Monday, July 13, 2009

MY July

Today's Midwife Update:

I am measuring just 1 week ahead still.
Baby must have had a growth spurt a few weeks back.
We will know on the 27th if baby is ok for growth, as I already have an ultrasound scheduled.
Blood Pressure was 118 over 76. Awesome.
No significant swelling. I am a wonderful water drinker.
I lost half of what I gained from last week's big weight gain...so now I have gained a total of 23 pregnancy lbs. Healthy. My goal was 25 lbs or less, so I am feeling successful.
Cindy says that the baby has dropped. So, a little progress, I guess. She couldn't get a good position guess on the baby. She says that is because baby's head seems to be very low. I have such a sensitive belly when they are poking and prodding my stomach. It hurts.
Baby's heart rate was, as always, in the 130's. Baby seems to always be asleep during the appointment, so a sleeping heart rate. As soon as I get in the car, the baby wakes up.
We discussed signs of labor...none of which I have...all of which I am looking for.
We talked about my several stronger Braxton Hicks contractions...just my body preparing for labor.
No dilation, effacement....nothing.
Cindy said to assume that I will get to my original due date, maybe further. UGH!!!!!!
She said that is just to prepare me for reality and not disappointment. UGH!!! UGH!!!
What, that means I could be pregnant for 1 more whole month!

SOOOO, I have decided to enjoy MY JULY.
Whatever I have left of it. I am going to continue to enjoy my flower beds. I am going to continue to find new things that I think I might enjoy doing and go out and do them. First on the list, the Hershey Gardens, specifically the butterfly gardens. I want to go to a pool or to the creek and enjoy the water. I am going to sit outside for one whole day and read an entire book.

I am going to trust in God's timing. Once again reminding myself that His timing is perfect! His plans for me are perfect! Be it HIS July or HIS August...the baby will be here.




Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Automatic Alarm

Jimmy gets them all the time across the scanner.
Typically, it is a false alarm set through a fire/security system.
That is what Braxton hicks contractions are like.
When one starts I think....umm....could this be it? Then.....nope.
It truly is a good practice contraction.
Mine start in my back and then round to my front and feel like a tightening charlie horse.
This is exactly how April explained a contraction to me and she is absolutely right.
Today's are a little more harsh than usual, but not close together, not measurable, and manageable.
Yesterday, I was "crampy". I think.
You see, I am one of the lucky ones who never really experienced menstrual cramps ever.
Maybe this is because I have just one ovary? I don't know.
Anyway, yesterday felt like poop pains.
Today, I actually hunkered over twice, although the while standing and eating watermelon at the breakfast bar. Yep, the pain didn't stop me from eating. HA!
And, as quickly as they came, they were gone.
To my Preggie friends, what our friends who have delivered tell us about contractions is right: when you have one, you will know that you are having one.
As for now though...I am having an automatic alarm. Not time yet.



Monday, July 6, 2009

Weekly Midwife Visit

I had my weekly visit with midwife Pam Kovick today.
I am measuring just 1 week ahead now for fundal height, as opposed to 3 weeks ahead as before.
The baby is locked into head down position, which is good...feeling close to 6, maybe 6.5 lbs. So, not as big as they had thought just 1 month ago.
Although, I feel huge!
They did the standard sampling for Group B Strep today, so I should have those results next week.
As of today, there is no other progress to report. This baby isn't coming for weeks!
Patience is a virtue that I am not so good at!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

My 100th Post: Fourth of July Bliss



This morning, Jim and I woke up and headed out to our neighborhood 4th of July lawnmower Parade. Jim was the Parade leader for the second year in a row, heading the caravan with his fire vehicle, sirens and lights ablaze!
I always hoped that I would live in a neighborhood that was like Canterbury Estates. Everyone is friendly and the kids play outside all year long.



When I arrived back home, I had a message that my friend Amanda had her baby this morning as well! What wonderful news. Amanda and I have worked together for a few years, and we have navigated this journey called pregnancy together. She has been my pregnancy buddy for 9 months now, attending consignment sales and generally prepping for mommy-hood! She and her husband Jeff also attended Birthing class with Jimmy and I. We have had a wonderful journey together! Welcome Baby Girl and Yankee Doodle Sweetheart, Ava Nancy Livelsberger! Born on the 4th of July...just like I told your mommy you would be!! We have waited to know you for so long!

Friday, July 3, 2009

Road Trip

This morning I woke up with a plan to get out of the house and let the wind blow me wherever it wanted.
I grabbed my purse and the camera and headed down the road.
First, breakfast!
I am a bagel lover. Today, I stopped at Bob's Bagels in Lemoyne.
I ordered a cheddar bagel with veggie cream cheese.





It was ok. Resslers Bagels near our house in
my favorite. But, Bob's was...ok.
I also ordered a medium coffee, how
ever each of the 3 coffee choices were at the bottom. So, I had to mix French Roast, Costa Rican and Decaf to get a full cup. A bit rich and I had to add alot of cream. Needless to say, I drank 1/3 of it. It wasn't Dunkin Donuts, that's for sure. That's Right! I think Dunkin Donuts has the best coffee. I am not a Starbucks fan. I like Panera
Bread Chai Tea Latte. That is my yummy favorite!
Anyway, I ate in the car.

As I pulled out of the narrow parking lot, I realized that I was just 1 block away from the West Shore Farmers Market. I have only visited this local market once before, probably 6 or 7 years ago. I decided to brave the crowded parking lot and head into the market.


What a glorious adventure! From a beautiful jewelry store, baby store, to fresh local produce and meats. There was everything that my eye could imagine...and I wasn't the slightest bit hungry.
The most beautiful pies and cookies and delicacies lined the aisles. I called Jim to see if he wanted to meet me there for a lunch date, but he was too busy to indulge me. I would definately
do some serious produce shopping and special meal items at the market. It was just so fun to walk around and take it all in.
I called my mom from the market and let her know I had found a new wonderful place that I thought that she would also enjoy! We made a plan right then and there for my mom to come down next weekend before the baby arrives and we can make a morning of the market and then the Hershey Butterfly Gardens. What a lovely day! I can't wait. ( Dear Baby Salter: If you decide to come before then and change our plans, that would be even better.)

I found alot of beautiful baby clothes at the shop upstairs in the market. I can't wait to go in and pick out a special Boy or Girl outfit for baby's first formal pictures in a few weeks!

After the market, I headed to Harrisburg.
They were setting up for American Music Fest n
ear the river. This weekend is filled with various bands and local musicians and festival food. I hope to make a stop sometime during the long 4th of July weekend. But, I drove past and hopped on Rt. 81 and headed toward Hershey.

I decided to take my chances at the Hollywood Casino/Penn National Raceway. I decided to walk in with $50 and leave with $0 or $100. I walked out 1 hr later with $0, but I had an hour's worth of fun in the meantime.

It was nearing lunch-time, so I decided to choose a place that I have never been, but always wanted to go. What I really wanted was a hot dog and greasy fries and a milkshake.
So, I headed to The Summit, home of the Hot Dog King.
I found a nice little booth and pondered the diner style menu items. I, of course, went with the hot dog with chili sauce, onions, and mustard, the fries and a vanilla shake.

As I sat there thoroughly enjoying my heart attack in a bun lunch, I watched a husband and wife with a 3 year old son sitting just a few tables away, obviously involved in an arguement.
I tried my best to ignore the conversation, but due to the volume, I could not.
Needless to say, about 5 minutes into the arguement and 50 F Bombs and a strong hand squeeze by the husband later, I decided to alert my waitress to what was going on. I was just ready to get up and ask the woman if I could help her, when the man stood up and paid for their drinks and ushered his wife and son out the door.
I was very disturbed by what I had watched. Never in my life had I ever heard a human being berate another human being in such a way. The little boy sat there as his mom cried and his dad cussed and threatened.
After a brief discussion with my waitress about the situation, I made my way outside. In the parking lot, the couple had continued their arguement. This time, mom and son were sitting on a bench in front of the adjacent tattoo shop and the dad was pulled in front of them in a mini van.
The owner of the shop was outside offering the wife assistance, of which the wife told the well-meaning tattoo shop owner to mind her own business and not speak to her husband "that way". I was astounded. I walked over to see if I could help in some way, but the wife did not want any help.
She scooted across the parking lot, pushing her son in his stroller, as her husband sped the van after them and eventually made them get in. The tattoo shop owner headed into her shop to call the police, just as they pulled away.
My heart hurt so much for that little boy who had to endure the harsh words and behavior of his parents, it hurt for the woman who didn't seem to have the courage to walk away from what I can only guess is "normal" for her.
It made me thank God for giving me a partner that loves me and respects me.
It was a drama-filled end to my road-trip.

I needed to come home and perk up with something positive.
I threw a load of laundry in, after 5 full minutes of stain fighting. Jim's attire for the races include white pants. ???? Why in the heck would a flagger/announcer at a dirt track wear white pants you may ask? I know the answer. So that the drivers can see him. Yep, that's why.
BUT, I have to wash these pants twice a week. Thank goodness for Shout Advanced in the blue bottle. It works wonders.

The laundry wasn't a positive lifter for me, so I decided to get a head start on my dessert assignment for my brother in law John's picnic tomorrow.

I pulled out an Apple Pie Kit ( Little Ceasars fund-raiser) and made 2 crumble top Apple Pies.
They turned out wonderful! The house smells delightful!

And it is only 4 pm....Now what????




Thursday, July 2, 2009

Full Term otherwise known as 9 months down and ready to go.

Keep in Mind a full term gestational period is 37 to 40 weeks. A due date is based on 40 weeks.
So, weeks 37, 38, 39 and 40 are considered Month 9.

At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.

Bags are packed and Mama is ready

I finished packing our bags for the hospital today!
Just a few odds and ends to add: hard candy, magazines, a new brush, a tablet, and a contact case.
I have 2 bags for me and a bag for baby.
I have landed at the portion of pregnancy where my worry has sprung up again. Will the baby be healthy? Will I make it through delivery? Will I know what to do when we bring the baby home?

God has had an amazing way of working all things out, so I am once again reminding myself to lay it all at his feet.