Doctor's appointment (week 36.5)

All was looking good at the doctor's this morning. BBH is still head down and his heart rate was good, my blood pressure was normal and my uterus measured at 36. I'm not sure if he has "dropped" yet- I do feel like it's easier to breathe and the heartburn I've been experiencing over the past few weeks has gotten better, but I don't feel like I'm waddling. I'm a fingertip dilated and 50% effaced. The doctor pointed out that in no way does that indicate that I'll be going into labor anytime soon, but it's good news in case I need to be induced. I guess the more dilated/effaced you are the easier the induction process is on your body. They scheduled us for an ultrasound in a week, where they will estimate BBH's size. The doctor isn't expecting him to be too big, based on uterus measurements and the control I have over my blood sugar, so keeping my fingers crossed that we don't have a 10 pounder in there :)

I've noticed an increase in Braxton Hicks contractions over the past 2 weeks, sometimes they even hurt a tiny bit. I've been feeling crampy often too, so I'm trying to drink lots of water! That definitely helps. Although annoying, I think that these are signs that my body is getting ready for what's to come... and that's a good thing!

Apple Picking (week 36)

We had a fun Saturday afternoon apple picking with Grace, Tony, and Ian out in Stow. I love apple picking, although it was a bit disappointing not to be able to eat lots of apples as we picked! I made an apple crisp that night, and put it in the freezer. When we head into L&D in a few weeks, I'll put it in the fridge so it's ready when we get home from the hospital! I can't wait to eat dessert. And french fries. And other things like that.

Sausage fingers (week 36)

I haven't yet experienced cankles (just some minor foot swelling at the end of the day), but I've got serious sausage fingers going on. This was as far as I could jam my wedding ring on my finger this morning...

Needless to say I've haven't been wearing it! Keeping it close though... it's always on my necklace

Labor Day Weekend (week 35)

After a busy work week getting paperwork for the house passed around and getting Dan registered for the Gordon program, we headed up to NH. Three reasons for the trip: Grandma Judy's birthday, friends Zander and Brittany's wedding reception, and a Harjes family baby shower. Well, actually it was more like an Ibey family baby shower, as the guests consisted of Judy's side of the family.

The wedding reception was very fun. Brittany and Zander eloped in California a few weeks ago, and celebrated with a Vermont pig roast. Fun to see that crew again, especially now that Eric, Andrea, and baby Ayela are East Coasters again.

The baby shower was very low key and nice. Just Dan's NH based family, plus his cousin Pat up from NYC. Judy made a delicious meal of chicken kebabs and salad. We got one of those fun Beaba Babycookers for making our own baby food, a breast pump (much needed!!), and some great baby books that Dan's cousin's children picked out.

We returned Sunday night to spend Labor Day Monday at home. We had a great day hanging out with Grace, Tony, Ian, Dave, and even Derek and Katie on a stop from Maine back to California. After yummy lunch at Grace and Tony's we went to a BTT BBQ at Shaun's apartment in Boston. A good day all around!

What a week! (week 35)

It was a busy couple of days in the Harjes house. First, Dan got a great opportunity from his company to go back to school. It's a year long program through Northeastern called the Gordon Engineering Leadership Program. It will certainly make for an especially hectic year once BBH gets here, but it's an opportunity we can't pass up. We will make it work! Second, we made an offer on a house in Acton, which was accepted! We haven't sold our Allston condo yet, so we're a little nervous. But we love this house, it will be a wonderful place for BBH to grow up. Next week we will do the inspection, and if all goes well the P&S will be the following week.

Another check-in (week 34+)

Not much to update! I had another check-in with the OB yesterday. My regular doc is on vacation, so I saw someone else. I was in and out in less than 30 minutes!! Hmm... do you think speedier appointments is a valid reason to switch doctors?

When I was doing the urine and blood pressure checks with the nurses, they asked me how I was coming along with the L&D pre-registration forms. Do I have them filled out and stored somewhere accessible?? Um, no. No I don't. Is it really time to start thinking about that stuff? Geez...

Anyway, all is good in the BBH world. Uterus measuring at 35cms, his heart rate is good and strong, my blood pressure is good. When I lifted up my shirt for the doppler, the doc said that she didn't even need to do the heart rate check. She could tell he was just fine... she could see him moving around like crazy. Funny, I hadn't even noticed. Maybe I am so used to feeling him move, that I don't feel it as much anymore? She still did take his HR, although it took longer than usual since he was moving so much.

At my next appointment in 2 weeks they will do a step-b test, and then I'll be going in weekly until BBH gets here! Looking forward to the 37 week ultrasound to check on his weight... I feel like we might have a linebacker growing in there. Carpal tunnel is still bothering me, numb hands wake me up several times a night and my left wrist has started to bother me at work. Hopefully the brace my doctor prescribed and the ART treatment my chiro gave me today will help!

This weekend we're headed to NH for friends Brittany and Zander's wedding reception, pig-roast style. Should be fun! We'll spend some time with Dan's family while we're there, too. Looking forward to the long weekend!

Check-in (week 32+)

I'm seeing my OB every other week now. The check in this week was good, everything looking normal. I gained a little weight, which is good because I hadn't gained anything in over a month. I get to skip out on a few weeks seeing the Gestational Diabetes dietitian now (still have to go in for bi-monthly check-ins with the endocrinologist though). My blood pressure was good, BBH's heart rate was strong, and my uterus measured 32. I asked the doctor what direction BBH was heading, she confirmed my suspicions that he is head down. She pointed out where his back, butt, and feet are. Although it's possible for him to somersault in there, chances are he'll stay head down. At around 37 weeks they'll do a growth scan ultrasound because of the diabetes, so I guess we'll see where he is then!

I had my first middle-of-the-night calf cramp last night... wowza! Thought I was sliding through without that issue, but no such luck :)