36 Week Bump Update

Quite suddenly and unexpectedly at 36 weeks and three days Pip decided that it was time to join us. 

Not that we would have had it any other way. 

The three of us have been getting to know each other. Rob and I have spent every waking hour, and there are many of them, just staring at our beautiful son, admiring everything about him and wondering how we ended up with such a fantastic child.

Owen Samuel Arthur Fletcher

April 18, 2012

18:34

6lb 11oz, 50 cm 

Stay tuned, the story of Owen's arrival to follow shortly.

35 Week Bump Update

Oh how the time is is flying! We are nearing one month left as a family of two before becoming a family of three.

After 10 years married (our anniversary is in about two weeks time, just sayin) it seems crazy to think how much is going to change yet at the same time it feels so right.

Pip is still head up so I am ramping up the acupuncture treatments as well as being more consistent in doing the moxa treatments at home. I am now seeing the midwife on a weekly basis and we will talk more serious about options if Pip remains breech. I was informed at our appointment yesterday that they are not trained to do a breech delivery even if it is a frank breech and the OB on call at the hospital will take over if we arrive in labour this way, most likely resulting in a c section. Definitely not a favourable option.
I suggested that we have time and would like to talk about this next week. No need to stress now!

As for my favourite obsession, my belly button, it remains flush with the belly but am sure that with one good kick it's all over and will pop out. If you hear a scream, it's probably me!

34 Week Bump Update

Well, another week down and closer to Pip's arrival. I have really noticed a slow down this past week, getting tired so much earlier and easier. I am also finding it hard to stay in on one position for too long either standing, sitting or lying down, as my upper back is getting sore and the belly is getting bigger. Speaking of the belly, I noticed that for the past week or so I was bumping into things more frequently which is not like me so figured it was time to get the measuring tape out. Sure enough the belly has grown two inches since the last measure, thank goodness I'm tall otherwise I'b be standing back a foot from the counters while trying to make dinner!

With my diaphragm now pushed waaayy up into my ribs my voice has changed. Kind of like puberty but not! It's become raspier, a bit deeper and when I try to sing most of the time nothing comes out. I'm guessing for some that's a good thing.

Still doing what I can in order to turn Pip but to be honest I really don't know anymore what direction Pip is in. There are so many lumps and bumps that it's pretty difficult to figure out what is what. Guess I'll have to wait until Wednesday for the ultrasound to confirm. Fingers crossed.

It seems that I can not get enough liquids this week. I'm drinking almost three liters of water a day but still feel like I'm very dehydrated, always thirsty, dry mouth and lips. Guess I just need to keep drinking!

We finished our prenatal classes and can not say enough about how fantastic they were. The instructor, Leslie, was amazing. She was very inclusive of the partners at all times, even during the breast feeding class, which really enforced the idea that this is a partnership and not just what mom says. She also covered all the questions we had and didn't know we had in a very open and honest manner, a lot of common sense and excellent solid advice on all the topics she covered.

Now I understand that I have not given you any details about the classes as this would be the longest post ever, but am more than happy to tell you about it if there are questions. If you click the link below then click the prenatal button on the top of the page it will direct you to an outline of what is covered in her classes.
I think Rob said it best; the only advice he will give expecting Dad's or parents is just go to these classes, don't bother with anything else as you will be wasting your time.
You can link to her website here http://www.birthspirit.ca/ as well, I have put a link to her web site under my links header.

33 Week Bump Update

It has been a really fun week for us. Over the weekend Rob and I went to a surprise birthday party which was a blast. Even though I was wearing three inch heels we both ended up on the dance floor disco dancing and got home around midnight. Needless to say, I was a zombie all day Sunday. Pip sure loved the dancing and was hopping along with us. It also felt wonderful on my lower back to move and groove, will have to remember that during labour.

Last night after a day at the office Rob and I did a bit of car seat shopping as this is the only item (I think) that is left on our have to purchase list, they wont let us home from the hospital with out one. As there are four different kinds that fit into our stroller we checked them all out and both agreed on one. Will probably head back in the next week or so when we are not so hungry and pick it up.

While in the store we were very quickly overwhelmed with all the stuff that is out there, sensory overload. We did find a great high chair that will adapt and grow with the baby until they are about five years old, is mostly of wood construction and has a small footprint. Bonus on all accounts.

I have really noticed myself slowing down in the past week, my walks are getting slower and I am starting to look for benches to sit on while I'm out. I am still doing a 5km walk on the weekends along the lake, I consider this more exercise than just out enjoying the day as I try to push myself a bit more than during the week. If you look closely at the pic above you may see the suggestion of a tan line on my shoulder. It was stunning last week, above 20 degrees for several days, so I was out in a t shirt and my capri running pants catching some rays. What an ego boost to be able to fit into my running pants, I so did not want to take them off, ever.

Pip is still moving a dancing like crazy and is breech or head up still. There are a few more weeks before this becomes an issue but have started trying to turn the baby now. This involves another post so check back in a couple of days and I will have an update on the crazy things that we have been doing.

Bump Update

Again, I did not realize how time has flown by and it's been over a week since my last post, it feels like everything is on fast forward.

I also had no idea how pointy I have become, the belly does change shape frequently but it has definitely gotten bigger. I think I say that every time I post as well. Pip has taken to hanging out head up or horizontal when head down is the preferred position. There are a few more weeks to go before it becomes a concern but we have started to talk to the belly and make suggestions that head down would be much better for everyone.

Speaking of my belly, as of today it is now being referred to as the belly as it has become big enough to be it's own entity.

With eight (or so) weeks to go I still feel pretty good but am noticing that I'm slowing down again. Finding a comfortable position to sit is becoming more difficult as I have a fair amount of discomfort across my back in the mid rib region. Not sure if its from my ribs being pushed out or all the weight pulling in the front, as you can see from above. Trying to do yoga more frequently, not so successful but trying as well as keeping up with going for a long walk most days. With the weather changing and the sun shining it has been easy to go out, in fact, I took the belly for an hour long walk along the waterfront this afternoon while Rob went for a ride. So fantastic!

Lastly, I finally pulled the pregnancy card for the first time and didn't feel too bad about it. Yes, I parked there.

My sister and I went to Babies R Us and Toys R Us earlier in the week, she needed to do some research for a project and I had never been so it seemed like a good idea. What an eye opener! I had no idea how divided everything is into very girl or boy, clothing I can understand (sort of) but the toys, wow. Even the lego was made for either girls or boys, I just found it so foreign. Does it make me old and curmudgeonly to find this so strange?

Bump Update

Did not realize that it has been three weeks since my last bump update, I guess that's what happens when you get knocked on your ass for a week with a cold! Finally starting to feel myself again even though the picture is a little rough looking.

Hitting another milestone, I am now 30 weeks along out of 40, so yes, 10 weeks to go! It's getting so close yet it still feels so far away.

Pip continues to grow and is weighing in around 3lbs and 17 inches long from head to toe and with the larger size comes larger kicks. It feels like it's almost continuous now with the jabs, kicks and rolling around, in fact it going to be really strange to not have them in a few short months. It's quite entertaining to see my belly moving around and changing shape while I sit here and type, very alien like.

Today was a stellar day, sun shining, blue sky and temperature around 15 so I went for a nice long walk along the water, my old running route to be exact, and it felt amazing. I was so happy to be out and really looking forward to taking Pip out in the stroller every day to check out the waterfront and get active again.

And in another sign that the wee one will be making an appearance soon, last night Rob and I attended our first prenatal class. It was fantastic! It is through our midwife clinic and the woman teaching it is great, she is very knowledgeable, experienced and informative. She is also quite good at keeping our attention for two hours and presenting the information in a way we can understand and relate to. Best part, no crappy and horrific videos to scare everyone. Her approach to birth seems very similar to the way I am approaching it which is encouraging and exciting for me. (More on that later, that's for another post). It was also exciting to hear that Rob felt the same as me in regards to our instructor and what we are going to get out of the next three classes.

Mega Bump Update

Well, I am now into the third and final leg of this crazy journey and the past week has been a crazy one indeed. I was feeling achy and cramps for four days straight, right from the very bottom to the top of the bump, as well as everything was really hard. I am now used to when my belly stretches and the sensations to expect but they usually only last for a few hours, not days and not this much discomfort. Finally on Tuesday it subsided and back to normal, didn't think much of it after that.

Realizing that my winter jacket is suddenly barely able to do up I was curious, so out comes the measuring tape. I like to measure everything once and a while just for fun because this will be the only time in my life I get excited about getting so big. Sure enough my belly (what used to be waistline) grew an entire inch, one whole inch in one week!! How freaking cool is that. No wonder I was so uncomfortable.

It also seems that I have cut my toenails myself for the last time as it nearly killed me trying to, looks like I may have to send Rob for an estheticians course so I don't go completely to pot.

It's hard to believe that we are now just under three months to go and as every day passes we getting more and more excited to meet our little Pip.

Bump Update

Finally got myself out of my stretchy pants and into some real clothes and a pair of heels this week for a hot date with my husband. I couldn't help but laugh as had no idea that I popped again, it looks like I stuffed a basket ball up my dress. I had picked this dress up in the spring as it was a simple slip on dress that was nice and loose, thank goodness for that!

Everything is still going along smoothly, still hungry as a horse and eating every three hours while doing my best to keep it as nutritious as possible. Did some more yoga this week and Pip loves it, every time I finish I get rewarded with about half an hour of stretching, kicking and lots of moving around. I think its the gentle stretches that open up my mid section that Pip loves, more space to move around.

I am still completely obsessed over my ever expanding bellybutton. It is getting too close to becoming flush with my belly for my comfort, not that there is anything I can do about it. I still want to believe that it's not going to pop, fingers crossed. Mind you, my ass is disappearing as well as my bellybutton this week, just don't understand where it's going. Surprisingly (for the volume of food I eat) I have only gained around 10 - 12 lbs but I'm quite sure that will dramatically change over the next few weeks, especially since I just wrote it down for all to see, karma will get me back.

We have passed into double digits remaining until Pip's arrival. Passing the 100 days remaining was a big deal for us, it just sounds so much closer.

Bump Update

I had no idea that two weeks have flown by since the last bump update! For some reason last week just disappeared into thin air. Don't know if you can tell from the pictures but there has been a definite increase in girth over the past two weeks, my hips and belly are almost the same size now with my boobs a close second, who knew I would ever enjoy getting so big!

I had been suffering from a tooth ache for about a week and finally broke down and did something about it. My hesitation was due to the fact it has been waaaayyyy to long since my last check up, I did not have a local dentist to go to and I had convinced myself that it was either a filling (if I was lucky) or the tooth was coming out. Yes, a bit dramatic but I did say that it has been a very long time. What made it even worse was that I was not sure if I could get any freezing done due to my extra passenger. So, found a dentist within a 5 min walk from our place who was very kind, checked me out, informed me it was just sensitivity to the tooth that I was feeling that was being heightened by the pregnancy. He gave me a thorough cleaning and said to come back once Pip arrives to get a bit more work done. I almost teared up I was so happy.

To be completely honest any attempts at exercise were non existent last week, could blame the weather but in my opinion there really are no excuses. Did a bit of yoga which Pip really likes as he ends up dancing around for a good half an hour once I finish. Speaking of dancing around, Pip has been relentless lately. Usually goes on for a couple days in a row of non stop kicking, and I do mean full on kicking. I do love feeling all the kicks and bumps but momma needs a break once and a while, especially if you are already secret training on the bike. It's either that or space is getting tighter and Pip feels the need to kick all my organs out of the way for some fun!

This week I am covering the pager for work but with no pager, just the laptop, which means I am not going too far! I have some sewing and knitting projects that I would love to do so I may give them a go.

Green Pumpkin Pie and a Bump Update

Slowly growing and very happy!

Just got back from our latest midwife appointment and everything is rolling along really well. Noting to report really, basically that in the next couple of weeks I should up my calcium intake to accommodate for Pips growing bones. Baby is big enough to be able to hear the heartbeat with a stethoscope now and I got to hear it. While lying down Pip gave us a show by giving several really big kicks, big enough that my belly moved so of course I couldn't help but laugh. It was great that Rob was there during to visit so he got to see everything, they were the biggest ones so far!

I was hungry by the time I got home and wanted something quick, a smoothie is my favourite option. This one is two big handfuls of spinach, about 1/3 cup of pumpkin puree, one frozen banana, vanilla protein powder, milk, almond meal and pumpkin spices. Nutritious and delicious! As you can see, I started drinking even before I could shoot it.

Happy New Year

It has been a while since posting last, I have been enjoying the Christmas holidays with family and friends and spending quality time with Rob. We had grandma and grandpa Fletcher over on Christmas eve for a great dinner and visit and boxing day was spent at my aunt and uncles place in Oakville with all the extended family. Again, a fantastic spread was put out, this year we feasted on beef lion and shrimp. Sorry no dinner pics, we were all so hungry and dinner was too good to wait.














My cousin Valery, who is 10 by the way, knit up these two adorable hats for Pip which was so sweet, I did my best not to tear up! Since it will be a surprise she made one for a girl and one for a boy and they are so well done, very impressed.

We then spent a few days relaxing, watching movies and doing some more organizing/editing in preparation for May. New Years was spent at our friends Bill and Tanya who host a party every year, this year was a bit quieter than previous but fun all the same! It was great to catch up with friends we have not seen for a year or even longer. Especially since most did not know we were going to have a baby so my bump caused quite a stir!

Well, it's back to reality this week, the Christmas tree is coming down, Rob goes back to work on Wednesday and I need to get back into an exercise routine.

As for the bump, pants continue to get tighter and my latest obsession is my belly button. I can't stop checking on it as it continues to stretch and become shallower, I may have been wrong in predicting it won't pop!

Bump Update

Pip is continuing to grow as is my bump, I figured that I would post before all the Christmas dinners! Pip is now the size of a banana and quite happy. I'm still eating every three hours or so and trying to keep active but it is getting harder as is it getting colder and less friendly out for a leisurely stroll.

This morning Rob and I were up early and at the grocery store for 7:30 , did a power shop, then off to work for a couple of hours. After saying our Merry Christmases we then headed back downtown to the St. Lawrence market to finish off our shopping. What a zoo! It was fun though. I believe that we have everything we need for the next few get togethers over the holidays so tomorrow will be spent relaxing and enjoying the day together.

Merry Christmas to all and a very Happy New Year.

I can't wait for next Christmas :)

Bump Update

So look what the bump fairy left me last night, seriously! I woke up this morning feeling quite awkward and looked down to see this. It may explain why I have been so tired for the past few days.

The past week seems to have flown by, we went to a friends Christmas open house on Saturday and my how times have changed. House was still full of people but now was even fuller with tons of kids running around having a blast. Mind you the adults still ended up in the kitchen drinking and catching up with one another. It was quite the eye opener for us, realising that in a very short time we will be going to and hosting a lot more kid friendly get togethers. We may need to move the scotch collection to higher grounds.

We have our ultrasound this Wednesday and are really looking forward to it, another chance to see Pip. Stay tuned. alien pics to follow soon.

Bump Update

As it has been a while I figured that it was time for a bump update. As you can see I still have a Buddha belly going on but it's getting closer to a real bump. Pip is about the size of an avocado and I have purchased a couple new pairs of stretchy pants, still holding out on any real maternity clothing.

I now find that sitting down to put on my shoes is great, the seatbelt is always uncomfortable and I still need to catch my breath after a set of stairs. And this is only four months along!!
Don't get me wrong, I love every minute of it, it's just amazing how quickly my body has been changing and adapting to everything.

This really is not about me for the next while and I'm pretty cool with that.

Lemons

Manhandling lemons in the produce aisle

An update on Pip who is about the size of a lemon right now but not as weirdly shaped as the one in my hand. Still feeling great and eating well. Unfortunately running has taken a back seat as I become so winded so easily, trying to take regular brisk walks at least but really need to listen to my body. I just can't  go as hard as I used to.

My Aunt came to visit, we went for a walk and ended up in the grocery store during lunch hour trying to be inconspicuous. Don't think we pulled it off! An update of our coffee date to follow soon.