Journal

1/6/04 (27w5d): It’s been a busy stretch through the holidays. I’ve learned that I can’t be driving all over and spending the entire day out and about. When I do, I pay for it the next day by needing almost complete bedrest. We were supposed to start our birthing classes last night but there was an ice storm and the instructor cancelled. We’re going to have to reschedule the missed class and wait one more week to learn. Chris read “The Expectant Father” over his holiday break and has been helpful in reminding me to eat when and what I should (not very hungry these days). And – true to form – he made notes in the margins of the labor & birth section. As for me, I’ve picked up some slip on sneakers so Chris doesn’t have to help me every morning. Bean has been having a regular old party in there the last couple of weeks. I can now feel Bean rolling from side to side and think that I may have felt Bean change position completely last night.

1/16/04 (29w1d): Well, we’re buying a house. I can’t believe it wholly yet but it looks like a done deal. We close on Feb. 20th. This will be so great for the baby will have his/her own room (unlike here at the Mill). Had an appointment with the midwife yesterday. Drank the super sweet orange pop and had my blood drawn for the 1 hour glucose test. Should have the results early next week. Weight was up 4lbs. for a total of 22lbs. overall; blood pressure was 120/78; fundal height was 30cm; Bean’s heartbeat was 155bpm and the urine check was negative. In addition I spoke with the midwife regarding the pain I’ve been feeling off and on just to the left of my belly button. She mentioned that the sharp shooting pain is likely Bean’s head bumping against my cervix and/or my pubic bone and the resulting ache is just leftover from that trauma (like a bruise). Otherwise everything looks good to her. The baby’s head is down (at least during the visit it was). I go again in 2 weeks (another sign that we’re getting closer). 11 weeks to go! Very exciting stuff. Check out the 28wk belly pic! Also had our first hypnobirthing class this week (see www.hypnobirthing.com). It was very informative and encouraging. Came home with a book and a CD. I like the instructor and she likes Chris (teacher’s pet!). I’m hopeful that this technique will allow us to have a medication-free delivery. Keep your fingers crossed!

1/19/04 (29w4d): Didn’t pass the 1 hr glucose test. Scored 136 and the cutoff is 130. So I have to go in for the 3 hr test. Plan to do it on Saturday so I don’t have to miss work. Hope to pass this one ‘cause I really don’t want to have Gestational Diabetes (not that anyone does). We’ll see I guess.

1/24/04 (30w2d): Got up early after fasting since midnight and was first in line at the lab for my 3 hr glucose test. Drank the same orange stuff (only this time twice as much) and got poked 4 times in 3 hrs. Not so bad except I was really hungry when I left. Kept busy for all that time cross-stitching. Plan on packing tomorrow for the big move (still scheduled for 2/21/04).

1/26/04 (30w4d): Been sick with a cold and sore throat since yesterday. Stayed home on the couch for the most part. Did go to our last Hypnobirthing class though. I’m glad we’ll have some time to practice after the move and before the baby comes (some of the couples are 35+ wks along). Found out that I passed the 3 hr glucose test today (yay!). It’s a relief not to have to worry about blood sugar on top of everything else.

1/28/04 (30w6d): Still sick. Went to see my Nurse Practitioner to make sure the cold hasn’t gone down into my lungs (it hasn’t). Also saw the midwife. Update: +2lbs (24 overall), BP=120/78, fundal height= 33cm (@ 31wks), Bean’s HB=138 and urine was normal. So all is good. Baby’s head is still down. The heart rate is lower than in the past because the baby is bigger. Asked about internal exams (yuk!). They don’t do them until Mom is at term (40wks). Cool. Baby is still “bouncing” off my cervix – yippee! Check out the 31wk belly pic!