HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I just wanted to write a quick post and wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you all get to spend it with friends and family, and recognize everything you have to be thankful for. Life gets rough, and sometimes it's hard to find those things that you should truly be thankful for. Remember that someone always has it worse than you--no matter how hard you think your life is.

This year, more than ever, I am thankful.

Thankful for my family.
Thankful for my friends.
Thankful for the little baby boy or girl I've been growing for the last 8 months.
Thankful for the health of myself, my family, and my friends.
Thankful for a good, secure job.
Thankful for my home.
Thankful for every single thing I have in my life.

Last year at this time, we had just suffered a loss. I didn't feel thankful for anything except my supportive family and friends. This year, I have a squirmy baby in my belly who will be ready to greet the world in a matter of weeks. Next year at this time, we will have a son or a daughter to celebrate with--and even more to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Another week down! 34.5 weeks....5.5 to go!

Well...one more week down! Baby and I are one week bigger and one week closer to December 27th!

Here's the latest pictures at 34.5 weeks:

We had our 34 week appointment on Monday...and it went OK. I say "OK" rather than great--because it was just a really annoying appointment in general....

First of all we saw a nurse that we hadn't seen before--and we weren't really fond of her. I got weighed and actually lost a pound from our 32 week appointment (total gain is 25 pounds now). I'm feeling good about the weight gain and hope not to gain TOO much more over the next 6 weeks. However, Thanksgiving is totally going to blow that for me....

We then went into the exam room and then nurse proceeded to say I was 33 weeks and 5 days. I told her no--I was 34 weeks exactly. She tried telling me I was due on December 29th and that was news to me! We had been told since the very beginning that our due date was December 27th. She wouldn't let it go--and I wouldn't let it go either....and eventually I proved her wrong. Apparently someone at a prior appointment had input my due date incorrectly...and I am in fact due on December 27th as I thought. I know a couple days doesn't make THAT big of a difference--but come on...who wants to be told that they have an extra 2 days to go!? :)

So then as the nurse is going to take my blood pressure she says "so, your blood pressure is usually really high here...." and then begins to pump the cuff. Hmmm...if my blood pressure wasn't high before that comment, it certainly would be after! My heart started racing and I felt myself holding my breath and concentrating on it waaay too much. My blood pressure before I left home that day was 91/56....and when she was finished taking it at the office she proceeded to tell me it was 140/100! 

She said she wanted me to do another urine sample, like they did at the last appointment--to check for protein, which is a sign of preeclampsia and/or hypertension.

She took the sample and then said the doctor would be in shortly. I wasn't too concerned because my last sample was fine, I haven't had any significant weight gain or swelling, and I was feeling great.

The doctor came in eventually and she was the one who couldn't find the heartbeat back at one of our early appointments. I already had a bad feeling about the appointment just because of that! She walked in, said in a very somber tone "well...we'll talk about your blood pressure at the very end of the appointment."

I looked at Casey and we both KNEW it wasn't good news. My mind started bouncing from one thought to the next....I have preeclampsia, I will probably be put on bed rest, I will have to begin maternity leave early, I am going to be induced early, etc...etc...

I couldn't concentrate for the rest of the appointment. We heard the heartbeat which was perfect....my belly measured exactly 34 weeks, my weight gain was fine, she could feel that the baby moved to the head down position....everything was fine. But my mind was too wrapped up in the fact that she wanted to "discuss" my blood pressure at the end of the appointment.

The end of the appointment arrived and she began by saying "I'm concerned that your blood pressure is so high here at the office." I explained that it's always very low at home...but she didn't really seem to care. She kept sighing and thinking, and looking up at the ceiling, pondering, contemplating....drawing our 15 minute appointment into an hour (not joking). FINALLY, she said "well...your urine sample today was clear....no protein."

I could have leapt off the examining table and strangled her! I said "wait--WHAT? There was NO protein in the sample--so I'm FINE???"

She responded, "well, technically, yes."

I had just spent the last 45 minutes so upset, on the verge of tears--believing that I had preeclampsia and the remainder of my pregnancy would be one big ball of stress. But no.....I was fine.....

She said she wanted to check my blood pressure again--and that she was going to go get a stethoscope. She left the room and didnt come back for 5-10 minutes--and when she did come back--she was empty handed. She explained that she had spoken with another doctor and apparently had missed the last chart review and the general consensus was that I should have extra blood labs done to check my kidney and liver levels (those give insight into hypertension/preeclampsia as well) and that they wanted me to do a 24 hour urine collection at home.

So yes--it was an annoying appointment--one I was glad to get over with!

To make a very long story short--they drew my blood, my labs came back VERY normal, and today I am spending the day collecting my urine in a sterile jug EVERY SINGLE TIME I pee--and keep it refrigerated! A big ugly orange urine collection container is now sitting in the door of our fridge....appetizing!  I'll drop it off at the hospital lab tomorrow morning, when the 24 hours is complete. I'm fully expecting (and hoping) the sample comes back clear and it will be proven that I simply have white coat syndrome at the doctors office and not hypertension or preeclampsia. 

Our next appointment is 11/28 where we will have a quick ultrasound to check the weight estimate of the baby, the position, etc! Very exciting! At that point I will have 4 weeks left! I honestly can't believe how fast time has flown by....

Besides that--not much else is new. Casey is back from Ohio and I am very happy about that! It was a long 12 days...

I also noticed that Casey and I don't have a single picture together during the time I've been pregnant--so we set up a maternity photo session on Sunday 11/27! I am so excited and looking forward to having some beautiful pictures of the 2 of us!  

That's it for now--looking forward to another quick week...especially with Thanksgiving thrown in there! :)

Nursery progress...and another baby shower!

Can't believe there are only about 6 weeks left until Baby H makes his or her arrival!!

This past week was pretty busy for me since I'm preparing for another craft show. The show is tomorrow, and I feel pretty well set--so now I have a chance to sit down and relax!

Casey has been gone (hunting trip in Ohio) for a little over 8 days now, and he wont be back until Monday....so it's been pretty quiet and lonely around my house! The cat doesn't talk much, and all Baby H does is kick and jab me :) Being alone was nice for a day or 2....but I'm ready for him to come home! I'm one of the lucky ones who actually enjoys and WANTS to spend time with my husband....I know that's a concept that some people find hard to grasp--but I actually enjoy being with him, and would rather be with him than anywhere else! I don't "look forward" to him going on his hunting trips--because I miss him! I always hate when people say "oh give it a few years, you'll be GLAD he's gone for a week!" because I just don't think that's true....we've been together for almost 10 years now and I've never looked forward to him leaving! I guess I'm just lucky I found someone I care about so much :)

Last time I posted, I mentioned the dresser we refinished was all done! Well the nursery was a WRECK due to all the gifts from my first shower....and when the dresser was finished I felt that I could finally go through and wash all the clothes and blankets and get them folded and put in the dresser. THIS.....is what I had for laundry that day!

The room was an absolute disaster area--but I went through and found a home for everything--and the room eventually turned into THIS:

Not bad.....it's getting there! I still need to make a curtain or valance, and hang the fabric embroidery hoops I made...and the mirror...and some other wall stuff....and finish the bookcase and get it in there....ok--so I guess I still have a lot to do!

ANYWAY--I was feeling good about the progress I had made, and then the next day my parents had invited me to breakfast with them and my grandma. We went, and on the way home my mom mentioned she had to drop something off at the school for the Harvest Dinner. I didn't think anything of it, and we pulled in, and then I noticed I recognized a lot of the cars in the parking lot!! Then it clicked....I think I was tricked and brought to another surprise shower!!

Sure enough, I walked in to friends and family, all gathered together to celebrate Baby H :) I felt so loved!!

Unfortunately I did't get a ton of pictures, but my friends Jess and Lindsay, my mom, and my in-laws, did a wonderful job planning and decorating and surprising me once again!

Here are some snapshots from the day--no pictures of me or any guests though---oops!

 Gifts!!

 DELICIOUS cupcakes supplied by Lindsay, and adorable printables made by Jess!

 I got so many kind words on these "advice for mommy-to-be" printables that Jess made...and this one from my friend Caitlin made me laugh so much!

 Another great idea, by Jess. "Wishes for Baby"....I'd be lying if I said I didn't cry when I went through and read what all my guests filled out....Baby H has some very loving people in his or her life!

 So much delicious food! Too bad I was full from breakfast already!

 Jess made the CUTEST invitations--I love them!

 My table of gifts, and the Welcome banner made by Lindsay. Too cute!

So yes--it was a such a surprise--and I had a wonderful day. And after spending the previous day cleaning the nursery and getting it spotless--it once again turned into THIS, after the shower!

It's all worth it, though! So many kind gifts, so many generous people....I feel so lucky!

Tomorrow is the craft show, Sunday is relaxing, Monday Casey gets home (YAY!) Tuesday is our 34 week appointment, Thursday is an infant care class we're taking, and then the following week it's already Thanksgiving! BUSY!!!

That's all for now....I'll update again after our 34 week appointment, and will post an updated Erin & Baby H belly picture next week as well :)

Less than 8 weeks to go!

The last picture I posted--and the last post I wrote--was 2 weeks ago! I'm now 32.5 weeks and have less than 8 weeks until my due date! As of November 1st I can officially say that Baby H is due "NEXT MONTH!" Wow...seems surreal to say that....

Here is the most up-do-date picture of "us"

Not sure how much bigger I'll be getting in the next 7 weeks but I hope not TOO much bigger....everyday tasks like bending down to pick something up or even getting up out of a chair are starting to seem like struggles with my big belly in the way.

Here's another fun picture to show my progression since 14.5 weeks--every 2 weeks up until now at 32.5 weeks! Crazy how much things change every couple weeks....I miss my 14.5 week body...haha! Soon enough, I hope to get it back....

Last time I posted I talked about my excruciating sciatic nerve pain on my left side that I had been battling since 17 weeks, but got unbearable during weeks 29-31. I had a chiropractor appointment made and everything....and one morning early last week--I woke up, rolled out of bed, took a step, and said "Casey! I can walk!!" It was such a relief...I wasn't hobbling around like a 90 year old woman, I wasn't flinching with every step I took....I was pain free! Knock on wood, it has remained that way since that morning. My guess is that the baby moved off the sciatic nerve and will hopefully stay that way for the remainder of the pregnancy. I canceled my chiropractor appointment because last week was just WAY too busy. Now, lets hope the pain doesn't come back!

We had our 32 week appointment this week and all looked well. I took my blood pressure before I left home because I knew it would be high at the doctors office. At home it was 106/60, and when they took it there it was 140/88! I wasn't surprised...but the doctor wanted to be safe and test my urine for protein to rule out preeclampsia. Fortunately, it tested negative! (Knock on wood....)

I asked the doctor if she could tell the position of the baby by feeling my stomach and she said she would be willing to bet that he or she has turned head down. She was explaining that she could feel the head way down low, the butt and back curled up on my left side (where I always feel the most movement) and the hands and feet hanging out over on the right side, where I feel random pokes and jabs. Whew! She said generally when they turn head down, they stay that way for the remainder of the pregnancy. Lets hope he or she cooperates and doesn't decide to reposition again! I'm feeling so much movement and really enjoy laying and watching my stomach morph and twist and turn :) I will miss that!

Baby H's heartbeat was a steady 140 as usual (it's always been 140-145) and I'm measuring right where I should be. I've gained 26 pounds so far (!!) and am going to really try and watch what I eat for the next 7 weeks. If I gain a pound a week like they suggest, I will end up right around 35 pounds total which is considered normal--but I have to get through Thanksgiving and Christmas....that's just cruel! :) I dont "feel" like I've gained that much...and it baffles me since Baby H is only about 3-4 pounds right now....but, whatever, as long as we're both healthy I guess that's all that matters!

I will say that I have been VERY paranoid about preeclampsia lately. Some days my hands, feet, and face feel swollen and I can't get any of my rings on, and ALL my socks and shoes leave indents on my feet. However, I think I've chalked that up to foods with too much sodium because some days I'm perfectly fine. Just another joy of a pregnancy reaching the end, I guess.

We finished up our baby classes this week and I will say that I found them VERY helpful!! I feel more prepared (and maybe a little more scared!) but overall I am so glad we signed up and took the 5 week session. We also met some great people that we hope to keep in touch with!

Last time I posted I also mentioned that we scored a FREE 8-drawer dresser on Craigslist:

And I am proud to say that after a lot of blood, sweat and tears (ok maybe it wasn't THAT bad...) we refinished it by stripping the varnish and adding a few coats of white paint! Look how perfectly it turned out!

I couldn't be happier with how it looks now! It looks like a brand new dresser and you can see so many more details than you could when it was the dark stain. Now I can finally wash all the teeny baby clothes, fold them, and store them in the dresser--rather than having them piled up on the floor--where they've been since my shower 5 weeks ago! And now I can re-arrange the rest of the room and start hanging things on the wall....eeeek! It's becoming so real!

You'll also notice the quality of the brown dresser picture is terrible, whereas the quality of the white dresser picture is great. That's because I've hopped on the iPhone bandwagon! I don't think I've put that phone down for more than 10 minutes since I've had it...haha! I love that thing.....

In other news, Casey's healing leg/ankle is progressing and he can now walk without crutches! Well--a few steps here and there, anyway. He still uses 1 for balance and usually still uses 2 when we go out somewhere. However, it's HUGE progress and I would say in a few more weeks he will be able to walk (or limp) totally crutch free. What a long, exhausting ride it's been. Tomorrow night marks the 10 week anniversary of when he broke it. TEN WEEKS. Can you imagine not being able to walk for 10 weeks? I can't.....and it makes my heart break for people who can't walk at all....something we take for granted each and every day....

Speaking of Casey--he left for his Ohio hunting trip yesterday! I hope he doesn't overdo it and I hope he is still able to enjoy himself even though he can't really "hunt" like he usually does. He will probably set up in the corner of a field and hunt from there. No treestands or climbing for him! I'm so glad he was able to go this year. It would have crushed him if he had to stay home...he looks forward to this trip every single year, and this year out of any year--I think he needed it the most. Just to get away, clear his mind, and relax. He's been stuck in the house for so long that the fresh air will do him good! I'll be fending for myself for the next 10 days but it's ok with me....I've "run the house" for the last 10 weeks so what's another 10 days? Haha...

That's all for now. We have our next doctors appointment at 34 weeks (every 2 weeks now, rather than every 4!) and after 36 weeks it will be every week! I can't believe how fast time is flying. We better pick out some names, huh? That's a whole other topic....we aren't sharing baby names since we want it to be a surprise--but even if we were sharing the names, we don't have any picked out! We have a very short list that changes every week....so chances are, this baby will just be named Baby H for the rest of his or her life :)

More later! Happy Friday!