LOST IT

This morning, R lost her mucus plug. And, she's having some contractions. We realize this could go on for quite a while, but we think it's happening soon!

Question to all of you who have had kids -- How long was it after you lost the plug until you went into actual labor???

We're using today to finish up some last-minute things... returning duplicate gifts to the store, buying the stroller that goes with our carrier, etc... and the thing I'm looking forward to most... buying a new camera!

COUNTING DOWN

R is 35 weeks along as of today. We also happened to have our weekly checkup today. R's been consistently measuring ahead of schedule and now, the doctor expects her to make it only two more weeks, even though our original due date was Christmas. To top it all off, we found out that R is 1cm dilated and 50% effaced -- holy smokes! Dr. C recommended that we not travel for Thanksgiving, as we'd planned to do, so R's mom and stepdad are coming here instead. We made reservations at a really nice restaurant and that will be turkey day for us.

Tonight we went to a "baby basics" class -- pretty much useless. At least it was just one night, it's over, and we don't have to wonder if we missed anything. It baffles me to think that someone wouldn't know how to change a diaper. I mean, it's not rocket science...

Anyway, we're very excited about Button's arrival!!!

BABY SHOWER #4

Today, some of R's co-workers threw her a shower. I tried to take photos, but my camera batteries ran out of juice. All I have are photos of onesies that we decorated with fabric paint.

They were judged in the following categories:

• Most likely to get "ooh's" and "aahs"


• Most likely to get spit up on


• Most likely to get baby into Harvard (we're really rooting for Smith, R's alum)


• Most likely to annoy R


• Most likely to annoy J


• Most likely to get baby into "Advantage Behavioral Center"

Guess which ones R and J made? (note: R made one, J made two)

So, this woman R teaches with... well, she's crazy. She's a religious nut, which isn't exactly what makes her crazy as everyone is entitled to their beliefs. However, R's had problems with her in the past spreading rumors and saying how we're immoral, etc. R had a firm talk with her and ever since, she's laid off the rumors and talk, but is still quick to brink up Jesus and G-d whenever she can.

Anyway, she came to our shower and gave us a gift with a card. The card:



In case you can't see the image well, it says:

You are a special person. G-d loves you deeply even though you may not be cognizant of it right now. I believe this baby is going to bring you closer to G-d and his personal love for you and to heal all your wounds from the past.

May this child bring you great joy. I have prayed for her several times. I believe she is going to come to know Jesus Christ love for her as a young child.

What the fuck?! Who in the world uses a baby shower as an opportunity to say something like this? "...heal all your wounds from the past..." -- give me a break! I can appreciate her belief in something, but to use it to imply that we are somehow broken is unacceptable. I guess she is, as R's mom says, "more to be pitied than censored."

Anyway, we really did have such a great time this morning. The ladies who put the shower together even bought us a disposable camera so that we could take photos, in case we didn't have our camera with us. Since mine died, we used the disposable one a lot and I'll be sure to post photos once I get the pics developed.

ARMOIRE

Finally, the answer to our storage problem -- an armoire! We hit up Craigslist and found this one. We got it for $50 less than the asking price -- and even better, the seller lives in our neighborhood and moved it for us with their pickup truck! I primed and painted it and it really looks so good in the nursery, if I do say so myself!

SNEAK PREVIEW

Over the weekend, R and I worked on putting together a nursery for Button! Amazingly enough, we found homes elsewhere in the house for everything that was in her room prior to us clearing it out. We assembled the crib, which took only 30 minutes, but was quite an adventure! We also painted, as you can see in the photo. The paint color is called “cowsplit”, whatever that means, but it’s a buttery yellow color. We love it!

We still have to get a dresser and/or changing table. We’re also probably going to get an armoire to store clothes and goods. We have shelves to put up and several decorative details to tend to. I’ll be out of town most of the week, so R will have to wait until I return late Thursday night to work on the rest. Look out for more photos later in the week!

SHOWIN' OFF

Tonight I made the most ridiculous necklace and I love it! The pendant measures about 1 inch long and is strung on a brown leather cord, which works well with the sepia tone image. The pendant features two different images of Button, one on the front and one on the back. It may be hard to tell from the image, but the photos are sandwiched between glass, which gives it a more finished look and protects the photo. I’m aware that it’s cheesy as heck, but that’s okay with me!

UPDATE W/ PHOTOS

R and I went back to the doctor today during my break. The sonographer did an ultrasound to measure Button and to make sure everything looks good. Everything is fine, thank heavens!

Button weighs approximately 5 lbs. 2 oz. and is measuring at about 33 weeks 1 day on average. I say "on average" because some of her parts are measuring ahead of that, some below. The sonographer took an average of the totals, which is how we came up with that number.

We have to go back in a couple of weeks for another ultrasound, which will determine whether things have evened out or if she's still growing like a weed. We'd like her to cook a little longer, but at least if she comes early, she'll be a decent size.

We got some really fantastic sonogram images! I especially like the last one because it looks like she's smiling! See?

36 WEEKS?!

R and I were supposed to go to the doctor tomorrow, but because R had some kind of conflict and because she's been having so many Braxton-Hicks contractions, we decided to go in a day early. Turns out, R is measuring at 36 WEEKS, even though R is only 31 weeks along! The nurse and the doctor both got the same measurement. We're kind of freaking out. It would be one thing if R had gained a ton of weight, but she's only put on around five pounds. Anyway, we're going back again tomorrow for an ultrasound and to have R's cervix checked and all that stuff. Look out for an update tomorrow and wish us luck!

CHILDBIRTH CLASS, DAY 1

Today, R and I went to our first childbirth class in a two-part series at the hospital where Button will be born. We were worried beforehand that the instructor would be too “granola” or that we wouldn’t feel welcome. Nothing could be further from the truth and the class was pretty good.

We watched a couple of videos (I could have done without seeing some of that!), listened to the instructor, asked questions (no one else asked any!), and even got to see the different types of equipment and devices used during labor and delivery. We did some relaxation and breathing exercises down on the floor, which was kind of wierd, mostly because I have a hard time breathing to a pattern set by someone else. Also, when we did the relaxation techniques, the instructor turned the lights off. We’d been there for five hours already and with the lights off, we both really wanted to take a nap.

We also got to tour the new family birth center, which is really nice. Labor and delivery is done right there in a private room where you stay during hospitalization. The instructor demonstrated how the equipment works, showed us the monitors, etc. We also got to see a newborn baby born just yesterday, which was kind of exciting. The nurse holding him was being really sweet with him.

Our second class is next Saturday. Then, in November, we’re attending a breastfeeding class, as well as a baby basics class. We want to be as involved and informed as possible and all of our friends who have breastfed said that the breastfeeding class really helped.

I pre-registered us with the hospital online tonight. That way, if R goes into labor it will be one less thing to worry about. Until next week, we’ll be practicing the breathing techniques to prepare for class and I’ll be massaging R’s back.

GENETICS

R’s mom, BB (her chosen grandma name), has mitochondrial myopathy, which is a neuromuscular disease caused by damage to the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells that serve as power plants for our bodies. There are many types of mitochondrial myopathies. Some of the more common forms include Kearns-Sayre syndrome, myoclonic epilepsy with ragged-red fibers, and the MELAS syndrome of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes. Since mitochondrial myopathies are sometimes passed down genetically, R and I have been concerned about what this could mean for our little Button.

We went to an appointment with the specialist that has been working with BB to learn more about her illness and how it affects her, but also to find out what the ramifications could be for our baby. The good news is that BB has been cleared for the known genetic syndromes, the bulk of which are extremely serious. Since BB doesn’t have any of these, there is no reason to believe that anyone in R’s family does.

More good news is that we found out that the majority of mitochondrial disorders (75-80%) are autosomal recessive, so that means that both parents have to carry a copy of the defective gene. If that is the case, it would be pretty rare that anyone except BB and her four siblings could have the defect. Of BB and her siblings, each would have a 25% chance of having the defect. Even if one of the other four besides BB did, there may not be enough saturation of the genetic material to cause any symptoms. Happily BB’s offspring, as well as her siblings’ offspring, would only have a 1% chance of having the defective gene. So, it’s not 100%, but the odds are strong that there is nothing for anyone outside of BB to worry about, and as she says, we already know what her symptoms are.

In the event that it does turn out to be maternally transferred (20-25% chance), then anyone in the maternal line could have the defect. Again, not everyone would necessarily have any symptoms.

We can’t get any firm answers until BB’s gene sequencing is complete, which might be by the end of the year. At that time, we expect to know which of the above is the case, and what the specific defect is.

Overall, we came away with some good odds. As BB says, there’s no need to worry ’til we have something to worry about!

WEEK 29 UPDATES

Monday was our 29-week doctor appointment. R was running behind schedule, which put us behind with our appointment. Also, our doctor was tending to an emergency at the hospital, so we had to wait even longer. In the end, we ended up seeing one of the other doctors in the practice.

Everything still looks good. Button’s heartbeat is strong and R’s blood sugar and blood pressure are both normal. She’s still measuring about two weeks ahead — yikes! The one bit of bad news is that R has a bladder infection, which is fairly common from what Dr. L said. He gave her some antibiotics, which she’ll take for the next two weeks. No worries.

We were disappointed to not get the sonogram we thought we’d get. It looks like we’ll have to wait another two weeks until our appointment on the 23rd.

Yesterday, a package showed up at our house and a diaper bag was inside -- mystery solved! It was from none other than my very dear friend, Heather, who I’ve known since our freshman year of college. She is too sweet!

Not only did Heather surprise us with the diaper bag, we opened it to find it filled with even more goodies. There was a package of wash clothes, mittens for Button’s hands so that she doesn’t scratch herself, nighttime bath wash and lotion, and the most adorable dress with a matching sweater! We are totally thrilled. Thanks, Heather!!!

In other news...

Button isn’t even here yet and already, she is putting white hairs on my head! Seriously, I discovered this crazy one as I was getting dressed this morning and promptly pulled it out. Not only was it solid white, it was kinky! I saved it to add to Button’s baby book. haha!

HELLO?!

Is anyone out there even reading this anymore? Show us some love!!!

At any rate, I had to go get fingerprinted today for the adoption stuff. The whole thing makes me nervous. I know I have a clean record, but there's always a chance that there's some kind of traffic violation I neglected to pay and now there's a warrant for my arrest... that kind of thing. Even that is unlikely, but being somewhere with inmates walking around (seriously, there were some inmates doing manual labor out in the open public spaces) was pretty nerve-wrecking. The officer who assisted me was so nice and made the whole thing so much better. Anyway, at least it's over and done with -- one more thing to check off the list! (Although R still needs to get hers done, too.)

27 WEEKS!

We saw our doctor yesterday for the last of our once-a-month checkups (from here on out, we’ll go every two weeks for a while and then once a week until Button comes). R had to take a one-hour glucose tolerance test and a urine test. We won’t have the blood work results back for a couple of days, but the urine test was instant and sugar-free (gee, sounds like I’m talking about a beverage or something).

Both the nurse and the doctor measured R with the measuring tape and she’s measuring at 29 weeks, not 27 weeks as she should. Dr. A said she wouldn’t record it as officially two weeks ahead of schedule just yet. She wants to wait until our appointment on October 8th to check it again.

We got to hear Button’s heartbeat and although I can’t recall the exact number, it was high and her heart sounds really strong! Dr. A wants R to put on at least 10 more pounds between now and delivery. Now that the third trimester is upon us, it shouldn't be too hard for R to do.

MYSTERY PURCHASE

We’re registered at Target and as we manage our registry, we’re able to see online what has and has not been purchased from our list. It doesn’t tell us who purchased the item, it just shows that the item has been bought by someone.

Well, I registered for a $20 Eddie Bauer mini diaper bag. I liked that it was big enough to hold the necessities without being too big that it would be awkward to manage. Keep in mind that I despise even the thought of carrying a purse, so I'm doing good to settle for this small bag. (Plus, they'll give us the freebie diaper bag at the hospital and I can always use it if I end up needing something bigger.) Anyway, I noticed that someone purchased the diaper bag, but I have no idea who! It’s a mystery!

It’s been checked off the list for quite some time now, back before we had the baby shower for R’s dad’s side of the family. We thought for sure at the shower that we’d figure it out, but nope, the diaper bag has yet to make an appearance. A couple of friends have given us random gifts, but nope, no diaper bag! It’s kind of maddening. haha!

KICKIN' AND QUILTIN'

During the night, at about 3:30 this morning, Button woke me up by kicking me in the back! R was lying with her stomach right up against me and Button was going nuts in there. I was lovin’ it. I don’t think R even noticed because when I tried to say something, she just grunted and kept on sleeping. Anyway, it was very neat!

Well, I ended up giving our niece the last bandana quilt I made for her 3rd birthday. I won’t lie, it was hard to part with after all that work, but I am so very happy that she likes it so much. R asked me to make another one for Button, so I’m working on it now! I’ve already completely finished piecing the quilt top. See?


I think I like the color arrangement on this one better

On my niece's quilt, I used black fleece for the backing and binded the edges with black velvet ribbon. It was super-cute, but I think I’ll change it up a bit for Button’s quilt. We’ll see…

PLAYING CATCH-UP

100 days left and counting! Wow… I just can’t believe we’re at the 100-day mark. The time has flown by and while 100 days seems so long in so many ways, I know it’s not. Everything is moving right along!

I’ve been sick all week with strep throat and a cold and I’ve tried my best to keep R from getting sick, too. Lord knows, she doesn’t need this mess because she wouldn’t be able to take anything for it. Of course, all of her kids at school have also been sick, so my efforts at home might be for nothing. We’re taking all the precautions we can -- ie, no kissing, sleeping in seperate beds, lots of hand washing, etc.

We got an offer on our house and we’re in negotiations. The whole thing has been kind of strange and we don’t know if it will actually work out, but we’re really hoping it does because we want to move! We found a house we really like that is move-in ready, doesn’t need any improvements, and is vacant. It would be great to settle in and start working on a nursery for Button. However, we just found out within the last hour that the owners for that house are also in negotiations with buyers other than us. They should know something about their house by Tuesday and we should also know something about ours. So, everyone, keep your fingers (eyes, legs, etc…) crossed for us!!!

Our next doctor appointment is on September 24th, which somehow seems like an eternity away, even though it’s just over a week away. We're just dying to see our little Button up on that screen!

CLOTHING MUTHA-LOAD

R's friend from college, Shelly, and her sister, who both have daughters, were kind enough to loan us tons of 0-3 and 3-6 months baby clothing. We picked them up on Wednesday and had so much fun when we got home looking at everything. The best part is that most all of the clothing is just right for the season when Button is born. There are even a few Christmas things thrown into the mix, which is awesome because Button will be a Christmas baby! There are only a couple of things that might not work, but even at that, I doubt we'll be needing much else for a while. We are so damned excited!

ANYONE ELSE?

How many of you out there have or had leaking breasts early on in your pregnancy? Yesterday, R was taking a nap and when she woke, her breasts were leaking! Some clearish liquid came out of one and straight-up milk came out of the other. We were like, what the heck?! It wasn't much, though -- not enough to start feeding or anything like that, but still!

I hit the internet immediately, which confirmed this was normal, and R put in a call to the doctor, who also confirmed it's normal. It's not that we mind the leaky breats, but we wanted to make sure this wasn't a sign of something wrong. Apparently, some women start to produce as early as four months into pregnancy, while others don't start until after birth. R happens to be one of the early ones at not quite six months along.

As the doctor said, the bad news is that it will continue for the rest of her pregnancy and the flow could increase from the few drops she has now to something more intense. The good news is that she will be a milk factory and not have any trouble breastfeeding.

WEDNESDAY RAMBLINGS

Not much new news on the baby front. Things are going well and R's tummy is getting bigger every day, even though she's gained only around three pounds or so. She looks great!

R's been sleeping a lot and I get bored, so on Monday night I decided to start a new project. I'd been saving up some old bandanas to use for something, but never could decide what to do with them. Suddenly, it hit me -- a bandana quilt! I got out my rotary cutter, cutting mat, and went to town cutting up squares from which to quilt.

Then, last night I went to town piecing it all together. The time flew by. It certainly didn't hurt that I had all of my squares organized into the order I wanted them to go in. At any rate, here's the finished product of my quilt top:




here's a close-up

All I have left to do now is to sew the backing on and I've decided to use fleece for that. Fleece works well because it's easy to manipulate, is really soft, and it keeps me from having to worry with batting, basting, etc. I also like the casual feel of it. After I do that, I need to quilt the darn thing. I think I might machine quilt it rather than doing it by hand, but I can't quite decide.

R thinks I should give this to my niece for her 3rd birthday on September 1st and make a second one for Button using different fabric. I'm not opposed that idea, but I do love this bandana quilt, so parting ways with it might be difficult.

On the house front, our open house went really well and traffic has really picked up. We also found a house we really like that is move-in ready, so we hope ours will sell soon! Wish us luck.

One more thing -- I bought this adorable Christmas fabric, but I don't have a clue what to do with it! Any suggestions out there? Keep in mind that I'm not much of a clothes sewer (I'm a beginner) and I have only a yard of the fabric. Here it is:

MORE PHOTOS!

Here are some sonogram images from our appointment on August 14th. I would have posted them sooner, but didn't have a chance to scan them until today!

Just look at these first two -- amazing! Look at those long legs!





In this next photo, if you look closely, you can see a line/shadow running down the top of the head to the forehead. Our sonographer says this is where the bones in the top of the head are fusing together! Button's arms and folded upward and she's resting her hands behind her head. I guess she must be feeling relaxed in there!





These next two photos are traditional images (not 3-d) and I think they are so sweet. Just look at that profile! And in the second image, Button's looking right at us.





This last image confirms what we already knew -- we're definitely having a girl! (Thank heavens because we've already been buying "girly" stuff.)