Progress Report

* Finish sewing 12 burp cloths for Peanut-Half way done (and there are 16 of them)
* Sew snap in panel in nightgowns to cover cleavage (don't need guests seeing too much)
* Laundry-3/4 done
* Finish packing hospital bags (as much as possible)
* Fill out pre-check in to the hospital on line (did a paper version before but have not heard from them...)
* Put iTunes on laptop
* Add soothing music for labor to iTunes
* Charge cameras
* Doc appointment at 12-Check
* Grocery shop-Check
* Dinner at Longhorn with Michael-Check
* Purchase Gift Certificates for upcoming weddings and showers-Check
* Exchange MJ's jogging pants-Check
* Maybe do a Babies 'R Us run to get little items not purchased
* Look for plane tickets and hotel for Uncle Jason's wedding in October
* Scan and put out wedding pictures (yes, we just got them due to our very late ordering. But hey, they will be up before the baby pic. take over the house)
* Put away misc. baby gifts
* Clean our bedroom
* Put together jogging stroller (have to hit the trail ASAP after delivery and I want to be ready!)

Well that is where we stand on the To Do list. Now for the update on the doctor visit:
We saw the Nurse Practitioner, Heather, today...you know the super skinny one who told me it is only 300 extra cal. a day--which was only a yogurt and banana...Yes, my second "favorite" person at the practice.

So, my urine and blood pressure look good as well as baby's heart rate :). My weight "jumped" a little (2 lbs) so we discussed 6 small meals/light snacks...you know "carrot sticks and some almonds". Gee thanks for the oh-so-insightful-I-would-have-never-thought-of-that-on-my-own advice. All I could think was "Go eat a pizza B*&$h"...

Anyway....other than than NOTHING has changed--still sitting high at -3, thinned a little but still at 50% effaced and am not dilated at all yet...so then she starts talking about next week and induction. As you might imagine this made me even more upset. Ultra Sound on Monday, Non-stress test on Wednesday or Thursday. Ok, that is understandable. No problem with that. Then, tries to end the "conversation" with a "discussion" about scheduling me for induction on Thursday or Friday, which is what they "typically" do depending on the availability at the hospital. Wait, don't I get a little bit of say in this? Don't I get a chance to hit the 41 week mark before you sign me up for induction? So I ask the silly question of "what is the option of going past 41 weeks?". Blah, blah, blah, 9 1/2 lbs. baby, blah, blah, blah old placenta, blah, blah, blah there are risks.

I get that there is sound medical reasons for not going too long. But, I also think you should give me a chance to hit 41 weeks--which would be on Monday, not the previous Thursday or Friday. Hey, what happened to Saturday and/or Sunday even? I got the impression that Thurs./Fri. is a better option for the doctors...never mind what is best for me or baby. Now, MJ says he did not get that at all and that perhaps I am being a little quick to blame. Ok. No, I don't buy it. Perhaps she got confused as to when my due date is and when exactly we will hit the 41 week mark. I might buy that, but wait...isn't this her job? Shouldn't she pay more attention than that? This is why I asked the question about going past 41 weeks. I'm cool with induction after next Monday, but not before (unless one of the tests shows that it is time for Peanut to come out, then I am all about induction. But let's see the tests first people!). I think she picked up on my concern, double checked the dates, mentioned something about not being due until Sunday and back tracked a little on being induced on Thursday.

Needless to say, there will be much conversation with the DOCTORS before I show up for induction--especially on Thursday or Friday. Stay tuned....

To Do List

Well, it is Friday and I have already worked 2.5 hours overtime for the week. Needless to say, I am taking MOST of the day off (still need to finish a few things for work so I will do that from home as well as check voice and e-mail).

So what am I going to do today? Here is my proposed list:

* Finish sewing 12 burp cloths for Peanut
* Sew snap in panel in nightgowns to cover cleavage (don't need guests seeing too much)
* Laundry
* Finish packing hospital bags (as much as possible)
* Fill out pre-check in to the hospital on line (did a paper version before but have not heard
from them...)
* Put iTunes on laptop
* Add soothing music for labor to iTunes
* Charge cameras
* Doc appointment at 12
* Grocery shop
* Dinner at Longhorn with Michael
* Purchase Gift Certificates for upcoming weddings and showers
* Exchange MJ's jogging pants
* Maybe do a Babies 'R Us run to get little items not purchased
* Look for plane tickets and hotel for Uncle Jason's wedding in October
* Scan and put out wedding pictures (yes, we just got them due to our very late ordering. But
hey, they will be up before the baby pic. take over the house)
* Put away misc. baby gifts
* Clean our bedroom
* Put together jogging stroller (have to hit the trail ASAP after delivery and I want to be ready!)

OK, so as I am typing this I realized that this is our To Do list for the WEEKEND (it seems a bit too ambitious for one day).

Goal Achieved

Well ladies and gentleman it is 7:45 am on August 6th and I have already sent out a work e-mail. Guess what the means....

I now qualify for FMLA leave instead of Medical Leave!!!!!!! So excited and relieved!

OK Peanut, you can come out whenever you are ready. Can't wait to officially meet you--I love you already! -Mom

The Start of Something?

Or is it just practice???

I'm no expert seeing how this is my first time going through the process, but I think things are starting to happen. I have been crampy all day today. No real "pains" just enough of a dull ache to remind me that I do have a uterus in use. Say that 5 times fast.........(I'll wait for you to try)..........not bad! We shall see what our Friday appointment brings!

Note: I am eligible for FMLA in less than one hour :) What a good little Peanut!

Happy Anniversary

I just wanted to take a moment to say Happy Anniversary to Michael!

It has been an amazing two years, I'm just not sure where they went! It is strange how it feel like we walked down the isle just yesterday, but at the same time it feels like we have been together for 10 years (I mean that is a good way people). I have truly enjoyed every moment (even those where we did not "get along" with each other--we wouldn't be the great couple we are without those moments). Thank you for putting up with me! I love you sooooooooo much!

Love,

Keliann

Down to One Hand

I can't believe that our count down to our due date is down to one hand! That's right, T minus 5 (or so) days. It is hard to believe that five lonely digits (and hours of labor) separate us from the official world of parenthood!!!

I'm excited, nervous, anxious, scared, happy, in denial, proud and hormonal :) There are moments where I think to myself "I got this man" and other moments where I think "Oh shit, what did we do". I don't think this makes me a bad person/parent, just a little realistic. I'm sure that it is going to be the best journey I have ever taken. A journey full of twisty roads and flat lands, sunny days and stormy nights. Hopefully, I come out the other side a better person than I am now.

How is MJ you ask? Perhaps I should make him post on this topic today.....

Round Out the Week

So it seems like I am always apologizing for the lateness of these posts, but that is how it goes I guess. I wanted to get this up even though I don't have the pictures uploaded yet. Tomorrow.

How far along: 38 weeks, 6 days

Sleep: Perhaps a 6.5 this week. It is getting pretty rough when it comes to changing positions.

Best moment this week: Sleeping in on Saturday. It was very much deserved, if I must say so myself!

Movement: More of a wiggle than kick these days. Must be getting a little cramped in there!
Food cravings: Nothing really

Labor Signs: A few more Braxton Hicks contractions and she is starting to feel “heavy” on the underside of my belly (towards the bottom)

Belly Button in or out: Flat? By the end of the day it tends to be more out than in, though I wouldn’t consider it “popped”

What I am looking forward to: Spending time with Peanut face to face!!

What I miss: Shopping at regular clothing stores with normal people.

Weekly Wisdom: Start your projects early because there is always something else going on the list and everything takes longer when you have to maneuver with a big, big belly.
Random Belly Touches: A few from MJ’s volunteers at Celebrate Oxford today. Interesting that just because she “knows” Michael it is ok to rub me. Soon, this will be over…

Shout outs to new followers: The Agnello Family---FINALLY J

Baby Brain Moment of the Week: I decided to take the back way to I-69 because my usual was backed up but when I got to the entrance ramp I could not remember if I needed to go East or West to get home. I seriously had to think about which way I needed to go…only to go the wrong way! I wound up having to get off at the next exit and turning around. This could be the worst Baby Brain moment yet.

Rude Comment of the Week: None :)

Accomplishments of the Week: Curtain is cut and outside sewn, saw our last Pediatrician (debating between two), finished writing thank you notes, put Moses basket together so now Peanut has somewhere to sleep when she comes home, put the linen on the crib,

$10 off at Diapers.com

Hey there! If you are in the market for diapers/baby stuff check out Diapers.com. I just placed my first order (thanks Kristi, you will see your credit soon) and found some good deals! Plus, how great is it that they come right to you instead of having to drive to the store to get it.

If you are interested in saving $10 on your first order at Diapers.com just enter this referral code at check out: KELI6544

What's the catch? You have to spend more that $49 and it has to include diapers, but hey if you need them you might as well save some dough! But the bonus is that you get free shipping on order over $49 anyway (2 day shipping!!). You can also use the code: PLUS10PCT to get 10% off most of your order (not on diapers and some other stuff, but worth a try) if you are a first time user. Just thought I'd pass on the deal. Hope enjoy it!

You'll Love This

So last night Kelli and I decided to go out and grab a bite to eat, but before we left I had to grab my phone. I knew it was on the dining room table because that is where I spent the last 6 hours working AND I had just heard it ring but did not get to it in time.

So there I am, standing at the table SEARCHING for my cell phone. Only, I don't see it anywhere. I looked behind the laptop, under all my papers, on the floor, behind the computer again. HUMMM...where could it be?? I took a step back, complete puzzled as to where it went only to find that it was RIGHT THERE hidden "under" my belly! Yes ladies and gentlemen, you know your belly is large when it manages to hide your cell phone. Ah, the joys of being pregnant :) Needless to say, Kelli and I laughed so much I almost peed my pants!

Another Weekly Visit

We almost missed this one due to misinformation on the reminder call from office. I wrote done 9 when we booked, call said it was at 11. They would know better than forgetful, pregnant me, right? Wrong. Our appoint was at 9 but I did not call to double check until 10 after. I had to hurry up and get my little--scratch that--big butt there. Needless to say, we had to wait a little longer to see the Doc. Oops!

Anyway, Dr. Lambert (the reason why I go there) said that I am still measuring on track, urine and blood pressure is good, lack of swelling is great considering it is the summer (well, kind of summer), Peanut is still high (-3 still), and I am not dilating yet. She said not to worry, this does not mean a whole lot yet, we still have a week before the due date.

So, I am happy to report that all is well, that I SHOULD make it to August 6th (for FMLA reasons) and then I will start encouraging Peanut to come out at that point or later (I plan to start walking, sitting on my exercise ball, etc that night since I DO NOT WANT to be educed or have a c-section if at all possible.).

So lets start thinking positive thoughts for a natural and quick labor somewhere between August 6 and August 15th...