Sleep & Teen Advice

 
  Teenagers feel invincible and that they know everything.  It is hard to impress upon them that to survive out in the world they have to listen to others to understand how things work.  It seems like everything goes in one ear and out the other, but they sometime will either listen and follow or say you were right sometime in the future.  It would be better if they learned the first time, but that is a difficult task for anyone.  I only want to help, be a teacher, be instructive and authoritative as well as a guide to independence and common sense.  I hope to live up to that, but stumbling along the way will be instructive in and of itself.  Oh, the fun begins.
 
  I finally slept for 7 consecutive hours last night!  I still awoke to hip muscle spasms.  I think stretching makes all the difference.  I went and stretched again today so I'm hoping that I will have another good night.  I want to be able to normally exercise SO bad. I want some fun and I am ready to see friends and family this weekend.  The Fall colors are gorgeous and I want to see them and relax.  I know busy time and changes are coming.  I want to relax but this is so uncomfortable that it is difficult right now.

  Changing table has arrived and is assembled!  That is the last piece of furniture for the nursery.  Now for the cleaning out of the canvases and art is the last to go.  It is exciting and this last week just flew by. I cannot believe I am 35 weeks along!  Crazy how fast these last weeks will go despite the kicking, punching, sharp pains and muscle cramps.  I want to document, document, document this experience.  I thought I may never get this experience.  I am appreciative of every minute.  I hope I can say the same after labor. I appreciate that I can carry the baby around easily today without so much baggage.  They grow so fast.  They are not even born yet.  Hah.  I'm such an over-thinker, planner.  Sleepy, sleepy time. (Yawn)

New OB-GYN doctor and Birth Plan

  I met the new OB-GYN doctor at Portage Hospital.  Dr. Baudoin, pronounced Beau-deen, was very nice, thorough and seemed on top of it.  She is enjoying the pace and Copper Country so far.  I would feel comfortable if she had to birth my baby.  She has been called in 5 out of 7 days that she has been on call.  I feel better having met her now.  I am glad to meet anyone I may encounter when I go into labor prior to the big day.  She may not know the area, nor the history of the family in this area, but she's ready to jump in.  I like that.

  Today, I am writing out my birth plan.  I am writing it in pencil first so I can think about it and then will fill it in with pen.  I am packing as much as I can for the hospital so Tony has less to think about when the time comes.  There are a great number of things to remember and I am glad I am doing this early.  So many things I do not want to think about last minute.  Feels good to get ready even if the end date may be between 2-8 weeks away.  I hope for 4-6 weeks to go into labor, but I will take whatever I get.  I am not ready today, but in 2 weeks we will definitely be closer.

  This is my favorite card from my baby showers.  LOVE the balloon theme.  My favorite book of all time has a balloon page with similar drawings inside of it.  So cute.  Gives me a good vibe of nostalgia too.  Time to load the recyclables, change out the laundry, write my birth plan, take my vitamins and make returns now.  There may be a stop in the office as well.  We will see.  Gorgeous fall day out- need to take some pics today as well.  Fun!

34 weeks 4 days

Camry Sold & Baking

  The banana bread is almost gone.  The house warming party last night at Josh's house was laid back and good to relax around those people.  Quite the characters.  I did not bring a gift, but they had plenty of beer and food to go around.  Tonight I made Rice Krispie treats.  Have not had those in a very long time.  Years I would say.  Comfort food all around as we had broccoli chicken casserole for dinner.  I went grocery shopping and am finally in the mood for cooking.  Tony must be thrilled for real food and not fast food dinner.

  The Camry sold without any fanfare today.  I was at the State Wide office fielding real estate phone calls.  Tony gave over the papers of title and receipts for work done in the past.  The keys- in total, were given over as well as the CD player face case.  My baby will always have a special place in my heart.  She never failed me, only needs a new alternator in the end.  Cheap price for a teenager to now have his own set of wheels.  End of an era.  Time for truly new beginnings and letting go.  I am a fan of change, some easier than others.

Not my Camry, but same style and color

  I have been putting off painting and sewing.  Now is the time.  Man, I wish I could get a cleaning service in here.  Some to dust, sweep, mop and vacuum.  Some to remove the recyclables, do my dishes, take the laundry upstairs and to clean my refrigerator.  I am ready to nest, but can only stand for so long before my feet and back start aching.  My neck is still out of whack and apparently, I have been told, I have taken to deep and loud breathing when I do actually fall asleep.  I think I will be on the couch tonight.

Acupuncture Is A Life Saver!

  I have been having shooting pains up the back of my neck the last 3 days.  I know my vertebrae are rotated.  I called the chiropractor right before my doctor's appointment yesterday and they got me in later that day.  It was as I suspected, the muscles were so tight, the chiropractor could not get them to budge for an adjustment.  I did get a little relief, but it was short lived.  I ended up getting little sleep last night because I could not find a comfortable position for my neck or hips.  I feel bad for Tony with all of my tossing and turning.  I actually slept in a squat position for a while last night.

  Today, I went to the acupuncturist and I feel as good as I can feel right now after seeing her.  She really whips me into shape with some no nonsense treatment.  She tells me how it is and we can laugh about those things you can do nothing about.  Pregnancy is all about rolling with the punches and never get knocked onto your butt because getting back up is exponentially more difficult than maintaining your footing from the beginning.  I have started getting dizzy if I sit up or go to walk from a laying position these days.  I have had to lay back down twice in the last 2 days because my head was throbbing and spinning too much.  Once I lay back down and slowly rise, I feel better and can keep going.  I wish I could see the acupuncturist every week, but she is a popular and busy girl.  I know why, but it does not stop me from dreaming I could see her.  Worth every penny to see her despite insurance not covering any of my treatments.

  I am loving apple cider right now.  That and Kashi Autumn Harvest cereal.  I think fall likes me and agrees with me too.  I plan to drive around drinking my cider this weekend while enjoying the colors alongside the road.  Cannot wait for that road trip.  It will be a short one, but long enough for me to enjoy.  Right now I think I will read my sewing surger manual and see if I can figure out how it works in order to test it out before the return date passes.  Then I have to go into the office and see if I can straighten out this mess of a property deal I am entangled in.  I know it will not be figured out today, but I want to be present when they have questions so I can answer them straight away.  Good stuff.  I am going to make this dessert this week, as well as my banana bread.  Tony likes Chocolate Cream Pie...

Rough Day Yesterday, Gloomy Today

  Yesterday was an emotionally exhausting day.  It kind of came out of nowhere.  It may be that I am getting sad about selling my Camry of 15 years.  It may just be pregnancy hormones.  Either way, I was not productive and really was in a bad mood.  It did not help that the day was overcast, rainy and overall gloomy.  Today the weather is not any different, but I am in the office and have appointments to attend for distracting my mind from dwelling. 

  Tony is really a life saver in that he took the time yesterday to cheer me up.  Some quality time is just what I needed.  I am so happy that he could cheer me up.  He had a rough day too and I think together, we were able to soothe our souls to survive another day.  He really keeps me sane and as even keeled as I can get.  This is why I married him and why he is so good for me.  He is a great provider and takes care of me the way I need to be taken care of.  He is such a good guy.

The Saga Continues...

  I showed some houses today.  Showings went as well as I expected, tempered excitement and no paperwork signed.  Future sales all over the place, but nothing hot on the fires right now.  I'm absorbed in my own property sale.  It's ok, it is how the world goes right now.  I am ok with slow learning and preparation.  I think you go with the little fish that will lead me to bigger fish.  Or at least interested fish that are ready to go.  I have a date with the assessor tomorrow to get some action going.  We will see what happens.

  Gorgeous colors starting on the way to Bootjack.  I cannot wait for for colors to explode.  I think this year will be great.  I want to go and take pictures with all those leaves surrounding me.  I am torn as to go back to the studio for more pictures, but I do not think Tony can get the job done.  A photographer would be nice that can direct me into good lighting, flattering angles and fun settings.  

  I was having major pressure on my bladder for 5 days, then sharp shooting pain that I thought might be an infection.  I tested negative for an infection so I looked into different causes. I started doing pelvic tilts (propping up my pelvis with pillows for 10-30 min) to get the  baby to move more upwards.  It worked and the pain went away.  Now I have to do the tilts daily or the pain comes back.  I did not think I could make it another 4-6 weeks with constant sharp pain like that.  I am glad I could find a solution without going to a physician.  We were in away from home at seminar away from the doctor anyway.  The saga continues...

Presque Isle 9-18-2011

   I have a generous cousin that gave me her breast pump so I could get new attachments and use it.  It turns out it was barely used.  I think there was a reason for that.  I thought it was an Ameda, but it turns out it is an Evenflo.  This cheap pump gets terrible reviews and does not seem like something I want to risk in using.  I think I may want to bite the bullet and just buy a good pump.  It may be the case that this is you get what you pay for type of thing.  I want to get this right the first time.  Should I buy new parts and try it or not waste my time and just purchase a new, good one?  Hmm... decisions, decisions.

  The nursery is coming along.  Tony discovered the border is too high to fit above the picture rail so he decided to paint above the picture rail and put the border a few inches below the picture rail.  We chose a dinosaur border to go with our safari themed drapes.  They do not really go together, but I love the dinosaur border.  I will do dinosaur drapes in the future.  Right now, I will stick with the drapes I already sewed. Love the border.  Tony did three coats to cover up the existing border.  What a worker that guy is.  So great.  I hope the rain holds off so he can finish the dresser soon.

34 Weeks tomorrow!  40 days to go 'till my due date :)

Allergies and Possible Lightening

  Those fires from the Minnesota wildfires are causing smoke and ash to drift into our area.  The smoke is wreaking havoc on my allergies!  Sneezing and drainage galore.  I finally took a Benadryl and now I am so tired.  I will likely fall asleep in my massage in an hour.  I know the massage will be painful, but I look forward to the relief it brings to my muscles.  I need the relief.  Tony can only do so much.

  I have pressure, sometimes sharp pain, pushing directly down through my bladder. It feels like a sharp pain through my bladder, straight to my urethra when I stand, turn over in bed or walk sometimes.  It feels like the baby is trying to push straight through my bladder.  I cannot believe how uncomfortable this is.  Happily, no pain to go to the bathroom every 10 minutes, but constant pressure and pain is something I was not expecting.  No where in the books is lightening described as this.  I am taken by surprise.  Previously pregnant women confirm that this is the feeling of lightening, likely, and it can last for 4-6 weeks.  Not excited if this is going to be the next weeks of life like this.  Makes me wonder if delivery is more imminent than I think.  A month and a half 'till my due date, life will be unexpected.  Maybe I'll give birth during the full moon cycle (October 12 or Nov. 10th).  Hmmm...

Space weather

  I wish I had more leads for real estate, but this is the way the market and my interest is going.  Who knows.  I hope my Client Connect clients pan out for future payoff.  I just want to help those I can and learn to help those I am not familiar with yet.  I have to be free last minute to get showings or meet new clients, but so far this has worked out.  Very nice.

Twenty-eight degrees outside this morning.  The heater kicked on in the house at 62 degrees today.  Not ready for the bills yet.  Cozy in the house for this heater pregnant woman.  Cannot wait to get the nursery "done," though I know it will be a work in progress as needs change like everything else.  Time for lunch.  Marantha Almond butter on organic rice cakes with a nectarine.  Whew, good stuff.

How Life Is Changing, You Can Only Plan So Much

  I am looking at all the baby gear, clothes, diapers, etc. and planning on what my life will be like with a newborn baby in it.  I can only read so much, use my imagination and ask others what it will be like.  There is no substitute for real life experience and I will not know until I am actually going through it.  I am ready to be through with the aching joints, water retention, indigestion, uncomfortable sleep, taking all the vitamins per day and inability to exercise. I feel like as soon as I get used to the kicking and punching feeling that comes from my abdomen that my pregnancy will be over and there will be a new chapter to "get used" to all that comes along with the baby.

  I can see now how a baby is all encompassing and distracting.  You have to be focused to protect them, care for them and give them a good and safe life.  I am already trying to control things that I have no control over.  I am SO thankful for the friends and my sister that are giving me advice and sharing their experiences with me.  I know every mother and child have difference experiences, but as much information as I can get, I feel, will only benefit me.  No doubt I am ahead of the game versus Tony as he has read no books and has only experienced the birth classes that we have taken thus far.  I am so happy he could come to those as that will be his main point of reference for the coming birthing process.

  I have to get on my reading as I only have 7 books left and a month (or so) to read them in.  The nursery is getting there.  I'd say 75% done at this point.  Some clearing out of Tony's items to go, the dresser to be finished, the diaper changing table to be purchased, the border to be put up, a few things to be hung on the wall, the sconces to be installed, the closet to be stocked and organized.  I have some ordering to do as well, the cloth diaper detergent, determining which wipes formula I want to use, the perineum massage oil order, etc.  I have to re-arrange the kitchen cupboards to accommodate baby bottles, etc., the bathroom supplies for baby toiletries and the closet for bathing supplies.  Good thing I like to organize everything.

Scrap booking baby gift 

  I cannot believe it is 45 degrees out with hail right now!  Such strange extremes.  The temperature was ninety degrees just 2 days ago!  Strange.  I have to get to a couple of thank you's today and run my errands.  Goodwill, recyclables, Walmart, the bank and to the office.  How time flies.  I have to wait for my clothes to dry in the dryer though so I will have something to wear today (ting).  Oh, so much fun! Yay!



33 WEEKS

How my baby is growing:

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.


How my life is changing:

As your baby fills out even more of your belly, lots of things might start to change: Whereas before you were sashaying, you may find yourself waddling. Finding an easy position to sit in — let alone sleep — is becoming more of a challenge. And bumping into chairs and counters is par for the course.

You may be feeling some achiness and even numbness in your fingers, wrists, and hands. Like many other tissues in your body, those in your wrist can retain fluid, which can increase pressure in the carpal tunnel, a bony canal in your wrist. Nerves that run through this "tunnel" may end up pinched, creating numbness; tingling, shooting or burning pain; or a dull ache. Try wearing a splint to stabilize your wrist or propping your arm up with a pillow when you sleep. If your work requires repetitive hand movements (at a keyboard or on an assembly line, for instance), remember to stretch your hands when you take breaks — which should be frequently.

Many women are still feeling sexy at this stage — and their partners often agree. You may need to make some adjustments, but for most women, sex during pregnancy is fine right up until their water breaks or their labor starts.

Entertaining and Tour Guide this week

32 weeks along

  I have been having abdominal tightness that I thought was Braxton-Hicks contractions, but since they last over 20-30 minutes at a time and do not shorten in time nor increase in intensity. They are not contractions.  They are either the abdominal muscles tightening or digestive related.  Any way I look at it, they are not painful and they do not indicate pre-term labor.  I am happy not to have high blood pressure, nor gestational diabetes.  The baby was not kicking very much when my stomach was tight and we think he just had limited space for such things.  When my belly is soft and relaxed the baby is kicking like a champ.  It is really reassuring to hear that pitter patter of a heartbeat on the doppler at my appointment.

  I had a massage today and it was the best timed appointment.  My neck has been stiff the last 2 days and my hip spasms are the worst than they have ever been.  My left side was so painful for the massage, my hip must be out of place.  I cannot wait to go to the chiropractor and get needle acupuncture once I have the baby.  It is coming up really soon and the anticipation and unexpected timing is better than Christmas!  I better get going on those chores I was waiting for better weather to complete. Now is the time.

  Friends visiting the Keweenaw we have not seen in ~7 years.  Playing tour guide was fun.  We went to Copper Harbor, Agate beach, McClain State Park, Chutes & Ladders, Quincy Mine, and our lake front property.  They made it to Canyon Falls, the Porcupine Mountains, the Quincy Mine tour and back to the Baraga campgrounds with their camper.  Good times.  I think they had a good tour and a fairly good time.  We hope they come back for more fun and more places to see in the Upper Peninsula.  It is great to spend time with like-minded people.  It really makes the conversation flow.  Too bad they didn't come one month later.  I cannot wait for fall.  The color change will be great.  Very fun to see them!

Karen and Christopher in front of the lift bridge

Karen, Phil, Tony hanging out at the property

Sunset with campfire for S'mores for the Monroy's visit

Childbirth classes 9 AM - 6 PM tomorrow!  I love the classes and am so glad Tony can come with me for them.  Good information and now that the time is almost upon us we will more easily remember the information as well.  Exciting and fun.  It will make for a long day though!

32 WEEKS

How my baby is growing:

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

How my life is changing:

To accommodate you and your baby's growing needs, your blood volume has increased 40 to 50 percent since you got pregnant. With your uterus pushing up near your diaphragm and crowding your stomach, the consequences may be shortness of breath and heartburn. To help relieve your discomfort, try sleeping propped up with pillows and eating smaller meals more often.

You may have lower-back pain as your pregnancy advances. If you do, let your caregiver know right away, particularly if you haven't had back pain before, since it can be a sign of preterm labor.

Assuming it's not preterm labor that's ailing you, you can probably blame your growing uterus and hormonal changes for your aching back. Your expanding uterus shifts your center of gravity and stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, changing your posture and putting a strain on your back. Hormonal changes in pregnancy loosen your joints and the ligaments that attach your pelvic bones to your spine. This can make you feel less stable and cause pain when you walk, stand, sit for long periods, roll over in bed, get out of a low chair or the tub, bend, or lift things.

Craft projects

Baby Shower signed matte

  I put together the matte that the guests at the baby shower signed.  I included the invitation and decorated with what the themes were for the shower and baby's room.  I like it and can't wait to get a baby picture in it!  So glad it is finished.  Now I just need a frame for it.  That is the minor part.  Feels good.

  I made a Christmas photo album today.  I had been wondering what I would do with the album I had with snow flakes on the outside of it forever and I finally decided to make a collection of our Christmas card pictures.  The pictures prior to marriage are just from the holidays during that year.  This was much easier than scrapbooking them and I completed it in one sitting.  Very nice to feel accomplished.

  Sinus and tension headache averted, it's time for bed.

Dreamland, Lake Sunset and MI Football Today

  Good dinner at Dream land with Joe & Karen.  Grilled mozzarella sandwich with tomato soup.  Very tasty.  Good conversation with uncle Jimmer also.  Sweet gifts from ladies that could not make it to the baby shower also.  Any help I can get is appreciated.

  To top off the night, there is a fantastic orange sunset on Lake Superior.  Good hanging out at Steve & Jamie's house with all those squealing kids.  Sweet presents, especially Steve's hand-made rocking Zebra.  Gorgeous heirloom rocker that will get well used, but hold up to the rigors of children and the fun they can create while playing with it.  So sweet and what a wonderful memory.

Rocking Zebra made by Steve Linna

  I am so allergic, sneezing, tingling in the nose and pressure headache.  Not nice on my Saturday with my  husband.  I am being productive in my time before childbirth classes today.  We woke with the baby tumbling or turning and kicking and punching this morning.  Fun for both of us to enjoy. Playing with Sawyer just makes the anticipation more and I hope we have a baby half as good as she is.  She smells so good and is fussy when she needs to be and otherwise is just smiling through life.

  UM football today and I wish I could go to a game this year, but the 10 hr drive would be too long for me.  I hope to see it on TV, but do not think that that will be possible.  The nostalgia of going to a game is more the tailgating part, but it's more the people.  I like the rush of the game and all those drunkin' co-eds.  Walking to the game is fun to wear the blue and yellow.  Pizza house and chocolate cherry shakes. So fun to see the shops and walk the old beaten path.

  Hot, off to be productive....

HOT and Remote Fun

  I'm so hot.  I sweat every day like I am running a marathon when I am doing nothing but trying to stay cool.  It better cool off tonight.  I would take a thunderstorm too.  I cannot wait for next week- supposed to be cooler, but you never know.  I was sitting watching Dance Moms on Lifetime and set the remote on my belly to hold.  The baby was moving around and kicking way more than I could tell.  The remote was twitching and jumping every few seconds.  So fun to watch.  I am going to have to film that sometime.  My belly feels SO big.  My skin is starting to stretch again.  My belly now rests on my legs when I sit.  Fantastic massage today.  I am hoping to stave off the hip spasms that wake me up in the morning.  Loving the Pink Lady apples and nectarines lately.  Oh so good.

Sinus headaches & Heat Induced Swelling

  Good grief.  I love summer and all, but I'm so swollen.  The transition to Fall allergies has begun also.  My head has a constant pressure pain from the back of it to right between my eyes.  Oh so uncomfortable.  Makes focusing difficult and makes me want to just sleep.  I want to be productive and have energy.  I have things to do, life to live, this is ridiculous!  I plan to be in the AC, then off to the lake for swimming.  This may be the last harrah as next week is predicted to be in the sixties.  I welcome the change, but lament how time has flown by.  My belly seems so big to me, but not so much compared to what it will be.  I am swollen from the "hot" 73 degrees in the office when it is supposed to get to 90 degrees outside today.  Not looking forward to any of that.  Do NOT like being swollen.  I had no idea that I would swell.  Must be nice for those that do not swell.  I am hoping my massage appointment today will address my hip muscles spasms too.  Felt good to stretch yesterday, but I will not have time to stop in today.  I got up too late to go in before the office today, unfortunately.  Childbirth classes start this weekend?!  What, I did not realize that!  Oh man, here we go.  Who schedules these classes on Labor Day weekend?  Ugh.  I have people to see, better things to do. 

  This weekend Amber, a local girl who moved to Washington D.C., will be in town visiting.  We were to get a drink and catch up sometime.  A couple from Ann Arbor, Tony's classmate from high school and his wife, will be in town to visit and hang out.  Tony's cousin and his wife and kids will be here, out at the property to hang out and visit.  Two dental school colleages with their son are coming to this area for the first time and we plan to play tour guide and visit with them.  Cousin's from the Sarazin side in Wisconsin are in town to visit and see everyone they can.  Boy, it doesn't get any busier than that, but on top of it, now I remembered child birth classes.  It's now or never for the classes so we have to go.  Not looking forward to that, but it will be good for me and informative though.

31 WEEKS

How my baby's growing:

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

How my life is changing:

Have you noticed the muscles in your uterus tightening now and then? Many women feel these random contractions — called Braxton Hicks contractions — in the second half of pregnancy. Often lasting about 30 seconds, they're irregular, and at this point, they should be infrequent and painless. Frequent contractions, on the other hand — even those that don't hurt — may be a sign of preterm labor. Call your practitioner immediately if you have more than four contractions in an hour or any other signs of preterm labor: an increase in vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge (if it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody — even if it's pink or just tinged with blood); abdominal pain or menstrual-like cramping; an increase in pressure in the pelvic area; or low back pain, especially if you didn't have it before.
You may have noticed some leaking of colostrum, or "premilk," from your breasts lately. If so, try tucking some nursing pads into your bra to protect your clothes. (And if not, it's certainly nothing to worry about; your breasts are making colostrum all the same, even if you don't see any.) If your current bra is too snug, you might also want to pick up a nursing bra. Choose a nursing bra at least one cup size bigger than you need now. When your milk comes in you'll be grateful for that extra room!
If you're having a boy, you and your partner will want to take some time to think about whether or not to have your baby circumcised. Find out the pros and cons from your doctor, and what the procedure involves.