on my sciatic nerve. Now, I can actually go for walks again (YAY!). But,  I'm still achy... and my fingers and feet are so FAT a.k.a. swollen! When it's humid out and I look down at my feet, it's scary! All I can think is elephant feet! elephant feet! They don't look like they belong to my body. Haha.

Pregnancy perks: Being able to go for walks again was a big perk this week... but knowing our little peanut is going to be here any day now is the GREATEST perk of all. 

Things I miss: Vino vino vino! SO close to wine and sushi... and deli meat... and coffee every day... yay! I miss not feeling huge. I miss wearing my wedding rings!

Food cravings: Basically the same as last week. I swear I've eaten a watermelon a week for the past few weeks! And, baked goods... I could eat a dozen muffins a day if you let me :) 

Labor Signs: Well, per my comments above, I guess I've been having contractions... let's hope they turn into the REAL thing, real soon! 

It's GO TIME baby boy! I can't wait to meet you!

Anticipation: Week 38

We're 38 weeks! It's crazy to think that this is the END of pregnancy and our little boy could be here any DAY now... as we only have 10 days to go. Woohoo!

But, this anticipation is killing me!

I feel like I'm in this weird state of limbo. I am SO excited for our baby boy to arrive, and yet I'm nervous and anxious about how our lives are going to change and all of the unknowns associated with childbirth and beyond. I don't like this state of uncertainty. I don't like not knowing when he's going to get here, either. Every night I go to bed and think... will this be the night? It's such a strange feeling that it's hard to describe...

But, I am READY. As ready as I can be! Not that I'm terribly uncomfortable, it's more of the emotional unknowns that are making this waiting period difficult for me. I just can't wait for the baby to get here and to start this next chapter our lives! Come on, baby. Let's GO!

SO, we had our doctor's appointment last Thursday, and we're starting to make some progress. I was 50% effaced, but not dilated yet...

When I was taking the train home on Friday afternoon, I started feeling kinda funky. My stomach was a bit nauseous and I was feeling crampy. I thought, maybe this is it!?! I got home and I felt a few minor contractions... but then they went away, and I haven't felt any since. I've had waves of cramps/nausea, but otherwise nothing new to report. We have our next check-up on Thursday. I'm hoping that I'll be dilated! Fingers crossed :)

38 weeks!

I am not a fan of this picture, but it was the best one we got this week... hopefully this may be the last weekly bump pic!? I think that may be wishful thinking as baby boy seems pretty cozy in there ;)

Baby may already have an inch (or more!) of hair on his head! He's shedding lanugo (thin hair covering his body) and vernix (the white goo on his skin) and he's producing more surfactant to help him be able to breathe once he's born. He's continuing to add fat and is fine-tuning his brain and nervous system. 

How far along: 38 weeks

Baby's size:  PUMPKIN (18.9 - 20.9 inches and 6.2 - 9.2lbs) 

Weight gain: 40 lbs

Symptoms: Achy joints! My fingers and toe joints get really achy and swollen... when I wake up from sleeping, my hands hurt! It's so odd? Lower back pain, but it's not as severe as before. Swollen hands and feet. The joys of pregnancy in the summer! But, I'm still hanging in there. It could be much worse!

Pregnancy perks: Well, I don't know if this counts as a "perk" but I wore a bikini this weekend at 38 weeks pregnant, and I felt like that was quite a feat! Pouring my massive body into a small piece of clothing is not the most enjoyable at this stage of the game... but I did it! Also, the biggest perk of all... knowing our little man will be here SO soon! Ahhhhh! 

Things I miss: I miss being able to walk around and being more active. I don't like feeling "lazy" and incapable of doing things. I miss my old body, and I know I probably won't see that for a while... but I'm ready to get back to more of a "normal" non-pregnant body! And, of course, the forbidden foods. SO SOON!

Food aversions: Same old, same old. Eggs and seafood, and some meats.

Food cravings: Still really into watermelon this week... and all fruits. Frozen yogurt and ice cream... anything cool. Also still love me some baked goods! :)

Labor Signs: I had those minor contractions on Friday, and I've had waves of cramps and nausea, but that's about it. Hoping we make more progress this week!

Full Term: Week 37

And we made it to 37 weeks! Baby is now full term and would thrive if he were born today. YAY!

It's wild to think that he can come any day now!?! When are you going to get here little man? I would like some type of warning... maybe a sign that it's going to happen that day. Ha. I'm getting more and more nervous about going into labor when I'm at work.

If I go into labor when I'm downtown, my plan is to get an Uber and to take it to Hinsdale (where our hospital is located), but after my experience last night, it makes me a wee bit nervous...

I had a disastrous commute home last night. I couldn't get a cab because it was pouring, so I had to walk the 2 miles to the train station, and while I was walking and rain was blowing in my face, my umbrella broke (of course!). At that point I was already wet, so I said screw it, and just walked the rest of the way sans umbrella in the torrential downpour. It was not fun, to say the least, and I was completely soaked by the time I made it to Union Station. I just kept thinking, don't go into labor right now, don't go into labor... as that would have been REALLY bad. It was a nightmare downtown because of the Blackhawks game and NeoCon and the flash flooding... and of course, all the trains were delayed. SO, I'm thankful to say that I did NOT go into labor, and I made it home, and felt much better after a warm shower :)

BUT, just dealing with that being 9 months pregnant, really made me start to question how much longer I should be commuting downtown in my current state. I'm thinking this will be my last week working in the office, and next week I'll start working from home full-time until the baby arrives.

It's GO time baby, I'm ready for you! I can't wait to meet you!!! Now let's hurry up and get this show on the road!

I had a doctor's appointment on Thursday and they didn't check me for labor signs or dilation, which I thought was odd? They said everything looks good, baby is growing right on schedule, and they estimate he'll be in the high 7lbs if we go to 40 weeks. 

I don't have my next appointment until this Thursday, and I'm DYING to know if we're making any progress down there. I hope so!

37 weeks!

Baby has reached full term and he's developed his most crucial functions. He's practicing inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking. I know he'll get stronger and healthier the longer he stays in there, but I'm so excited, I just can't wait for him to get here!

How far along: 37 weeks

Baby's size:  WINTER MELON (18.9 - 20.9 inches and 6.2 - 9.2lbs) 

Weight gain: 38 lbs

Symptoms: Fat fingers and toes, the swelling continues. Especially with this crazy heat and humidity, it's like a wet blanket outside! My lower back hurts, but I had an awesome massage this weekend and that really helped. And, my belly button has been really itchy. Weird? I'm hanging in there, though.

Pregnancy perks: I have to say, this is the week that people have been the nicest to me. I had my first experience with a complete stranger coming up to me at Mariano's and touching my belly. It was a sweet, little old lady, so it was okay. And everywhere we went this weekend, someone would make a comment that I was glowing (i.e. sweating!) or looked adorable. SO, that made me feel good, since I feel like a whale. 

Things I miss: The countdown to WINE and SUSHI is ON! I can't wait to wear my normal clothes again (I know, it will probably be awhile) and I can't wait to sleep on my back... and sleep without being in pain, even if it is only in small stretches... I'm ready!

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood.

Food cravings: Watermelon! I've been really into fruit this week, especially since it's been so hot... watermelon, grapes, apples... ice cream (of course) and pizza!

Labor Signs: Nothing really. I've felt a bit crampy the past few nights, so we'll see? And, I've felt more pressure on my pelvic region. He's getting heavy!

Waddle Waddle: Week 36

21 days until our sweet little man arrives! I can't believe we only have 3 weeks to go (if that!) as baby could arrive any day now. YAY!

I've been hanging in there and doing my best to keep a positive attitude even though I'm not feeling the best... walking, or should I say waddling, has become my biggest challenge. The back pain continues, but I've found soaking in a bath and a heating pad do help give me some relief. The doctor said I could try physical therapy or get a massage to see if that helps... SO, I scheduled a massage for this weekend. YES, please!

We'll see if that helps, if nothing else, it will be nice to get a little pampering before the baby arrives!

We had our last baby class on Monday to learn about breastfeeding basics, so hypothetically, we should be all set :) Now, we'll see if we remember everything that we've learned. Ha. I feel good that we've at least gone through the classes and heard the information... and the rest is up to us to learn as we go!

And, we had our car seat inspection today, and we're A-okay! First of all, we had a heck of a time finding a location near us that does car seat safety inspection checks. I thought all fire stations did this? Nope! We went to the Pleasantview Fire Department (it's not far from us, and is actually right down the street from my doctor's office) and they were super helpful.

We're ready for you baby! When are you going to get here!?!

36 weeks!

Basically all of baby's systems, from circulatory to musculoskeletal are ready to go, except for digestion, which won't mature until after birth. His skin is getting smooth and soft and his gums are rigid. He's getting ready to make his big DEBUT (and so is his momma)!

How far along: 36 weeks

Baby's size:  HONEYDEW MELON (17.2 - 18.7 inches and 4.2 - 5.8lbs) 

Weight gain: 37 lbs

Symptoms: Swollen hands and feet. I can no longer wear my wedding rings... well, I can force them on, but then I'm afraid they won't come off, and I don't want them to have to cut them off, so I'm playing it safe and going sans rings. I still have bad lower back pain when I walk. It's fine when I'm sitting, so that's good, at least. My belly has been itchy... and, I feel HUGE. But, otherwise, I'm hanging in there!

Pregnancy perks: I just have my eye on the prize... baby boy will be here SO soon and all of this will be worth it!

Things I miss: I'm not going to lie, I'm getting pretty excited to drink some VINO soon! And eat sushi, and deli meat and drink coffee... wooohooo! 

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood.

Food cravings: Hmmmmm.... nothing in particular lately. Donuts (always good), ice cream, peanut butter, fruit, cheese, carbs... the usual...

Labor Signs: Well, I think I may have had some contractions last night!? I woke up in the middle of the night (per usual) and either the baby was going wild kicking or my uterus was contracting... I haven't felt contractions before, so I don't exactly know what to expect? I laid awake for a while waiting to see what happened... and they went away... so I'm not sure? We'll see what this next week brings!

The Need to Pee: Week 35

And we have less than 1 month until baby's due date! The final countdown is ON.

We are 35 weeks and I am getting uncomfortable. I now have to pee 50 times a day, my hands and feet are swollen, I have severe lower back pain every time I walk and I'm gaining weight like it's my job. FUN STUFF, I tell you!

The back pain is the worst, because I really like to walk, and I want to stay active... but now every time I take a step, I feel the severe pain. Boo :( I keep hoping that it will just go away? My doctor said it's my sciatic nerve and that it will probably go away after I have the baby.... joy, joy.

BUT, the end is in sight and we only have a few more weeks to go until we can meet our sweet baby boy! YAY!

We had our weekly check-up on Tuesday and everything looks good! Baby is head down, heart beat is a strong 130 bpm, and my cervix is still CLOSED. Good news all around :)

Everyone has been telling me that we're going to go early... but I'm starting to think that may not be the case... I'm just really hoping that we don't go LATE. Ha. When are you going to make your arrival little man!?! We shall see...

35 weeks!

This week baby is busy packing on the fat! He has probably reached his maximum length (apps say he's around 20 inches) but he'll continue to pack on 1-2 lbs (or more!) before birth.  His brain is also continuing to develop, but otherwise all systems are a go! I can't believe he'll be here SO soon!

How far along: 35 weeks

Baby's size:  COCONUT (17.2 - 18.7 inches and 4.2 - 5.8lbs) 

Weight gain: 36 lbs (baby must have had a massive growth spurt this week... or I'm majorly retaining water... but the scale has been rising quickly. NOT cool!)

Symptoms: Lower back pain. Swollen hands and feet. Frequent need to pee. I honestly feel fine when I'm sitting down... but when I have to walk around, it hurts :( Let's hope this feeling doesn't last long!

Pregnancy perks: Getting the nursery setup this week was a pretty awesome feeling and knowing that the end is in sight. We're SO close!

Things I miss: Walking without being in PAIN! Not having my feet look like they belong to a 200lb lady... being able to comfortable wear my wedding rings...

Food aversions: Eggs. Seafood.

Food cravings: Still really into peanut butter... peanut butter & jelly, peanut butter and apples, chocolate and peanut butter... and all the usual suspects (cheese, pizza, yum yum!)

Labor Signs: Nada! Not a single contraction... we'll see what next week brings!