Alexis – Page 6 – Peanut Smiles

16 Weeks Post-Partum

April 2, 2013 peanutsmiles

It’s just over 16 weeks since sweet little Lexi made her way into this world and our life has changed in the best possible way. My body on the other hand…not so much. Actually, it isn’t that bad and I really have nothing to complain about.

When I first found out I was pregnant, I told myself I didn’t want to gain more than the recommended 30 lbs., but was prepared to gain twice that. I’ve struggled with weight my whole life. I’m not large, but not skinny, so I figured I was going to gain more than I wanted. To my sweet surprise, I only gained 25 lbs. I’m not sure how much I had lost when I left the hospital, but I’m guessing it was just over 10 lbs. At one week post-partum, my smallest pair of maternity pants were too large and at 10 days, I was able to button pre-pregnancy pants. There is no way I could have worn them, but I could button them. By two and a half weeks I could somewhat comfortably wear two different pairs of pre-pregnancy pants. They fit pretty good when I was standing, but if I sat down I needed to pull them over my mommy pouch and they would fall pretty low in the back which wasn’t a pretty sight for anyone. Additionally, a majority of my shirts didn’t fit well because my boobs were so much bigger and therefore the shirts were too short, which again didn’t help with the plumbers crack issues I had going on.

Around the 1 month mark, I was only up 3 lbs, which I was ecstatic about. Not only had I pretty much lost all of the weight, I did it through Christmas and had eaten anything I wanted. I assumed it would take me 9 months to loose the baby weight and didn’t think I would be able to fit into any of my jeans again, so to say I was happy was a complete understatement.

Fast forward to 16 weeks and I’m 8 lbs. under pre-preggo weight. I have continued to eat whatever I want, occasionally walk for exercise and continue to shed pounds. Breastfeeding is truly an amazing thing! Its going to suck going back. Regardless of the the number on the scale, my body is most definitely different. My stomach is much softer than it was before and I have what I refer to as the lovely inner tube around my waist. No matter what I wear I always have small love handles and a little pouch in front, which makes low-rise jeans pretty much impossible to wear. Fortunately, I’ve been able to find a couple pairs of mid-rise jeans which I don’t think look too much like the traditional ‘mom’ jeans.

After I got the A-O-K to resume exercise I went to several yoga classes, which felt fantastic. With the exception of a couple pregnancy walks, I hadn’t done ANY physical activity in over 12 months, so my first workouts kicked my arse. As I continued to work out and push myself more, I started to notice a decrease in my milk supply so I’ve stayed clear of intense workouts and stuck to stroller walks, which I am more than happy with. Once the trails are clear of all the snow and puddles, I do plan to do some short 3-5 mile runs.

As far as food goes, I haven’t noticed a huge difference in my appetite but have noticed a difference in my cravings. They are so much stronger than when I was pregnant. I’ll get something (candy, ice cream, cookies, really any kind of sweet treat) in my mind and it won’t leave until its been fulfilled. I also feel that if I don’t eat some ‘fatty’ foods, my milk decreases. Whether thats really true, I’m not so sure. I know two different people who were encouraged to gain weight post-partum to help with their milk supply. Part of me wonders if I’m just telling myself the milk is decreasing to help justify the unhealthy (but delicious) food I continue to eat.

Stretch marks. I thought I had made it through the pregnancy with out them, but a few tiny lines showed up to the left of my belly button. I didn’t notice them until a couple weeks after baby, so I’m not sure when they showed up–probably near the end, but I could never see them since my belly was so large. The linea nigra never showed up on me so nothing to report there.

I think thats all there is to report as of now. I’m so thankful I’ve had such an easy recovery and know I won’t be this lucky if there is a next time.

Kristin

Lexi

Happy St. Paddy’s Day!

March 17, 2013March 21, 2013 peanutsmiles

Alexis Monthly Posts

Lexi Three Months

March 4, 2013April 5, 2013 peanutsmiles

My sweet sweet Lexi,

Today marks your three month birthday as well as the day I had to return to work. So far, the day has gone pretty well. It helps knowing you’re home with Daddy but I still had a hard time leaving you. I knew you were going to be in great hands, and that you wouldn’t miss me (out of sight out of mind for you for another couple of months), but the milestone that it represents was difficult. I enjoyed my time at home with you so much and would LOVE for that to be an everyday reality, but it just isn’t in the cards right now. And since it is something that I’ve always wanted it’s hard for me to just watch that dream slip out of my hands. Last night was much more difficult than today. I didn’t want to lay you down and every time I thought about me not being with you everyday and doing the things I did growing up, I choked up.

On to your Three Month Update

This month, a new 2nd cousin, Paxton, and a friend, Memphis were born. While visiting with them, it was incredible to see how much you’ve grown and hard to believe how little you used to be. I’m not sure how much you weigh or how tall you are, but I’m guessing around 14 lbs and 25 inches. At the beginning of the month, you weren’t a big fan of tummy time and would only last a minute or two without fussing. You also were showing a strong preference to your lift your head only on your right side. By the end of the month you increased the time you spent on your tummy to five+ minutes and will lift your head to the left a little bit. You still prefer your right and will always switch it to that side after we let go of holding it to the left. You’ve also rolled over from your tummy to your back two times. The first time was by complete accident. The second, you lifted your head up a bit and were turning it sideways to see the TV, got your arm under yourself and rolled over. You continue to get that arm under you but are a little hesitant on going too far.

Your hands continue to be your favorite toy and are always chewing on them. You often chew on my hand when you are held facing out (which is definitely your preference). With the constant hand chewing is a constant dribble of drool all over your face. About half way through the month you got a nasty rash on your neck from a lack of air exposure as well as drool, spit up and milk not getting cleaned well. It was pretty red and then turned into little bumps, but it cleared up in about a week with some baby powder, A&D and Desitin.

Like your mommy, you enjoy your sleep, and late into the morning. We usually put you to sleep between 9 and 10 pm and you usually wake up between 9:00 and 9:30am. This past weekend, you even slept until 10:30! I couldn’t believe it! However, you aren’t the best napper. You usually take about four naps a day. The first is about an hour after you wake up, the second is just after noon, the third is around dinnertime and the forth is just before you go to bed all lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. This month you’ve also developed a nice little bald spot on the back of your head from laying on your back. You’re a little squirmer at night. Most mornings when you wake up, you’re facing the complete opposite side we lied you down at, but you’re head rarely moves. You just pivot your whole body. Additionally, sometimes when you wake up, you’ll just lay in your crib and talk to yourself and look around for 5-10 minutes before you start crying. It is so fun to watch you on the monitor just being happy.

Music continues to be a favorite for you. You love it when we sing to you, your star plays or we just have music on in the house. You squeal, smile and are just very content when it is on. You haven’t quite started grabbing for things intentionally yet. You’ll hit a toy, grasp my necklace, clothing or hair often, but it is still unintentional.

I’ve found the baby bathtub to be very awkward. It’s hard for you to stay in the little seat so I always have a hand on you which makes it difficult to wash you well. As a result, I’ve started getting in the tub with you and you love it! You’re able to kick your legs and love “floating” on your back and looking up at me. It is also much easier to make sure I get you clean.

There were a couple of moments this month that stuck out to me as favorites. One of them actually happened almost every morning. After you had nursed, I would bring you into our bed to see Daddy and play. The three of us would lay in bed together, play and adore you. It was such a peaceful way to start each day. Another favorite moment(s) was while changing your diaper in the morning, you would kick your legs, squeal in delight and chatter away to me. Your voice soothes my soul and your smiles melt my heart. Another favorite moment was just before you went to sleep. You were bundled up in your swaddle, had just eaten and we were rocking while you were sucking away on the nuk with your eyes wide open staring at me. We rocked and stared at each other for a good five minutes. Finally, it was as if you decided “I’m going to sleep”; you spit out the nuk, nuzzled your head into the crook of my arm, closed your eyes and went to sleep. It was so sweet and loving and it is a moment I will never forget.

Love, Mom

Alexis Monthly Posts

Lexi Two Months

February 4, 2013March 19, 2013 peanutsmiles

Dear Lexi,

You are two months old and have officially stolen my heart with your beautiful smiles and sweet demeanor. You continue to be a dream of a child—so good that I’m already ready for you to have a brother or sister, but we’re still going to wait awhile! This past month feels like a fairytale and that life is just too good. The beginning of the month started off with a clogged duct for me—which may or may not have lead to mastitis. I also had a nasty cold, so I’m not entirely sure I had the infection or not, but took some antibiotics just in case.

Then at around 6 ½ weeks you began sleeping through the night. You had always been a good sleeper, only getting up once a night with you, but now you sleep anywhere from 8-12 hours every night. At your two month checkup the Dr. couldn’t believe that and said it was very rare for a baby that young to be sleeping for such long stretches. Although, you sleep for a long time during the night—you still sleep quite a bit in the day. You haven’t developed a consistent schedule as far as how long or when you sleep, but after you wake up in the morning, you usually eat, we change your diaper and you play for about an hour and then you’re ready for nap, which we always try to lay you in your crib for. The only reason you wouldn’t sleep there is if we have somewhere to go, which then you sleep in your car seat. You usually sleep anywhere from an hour to three hours and then wake up and repeat the eating and changing. This time, you usually stay up for about 2 hours and then take another nap. Sometimes you sleep in your crib, but your afternoon naps are usually a little shorter sometimes just 30 minutes—especially if you are in your crib. You prefer to be held for your afternoon naps and usually wake up pretty quickly if we lay you down. You take one more nap in the evening before we put you to sleep for the night somewhere around 11. We’ve also started putting you to sleep awake from time to time. About half of the time you’re already so tired that you fall asleep without a peep, the other half you cry for about 10-15 min. and then fall asleep. I had a really hard time (and still don’t like) listening to you cry it out, but I know it is for your own good.

This month you have also mastered smiling. At the beginning of the month we would get an occasional smile out of you, and by the end of the month it’s hard to find a moment without you smiling. Whenever you see Mom or Dad’s face we see that beautiful smile of yours, and have even noticed a little dimple in your right cheek. You also began cooing and it is the most precious noise I’ve ever heard. Rachel barrowed us a play gym that had a toy on the top that plays music and lights up and you absolutely love it! We turn it on with you in the bouncer and you smile and squeal in delight. It is so fun to watch and listen to you have fun!

As a result of the love for the music toy, we’ve been playing more music for you, and you really seem to like it, especially when we dance. We’ve played a few nursery rhymes for you, but have mostly listened to the Killers. Overall you really enjoy any kind of movement. You instantly fall asleep in the car, and almost always settle down if we pick you up and just carry you around the house with us as we do our business—especially if you are facing outward and can watch what is going on. We’ve tried putting you in the baby carrier a few times and you do OK in it, but I find myself always holding you if I bend over to grab something and sometimes it feels a little awkward. Also, when you’re upset and tired you like us jiggling our arms a little bit to help you fall asleep. The only movement you haven’t seemed to love is the swing. In addition to movement from us, you are quite the little kicker. You love to kick your legs and flale your arms—especially when you’re diaper is off. Whenever we set you down to change your diaper, you usually begin to cry but as soon as we undo the diaper and wipe you, you’re a happy kicking little girl!

You continue to get bigger and stronger everyday! At your 2 month check up you weighed 12 lbs. and 5 oz., which is in the 75% for weight an were 23.5” long which is in the 97% for height. You’ve also gotten pretty good at holding your head up on tummy time. You can push yourself up so your head is at 90 degrees, which the Dr. said is normal for a 4 month old.

You continue to be a good eater. We give you a bottle about once a day and have never questioned it. With the bottle you’ll down 4-5 ounces without a question, and I’m sure would drink more if you could. We always need to put a nuk in your mouth as soon as you’re done with the bottle to satisfy your sucking need and so you don’t get upset the bottle is gone. Since I began nursing you, I always put a burp rag under you chin to help keep you clean and now when I do it, you know you’re going to get to eat. If you’re crying you settle down and look at me and smile while open your mouth and kind of bob your head like you’re ready. It is very sweet! With that, you’ve had some constipation problems this month. You would go 3+ days without pooping, when you were previously going a couple times a day. Additionally, if you were awake, you were grunting, pushing and generally very uncomfortable. The Dr. recommended we add a little prune juice to your bottle and that has seemed to help a lot. The overall consistency has changed from yellow-mustardy and seedy to something that resembles peanut butter.

I can’t believe you’re already 2 months old. You have brought more joy and happiness into our lives than we ever thought was possible. We pray for your safety and health everyday and thank God for blessing us with such a beautiful, healthy and happy little girl. You truly are the sunshine of our everyday!

Love,

Mom

Alexis Monthly Posts, Lexi

Lexi One Month

January 1, 2013April 5, 2013 peanutsmiles

Dear Lexi,

I can’t believe you are already one month old! This past month went by too quickly, and I’m shocked at how much you have already changed.

At about the week and a half mark, we transitioned from sleeping in the family room to you sleeping in your crib and me in my bedroom. The first night was a little touch and go. I leapt out of bed every time I heard you make a sound, but as the nights went on, I learned more about your sleep patterns. You’re a loud little sleeper. You grunt and make all sorts of noises, even let out a couple loud cries only to fall back asleep. By the end of the month, I would only get up when you were waking to eat. This has made a big difference in our ability to sleep and not wake ever 10 to 20 minutes from your noises.

We’ve now developed a somewhat predictable schedule. As soon as I’m done feeding you between 12 and 1 am, I go to bed and then Daddy puts you to sleep. About 6 hours later, you wake up to be changed and fed and then go back to sleep for another four or five hours. This time, Daddy gets up changes your diaper and plays with you for as long as he can before you need to be fed so I can get a couple extra minutes of sleep. So, I really only have to get up once throughout the night, which isn’t too bad. I’ve tried to be really good about keeping the lights off and not talking to reinforce night time is for sleeping. We’ve also developed the pattern to only swaddle you at night, which seems to help cue that it is night time. Overall, you’re a very good sleeper. You love to sleep in people’s arms but will sleep in your Pack ‘N Play, crib, bouncer or car seat.

This past week, you’ve started to get a little fussy, especially at night, so we’re hoping this isn’t the beginning of colic. When you’re awake, all you seem to want to do is eat, even right after you’ve finished eating, you continue making the eating signs. Right now we’re giving you the pacifier to help sooth you. Sometimes you like it, sometimes you don’t.

You’re also very gassy. You’re constantly grunting, holding your breath, red-faced and overall uncomfortable when you’re gassy. Daddy works with you to help ease your pain. He moves your legs around and brings them up and presses them against your tummy. You will pretty much fart on demand for him when he does this. He thinks its hilarious and it helps you feel better so its a win for both sides.

Throughout the month, you’ve also developed a re-occuring blister on your top lip. It doesn’t seem to be painful for you, but eventually it ‘pops’ even though nothing comes out. The skin fall off and another one develops. The nurses say it is common for babies that have a strong suction and its nothing to worry about.

During the month, we also celebrated Christmas and New Years. You are one lucky little girl. You received many gifts from your aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and mommy’s aunts and uncles. You have lots of clothes to wear, books to read and a couple of new toys to play with. During all of the celebrations, you were just a jewel. You looked adorable in your little Christmas dress and just snoozed away as you were passed around to everyone. There were lots of compliments on what a beautiful baby you are.

We are sill overjoyed and feel incredibly blessed to have such a perfect and healthy little girl!

Love, Mom

Lexi

Lexi Hospital Stay

December 21, 2012April 12, 2013 peanutsmiles

Dear Lexi,

About an hour after your arrival, I called Grandma B to tell her about your arrival. The conversation started out very casual as she was just finishing up baking and then I just matter-of-factly asked if she wanted to come meet her grand-daughter and she was OVERJOYED! Her and Grandpa B headed over to the hospital right away.

I had just tried nursing you for the first time, and I thought it went relatively well. I thought you had latched on well, but learned later you weren’t and were sucking in the opposite direction. Instead of your tongue pulling the milk in, you were pushing it out. That first night was a tough one. You screamed a lot. Eventually one of the nurses suggested skin-to-skin contact. They had you lay with your diaper on my bare chest and it really calmed you down, and it was the most soothing thing for me. I really bonded with you during those hours. Your skin was so soft and I just rubbed my hands on your back and we both fell asleep. It was the best sleep I had gotten in months.

Once the lactation nurse arrived in the morning, she came straight to the room and tought us how to latch. The first thing she did was express some colostrum and fed it to you with a syring to get some food into your stomach. Then she showed us several different feeding positions and tricks to help you latch. One of them was having Daddy “tickle” the top of your mouth with his finger to teach you to suck in instead of out.

Later that day, we also went with you for your first bath. I was an emotional wreak. I cried the whole time and not just a couple of sniffles with water in my eyes, I had big-full tears streaming. In addition to the crazy amount of hormone changes my body was going through, I think it was the moment I realized how much I loved you and how perfect you were. I knew I felt those things before, but I hadn’t had the time to comprehend everything and it all just came to me at one time. We were so lucky to have this beautiful, healthy, perfect little girl. God has truly blessed us.

That afternoon/eveing was pretty busy with visitors. Grandpa and Grandma Sampson, Aunt Becca, Great-Grandma and Great Grandpa Sampson, Auntie Angie, Aunt Teresa, Uncle Greg, Ashely, Courtney and Tia all came to visit. This day was pretty overwhelming. I was still nervous about the nursing, I was sore and tired and the constant visitors was a little exhausting Next time, we’ll definitely limit the amount of time people are allowed to stay.

The second night at the hospital went a little better. You had your 24 hour tests, which Daddy went with you for, while I took a bath. When I returned, you and Daddy were hanging out having some skin-to-skin time. Below is a photo of one of Daddy’s favorite memories in the hospital. He said he sung songs and to you and began to realize all of the exciting moments he is going to experience having a daughter, which made him choke up a little bit.

We started the sleeping portion of the night with you in the nursery so we could get a little sleep. It didn’t last long and then just decided to keep you in the room for the rest of the night. The next morning, we began getting all of our stuff ready to go home, met with the lactation consultant again–who was SO helpful, had a quick visit with Rachel and Lauren and then headed home.

Love,

Mom

Lexi, Pregnancy Updates

39 Weeks

December 3, 2012April 12, 2013 peanutsmiles

Dear Bump,

You are proving to be quite the trickster. We had a nice relaxing weekend at home and we were sure you were going to arrive. I even had a couple of minor false labor signs. My contractions have increased in intensity but aren’t painful or distract me enough to stop whatever activity I’m engaged in. There were several times throughout the weekend where contractions were 7-8 minutes apart for over an hour, but never got closer and would dissipate over the next hour.

The itching continues and has become pretty bothersome. Last night I couldn’t sleep at all! I maybe got three hours of sleep. I even considered putting mittens on to prevent me from itching. Daddy has been sleeping in a twin bed in our bedroom with earmuffs on since 36 weeks because the scratching is so loud. He says I sounds like a raccoon digging through the garbage. I also noticed a new little rash on my belly near one of my freckles .

Overall, I’m feeling a little frustrated and I know I shouldn’t because I haven’t even reached my due date yet, but so many people told me you were going to arrive early it got in my head and now that you’re not its disappointing. Additionally, I feel like I keep having these signs that labor is going to start and then it doesn’t and it is another let down.

Tomorrow, we have another appointment with Dr. G so we’ll get the results back on the blood work they did last week, see if I’ve progressed and if not maybe talk about an induction date. I really want you to be healthy, but also come soon and naturally so I don’t have to be induced. Please be good to your mom!

Love, Mom

Lexi, Pregnancy Updates

38 Weeks

November 27, 2012April 10, 2013 peanutsmiles

Dear Bump,

Today we had your 38-week appointment and it went relatively well. The itchiness in my feet, hands and all over my body continued and intensified over the past two weeks. Originally, I thought it was a result of dry stretching skin, but it has been getting worse. Daddy said I was itching my body throughout the nights so Dr. G had me come in early in to have some blood work drawn and sent out for a very rare but potential liver complication. If I do have the liver complication, I’ll be induced immediately.

The regular Dr. appointment went well. I lost a pound, my belly is measuring right on track and I’m dilated to a tight 2 cm. Not as much progress as I was hoping, but better then none. Dr. G noticed you have dropped and are sitting much lower, which is also a good sign. I’ve noticed too as you frequently push on some nerves that cause a numbness in my legs for a brief moment.

I had my membranes stripped (I think) to potentially help progress labor. You had been inactive all morning, so we did a non-stress test. I sat in a chair and had two little bands around my belly, one to monitor contractions and one to monitor your movement. It looked like you were sleeping since you weren’t moving around a ton, but still enough to “pass” the test. Once we got home, I took advantage of my free afternoon and decorated the Christmas tree and put up some of the other decorations. As I was putting the decorations up, my contractions were much more frequent, but they still didn’t hurt and would dissipate when I relaxed.

This past week was also Thanksgiving. We spent the morning relaxing and taking some photos of the bump. Then we headed over to Great-Grandma and Grandpa S’s for dinner. On Friday, I did a little shopping with Grandma B while Daddy spent some time with Grandpa S and Great-Grandpa S and then we went to go see the movie Lincoln. We figured it might be the last time we get to see a movie for a while. Saturday was a very relaxing day. We watched several movies and hung out at home most of the day. On Sunday we went over to Grandma and Grandpa B’s for a second Thanksgiving. So crazy to think that next year, you’ll be able to enjoy some of it!

And the weekend prior, we went to child-birthing classes. Originally, Daddy and I were dreading them since they was so long, but both of us were pleasantly surprised with how nice the class was. They really focused on different pain management techniques such as different positions to get through a contraction, how Daddy can help me manage the pain and how to address each of our fears. And it really didn’t feel as long as it was. Overall, I feel much more prepared and a lot less anxious for labor.

Overall, I feel pretty ready for your arrival. Car seat is in the car, bag is packed, shower items are returned—now we just need you to jump start the labor process so we can meet you and find out if you’re a boy or a girl! I still feel pretty strongly that you’re a boy—I even had a dream about it, but I have had a couple of pings that you could be a girl. Daddy still thinks you’re a girl.

Come soon!

Love, Mom

Lexi, Pregnancy Updates

37 weeks

November 16, 2012April 10, 2013 peanutsmiles

Dear Bump,

This is your “official” nickname as of lately. Daddy has transitioned from calling you Lil’ Peanut to ‘Bump’ as you continue to grow to be a bigger and bigger bump on my stomach.

This week I’ve noticed a lot more Braxton Hicks contractions. It is hard to track how far apart they are as all of the sudden I notice the tightness and then its gone. I never notice when it starts or ends. I’m also having a hard time getting through the day without some kind of little nap, usually when I get home from work. I also get exhausted doing regular activities like grocery shopping. Tonight I noticed some cramping, which can be a sign of labor, but it went away once I switched positions. My skin has also been very itchy this week. I usually put lotion on every morning and night but it still has me scratching mid day. I’m excited to go to the Dr. again tomorrow. I hope that I’ve progressed more. I feel like I’ve been on an emotional rollar coster this week. I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel or mentally prepare for your arrival. I know you could come at any point so I have to be ready, BUT you could still take a whole 4 weeks to arrive so I need to be prepared for the waiting game.

I also get emotional thinking about things. On the way home from the grocery store today, I teared up thinking that its not going to be just your dad and I anymore. Don’t get me wrong, we’re very excited for you to join us, but we’ve got a little routine going and it works for us and we’re happy and in a couple of days/weeks that is going to change forever and I just don’t know if I’m ready for that. I’m also really really scared for labor. I was laying on the couch and started feeling very crampy and thought ‘this could be it’ and I was more terrified than I thought. I just know there is going to be so much pain and I’m nervous I’m not going to be able to handle it.

Other things to note… as of 36 weeks, I’ve gained 25 lbs and am hoping to stay right there. No noticeable stretch marks yet, but that could always change. My belly button has remained an innie but it is definitely different. The skin on the top sticks out more so sometimes it looks like my belly button has popped but it hasn’t. I still have heart burn but it isn’t nearly as bad as it used to. My feet and hands continue to swell and it hurts to type and write sometimes. Restless leg syndrome is still going strong, but it is only in my feet. They feel itchy like they are very dry and can’t stay moist and just need to be touched. Pelvic pressure is pretty strong. Sometimes it feels like my south side is going to explode like a firework. It makes crossing my legs or even shifting positions in a chair difficult.

I can tell you are getting more cramped, I can’t hunch over at all. Yesterday I was trying to write thank you notes and your legs were stuck under my ribs making things very uncomfortable. I also have a hard time driving because of this. My seat needs to be reclined a ways back. Even getting out of the car is work. I can’t just get out, I need to physically shift my body and then stand up with a little help from the wheel. It feels very mechanical and robotic. My lips are chapped. I have a hard time staying hydrated. My skin is itchy everywhere. Shaving has become difficult to nearly impossible. My belly is very firm and doesn’t move to see what I’m shaving. You continue to roll from one side to the other. Laying on my back has become impossible as it is difficult to breath. We’re heading to the doctor this afternoon and I’m hoping she says I’m dialated to a 3 or 4 and 100% effaced and you could come at any time! Wishful thinking I’m sure, but one can hope right?

Looking forward to your arrival.

Love, Mom

Lexi, Pregnancy Updates

Showers and 36 Weeks

November 12, 2012April 9, 2013 peanutsmiles

Dear Lil’ Peanut

What an eventful weekend we had! It started off on Friday with our 36 week Dr. appointment. We had an ultrasound and were able to see you moving around. You continue to grow at a VERY healthy pace. Your head and abdomen are measuring at just over 38 weeks and your legs are at about 37 weeks. You are head down and have a very healthy range of amniotic fluid. As of right now, the ultrasound is measuring you to weigh 7.4 lbs. So you’re already an average size baby and still have four of weeks to go! You wiggled your toes for us and your hands were playing with your feet. We also got a couple of pictures of your face and it looks like you have some chubby cheeks!

After our ultrasound, we meet with Dr. G. and listened to your heartbeat, which was just between 135 and 144. She also did a pelvic exam to see if I was beginning to progress towards labor. I was dilated to 1 cm and was 50% effaced, which she was very happy about. Because you’re so big already, (your on schedule to be 10 lbs. if you arrive on or after your due date) she thinks you might arrive a little early. I also had my group B strep test and we’ll find out the results of that this week. If possible, I would really like to make it to Thanksgiving before you arrive (38 weeks), but as long as you’re healthy, we’re happy to meet you at any point.

Following your appointment, I finished your nursery by getting all the dots on the walls touched up and painted and ready for the weekend. Then, I headed over to Grandma B’s for your first shower of the weekend. It was very nice and you got some really great gifts. Then on Saturday, we were up early for another shower at our house, which was so much fun! The food was fantastic and it was fun to show the family your nursery and all the work we’ve done on the house. Finally, on Sunday I had a friend shower. There were fewer people so it was quiet but nice. The only pitfall of all the events was spilling a large glass of cherry pomegranate juice all over myself and the fridge 20 minutes before everyone arrived.

Also, two interesting stories about your cousin Addie. She has been 6 for 6 in guessing the correct sex of babies and she is pretty confident you’re a girl. She even made you her own card and bought you a special present, a headband and bow socks, so we’ll see if she is right. Also when she came the shower in she saw the Twins diaper cake Tara made and was so confused on why that would be there since she says you are a girl and baseball stuff is for boys. It was very cute!

I know that technically you can arrive at any point, but it just doesn’t seem possible right now. I’m not quite ready for you yet and in my mind that means that you can’t arrive. I know I’m foolish to think that, but that’s how I feel. We have another Dr. appointment in four days and child-birthing classes over the weekend. I feel like after that I’ll be ready.

Overall, I’m feeling pretty good. For whatever reason, I seem to be sleeping better this past week. I don’t wake up as often to go to the bathroom and my hips don’t seem to be bothering me as much. But, my skin continues to be very itchy everywhere. I bought a special lotion to help retain moisture and it helps a little. I continue to wear fleece socks to bed which also helps. In exchange for sleep this week, my pelvic pressure gets a little worse everyday. Depending on where you are sitting, it hurts more than other times. There have also been a couple of times we’re you’re pushing on some nerve and it feels like my legs are going to give out. You continue to move around a lot. Not so much as kicks, but rolling from one side to another. My hands and legs are still pretty swollen so I don’t think that is going to go away, but it could be much worse. And even though, I’ve been sleeping fairly well, I am still very tired in the day and have a hard time staying hydrated. You’re sucking everything I’ve got!

Love, Mom