From the Peanut Gallery- The Final Post

As it turns out, we skipped these:

39 weeks- The Mini Watermelon

40 weeks- The Pumpkin

Because little Mr. Anderson is here.

Last week, I told J that we needed to make plans for the weekend.  I told him that if I had to just sit around and wait for the baby to come, I would drive myself CRAZY.  So we made plans to see a movie, have dinner with friends, and enjoy some lazy time together.  The school where I used to teach was also having their annual Spaghetti Dinner, so we decided to dine there Friday night and visit with some of my old friends and co-workers.

When we walked (and/or waddled) into the school, I was immediately met with jokes about how I was going to have this baby any second!  I joked that maybe there was enough red pepper in the sauce to throw me into labor.  LOTS of people kept asking when I was due- it was delightful to reply "any day now!"

We enjoyed our spaghetti and chatted with lots of folks, then headed home and went to bed.

Maybe there is something to those old wives tales about the full moon...

At 10:30 that night, I woke up feeling a little crampy.  This was definitely a different kinda feeling, but I ignored it and went back to sleep.  After all, two days prior to this the doctor had told me that I most likely still had awhile to go, as I had made zero progress.  We even went so far as to schedule an induction for March 3, just in case.

Midnight rolled around, and I was again awakened by a weird, crampy feeling...I started getting suspicious.  But I went back to sleep again.  I really didn't want to get my hopes up.

Then at 2:00, I woke up yet again.  At this point, I knew I was having contractions.  I still didn't wake J up, however, as I thought this might be a trick, and not the real thing.  He woke up on his own, though, and noticed that I wasn't sleeping.  I told him that I was having contractions, and that's when the real fun began.

We started timing my contractions.  At this point, they were anywhere from five to ten minutes apart, definitely annoying, but not unbearably painful.  I was most certainly not able to sleep through them anymore, and J was on the alert and not sleeping, either.  So we did what any normal couple in labor would do: we turned on a movie.  We watched "Beauty and the Beast" while I breathed through contractions.

Around 5:00, I told J to get some more sleep.  At this point, I knew this was the real deal, and he was definitely going to need the rest.  He managed to doze off for another hour while I went downstairs and handled the dogs' morning routine.  Contractions had now gotten quite a bit stronger, and were three to four minutes apart, lasting about 30 seconds.

Fast forward to 7:00- J is off to McDonald's to grab some breakfast for us.  (Just for the record, I threw up my McGriddle, so yes, I officially threw up through my ENTIRE pregnancy.)  After we ate, we decided to gather our things for the hospital.  We both showered and got ourselves together, then went for a walk around the neighborhood, trying to encourage my contractions to become a little more regular.  We made it about one-third of the way through our normal route before we had to turn around and head home.  My contractions were suddenly a minute and a half to two minutes apart, and I could no longer walk or talk through them due to the pain.

When we made it home, J called the doctor.  For some reason, I was hung up on the fact that my contractions weren't lasting a full minute.  The rule of thumb for going to the hospital is usually 4-1-1.  Contractions 4 minutes apart, lasting for a full minute, for at least one full hour.  Luckily J insisted on making the call.  Of course, we were told to head to the hospital.

The car ride there was when things got real.  As in, excruciating.  Walking from the entrance of the hospital to my room took a good ten minutes, as I had to stop every other minute and try not to fall over from the pain.  I was certain that when the nurse checked me, after contracting since 10:30 the night before, and considering the frequency and intensity of said contractions, I would be dilated several centimeters.

One centimeter.  That's what that bitch told me.

Originally, my plan was to try and do this thing drug-free for as long as I could stand it, and hope that I could make it all the way to the end.  J was instructed to try and talk me out of it if I asked for drugs, at least at first.

But one freaking centimeter?  After 12 hours of labor?  No thank you.

I looked at J and told him I was getting the epidural, and not to even think about trying to talk me out of it.

"Oh, thank God!" was his response.  My wonderful husband was feeling completely helpless as he tried whatever he could to comfort and help me through all of the horrible contractions.

Unfortunately, the epidural had to wait until I had made some more progress.  So for the next five hours, I labored.  And progressed.  And tried not to die.

At 3:30, I got my epidural.

Oh, how I love that anesthesiologist.

About ten minutes after I got the good stuff, I looked at J and said "I'm so happy!"  Labor became a whole new experience.  I no longer felt any pain.  I could relax and get excited about meeting my son.  J and I hung out, watched "The Golden Girls," Facebooked on our phones, even napped a little.  At this point, we were just waiting.

Around 11:30, it was time to push.  Apparently, according to my Labor & Delivery nurse, I am an excellent pusher.

And so it was that at 11:47, my perfect, beautiful little Gabriel Clark Anderson was born.

Gabriel Clark Anderson- 2.19.11- 8 lbs 6 oz- 20 inches

And I am in love.

From the Peanut Gallery- Week 38: The Leek

Gabe is as long as a leek.  Definitely long enough to get outta me.  Pronto.

So. Done. Being. Pregnant.

Please keep in mind that I write these updates at the end of the weeks.  Which means tomorrow I will be 39 weeks pregnant.  Which means that as I write this, I am only eight days away from my due date.  Which means I have been pregnant forever.  And I would like not to be anymore.

I am definitely feeling uncomfortable.  But I am also feeling that Mr. Gabriel Clark isn't really on his way quite yet.  I am sincerely hoping for labor to spontaneously kick in any minute now, but there have been no signs that it's on its way.  I am hoping that the doctor gives me some good news on Wednesday, and tells me that my body has made a little progress!  Both J and I are so ready to meet our little man.  Even J said last night that "it's just time for him to be here."   

In other news, the nesting continues.  J is so done with the cleaning.  I feel for the guy, I truly do.  Luckily for me, he realizes that I am just very crazy pregnant, and I can't help myself.  But we have scrubbed, vacuumed, swept, washed, or dusted just about every single surface in the house.  And every time I think we've finished every possible chore, I think of something else that just HAS to get done before I can rest.  (I'm also hoping that all this crazy cleaning might just throw me into labor.)  It's amazing what the pregnant woman's psyche is like just before the birth of her child.  I just can't help but want perfection in our home before we bring Gabe into it. 

On the upside, my uber-clean house makes me happy.  Unfortunately for J, he does not get the same satisfaction out of this particular job well done.  If there's no baby by this weekend, I've promised a day of rest, without any cleaning.  (For the record, he believes my promise to be empty, as I will certainly think of some other cleaning emergency that must be handled.  I'm not counting this out.)

I got an unexpected day off today, so I was not out of bed this morning for J to take my weekly belly pic.  So I improvised, lest I be hunted down and maimed due to lack of photograph.  Here I am, in all of my big, big, big glory.  

From the Peanut Gallery- Week 37: The Swiss Chard

Apparently Gabe is as long as Swiss Chard.  Whatev.  But look at how tiny the quarter is!

 

Q: How are you feeling?
A: Big.  Super-gargantuan-style-big.  This will forever be known as the week that my "comfy pants," aka my Target yoga pants, no longer fit.  I have been so excited that I've been able to wear my most favorite stretchy pants throughout this whole pregnancy.  Until now.  Now they kinda hurt, and leave big indentations in my skin.  Insert sad face here. 

Q: Any progress toward labor?
A: That would be a big, fat NO.  People ask me if I've "dropped."  Without a previous pregnancy to compare to, I can't say with 100% certainty, but I don't think so.  The signs of this phenomenon include the ability to breathe easier and fewer kicks in the ribs.  Well, baby isn't very big, and uterus is.  He's got lots of room.  I've NEVER had a kick in the ribs or significant trouble breathing.  So these indicators aren't helpful to me.  That being said, I still don't feel like he's dropped.  Pretty much, I feel the same as ever.  No dropping, no contractions, no nothin'.  Insert another sad face here.

Q: How's childbirth education going?
A: Really not too bad.  Both J and I are ready to be done (last class tomorrow- huzzah!), but we've definitely learned some things.  Mary Sunshine is as cheerful as ever, but still a wealth of knowledge.  She's given us lots of strategies for coping with labor, as well several things to discuss with our doctors.  Such as: will I automatically be hooked up to an IV when I arrive at the hospital (no, since I am Group B Strep negative- but I will need a hep lock, just in case), am I allowed to eat or drink while laboring at the hospital (only clear liquids), and how far past my due date will they let me go before they decide to induce (somewhere around a week, but not sooner). 

Q: Are you ready?
A: I can't tell you how often I'm asked this one.  And the answer is a resounding YES.  Aside from feeling ready physically, we are actually prepared in every other way.  With each passing week, I've accomplished one more thing that I'd hoped to complete before the baby arrives.  At this point, my list is dwindling.  My hospital bags are packed, car seat is installed, my desk at work is cleared off and my replacement has been trained, my house is nearing spotless.  The carpets are being cleaned on Thursday...but if Gabe decides to come before then, GREAT.  (Incidentally, my mother had a dream that Gabe was coming on the tenth...that's Thursday...I'm keeping my fingers crossed that her dream comes true.)  I'm really not stressing too badly about anything anymore.  Just twiddling my thumbs, waiting for the big moment.

Ready for the super gargantuan belly shot?  Here it is!

From the Peanut Gallery- Week 36: The Crenshaw Melon

Okay, I am SO over the mysterious produce.  Let's just say that the baby is the size of a small bowling ball and leave it at that, shall we?

Current Stats:
Weight: -2 lbs
Waist: +10 inches
Baby Appointments: Only 3 more to go...and I'm sincerely hoping I don't make it that long!
Days until Due Date: 22

Not a lot to report this week.  I am big.  I am uncomfortable and constantly aching.  I am not sleeping.  BUT, I am not swollen.  The doctor told me today that I will officially weigh less after delivery than I did at the start of my pregnancy (a pregnancy miracle!).  And Gabe is still head down and just a little guy.  Bonus.

Today marked the first of the weekly appointments.  From this point on, they want to see me all the time, just to make sure that everything goes smoothly these last few weeks, and to monitor any progress toward labor.  (For those of you wondering, as of today, that progress would be zilch.  Sigh.)  

In other exciting news, I packed the diaper bag yesterday.  You wouldn't believe the enjoyment I felt at gathering the necessities that  I will need when out and about with baby!  I figure I will just bring this to the hospital when d-day finally arrives, so I packed his little going home outfit- well, several options, really, as we're not sure of his size and what the weather may be like the day he decides to come- along with a couple of receiving blankets, some diapers and wipes, pacifiers, and a  little brush for his hair.  I know aside from the clothes, the hospital has all of these things, so we won't really need to dip into our personal stash.  But it was still fun to gather all of these things together, and place them in my ultra chic Kate Spade diaper bag!!

And speaking of the hospital- we had our tour this week.  This hospital kinda rocks.  I'd expect to find jacuzzi tubs and flat screen televisions in a hotel, not in the room where I'm birthing my baby!  But these are just the types of amenities that will be offered to me.  Score! 

And this is what 36 weeks pregnant looks like.  Large and in charge.  (And I believe Delilah is standing next to me, hoping that I am there to open the pantry for her enjoyment.  Either that, or she is still utterly concerned for my well being, as I had just barfed profusely prior to the taking of this picture.)

Until next week!

From the Peanut Gallery- Week 35: The Honeydew

Apparently, just so that you all know, the honeydew is slightly larger than the cantaloupe.  Who knew?

This marked the week where I officially turned a million months eight months pregnant.  So as of now, when people ask when I'm due, I can say cheerily "less than a month now!"  Not gonna lie...that feels good.

It feels good not only because I've reached the epically uncomfortable stage of pregnancy, but also because I've had a switch in thinking this week.  I've all of a sudden started thinking about Gabriel as a tiny person.  A real, human little guy, who will be here so soon.  Not just some alien life living in my belly.  I'm not sure what's changed, but his movements are suddenly amazing to me again.  For awhile there, I had gotten so used to them that I don't think I paid much attention to them most of the time.  But now these big shifts and rolls that are happening are so fascinating to me.  When I put my hand on my belly and feel some body part pressing out, I am in awe.

Yep, I'm really ready to meet my son.

And on the lighter side if things...let's talk classes.  This week, we had round two of childbirth class, as well as a breastfeeding class.  Lemme tell ya, good times were had by all!

Childbirth class this week was actually really good.  Our regular instructor (remember Mary Sunshine?) was sick, so we had a sub.  She.was.awesome.  Much more realistic and much less rainbows and unicorns.  We were pleased.  We talked about the different stages of labor and what to expect with each of them.  She even broke down some numbers and times for us, which I know was helpful to my rational, thinking man of a husband.

Then we talked about (and practiced!) some different positions that we could labor in.  I especially liked this part, as almost every position involved J massaging my in some way.  We could sit on the floor and he could massage my shoulders.  Or I could lay over the birth ball and he could rub my back.  All good for Betsey!

In the car on the way home that night, J asked me if hearing all that talk about labor and contractions scared me.  And the real, true reality of it?  It did not.  I left class actually excited to go into labor.  Now don't get me wrong...I know it's gonna hurt, and when the time comes, no amount of massage is going to take away the pain of contractions.  BUT, I really am excited for the moment when I can say "J, I think I'm in labor."  That moment when we know that it's happening, that Gabe is really on his way.  I am truly looking forward to that time.

I also told J that I left that class feeling empowered about my ability to maybe do this without drugs...and that the previous class made me want to sign right up for the epidural just to spite stupid Mary Sunshine.

Now breastfeeding class was a different story.  As it turns out, J and I are not mature enough to attend a class such as this.  There were several times when I looked over at J only to find him with his head turned away from the video screen, desperately trying to suppress his laughter.  And I cannot tell a lie...I had a few of those moments myself.

For instance, when the instructor used the phrase "a mouthful of boob."  Or when she kept talking about (and demonstrating how to make) a "breast sandwich."  Those moments were tough.

But we prevailed, and came away from class with a few interesting tidbits of information.  All I can say is THANK GOD that class was a one-timer, and we don't have to go back for more.  I'm quite sure we would reach the laugh-out-loud stage and be asked to leave.

And now for my favorite part of the week (and I'm sure yours, too, Mimi!)- we had a little photo session yesterday with my good friend Heather at Shugar-Shots Photography.  So instead of one weekly belly shot this week, here are the photographer's favorites from yesterday's session.  I may have more to share after I get to see the rest of the shots, but for now, I am loving what Heather was able to capture for us yesterday.  Enjoy!

From the Peanut Gallery- Week 34: The Cantaloupe

So THAT'S why it feels like I'm carrying a bowling ball around on my bladder.  Cantaloupe, bowling ball- who can really tell the difference?

Current Stats:
Weight: -2 lbs
Waist: + 9 inches
Baby Appointments: Only 4 more to go!
Days Until Due Date: 36

Well, friends, I just returned from my most recent ultrasound and baby appointment.  Turns out, this pregnancy is completely perfect and uneventful, after all!

We started with the ultrasound.  I was so excited to get another peek at my little man- and my fingers were crossed that I didn't have to start referring to him as my big boy!  Alas, I DO NOT.  Gabe is currently only in the 31st percentile for weight (who knew they kept track of that kind of stuff for fetuses, right??).  He's weighing in right at 5 lbs now.  So my fear of an extra-large baby was unfounded!  (At least for right now.)

My fluid levels were also perfect.  Turns out, I must just have a big uterus, as I was still measuring two weeks ahead today.  But absolutely no worries.  Gabe looks perfect.  He is head down now, which is also good news!  My fears of a breech baby and an automatic c-section were also eased.

My favorite part?  He has hair.  We could see it on the screen.  I'm not sure why this is so exciting to me, but it is!  J was born with a full head of hair...I was bald until I was three.  So it could have gone either way!  But somehow knowing that he has hair makes him more of a real baby, and less of a fetus.

The doctor said that if I were to go into labor right now, no one would try and stop it.  At his weight, he'd be good to go on the outside.  We'll still hope for at least another couple of weeks, so that we can make it to that magical "full term" number (and ensure that his lungs are fully mature), but I've essentially been given the green light to deliver a healthy, happy, bouncing baby boy!  (Which, by the way, was confirmed one more time today- definitely a boy!)

Here are the few pictures that we got to take away from today's appointments.  It was much more difficult to see much of anything today, as Gabe is so big in there!  But try your best to decipher what you're seeing- even the nurse I saw today needed help to figure out what she was looking at!

A profile shot of Gabe's face.  See his nose and lips sticking up?

He's looking right at us.  You can see a shadow of an eye, his nose, and an open mouth.  LOVE this picture.

In other news, we've been busy preparing little things here and there in anticipation of Gabe's arrival.  We are TRULY ready for him to come anytime now!

Not what I'm used to using my stove top for!  Pacifiers are sterilized and ready to be popped into screaming baby's mouth.

Look what I've got in my back seat!  J has a base installed in his, as well.  We took a field trip to the fire station this weekend to make sure everything was installed safely and correctly.

I don't have a belly shot this week...but I have ultrasound pictures!  That's gotta count for something, right??

Until next week!

From the Peanut Gallery- Week 33: The Pineapple

Pineapples make me think of Jamaica...Jamaica makes me happy...ergo, I'm a happy mama this week!

I hope you all caught yesterday's "Special Edition."  In case you missed it, definitely go back and check it out, because THE NURSERY IS FINISHED!

In other baby news:

Q: How was this week's baby appointment?
A: Great!  Everything still looks pretty perfect, with the exception of that whole fundal height debacle.  This week, I measured 36 centimeters.  Yep, three weeks ahead.  My next appointment is next Monday morning.  This appointment will include an ultrasound, so we can check out Mr. Man's growth and make sure there's no weird and crazy reason for my larger-than-average uterus.  Can't wait to get another peek!  And if you all are lucky, next week's update will include the boy's most recent pictures!


Q: Have you finally made it back up to your pre-pregnancy weight?
A: Nope.  Still two pounds shy.  Which is extra amazing, since I feel like there's been a recent growth spurt.  I looked down at my belly yesterday and thought that it was suddenly GINORMOUS.  But hey, apparently I'm the size of a 36 weeker (probably 37 by now), so it's no wonder I look big.


Q: Are you getting nervous about the impending birth?
A: Yes.  I am starting to get a little scared about that whole pushing-a-human-being-out-of-me thing.  But I am trying to keep an open mind going into the experience.  I keep telling myself that my body was designed to do this, and that millions of women have come before me, and that I, too, will survive.  There are moments when I feel truly calm and at peace with this thinking- then there are moments when I fear that Gabe will be a ten pounder and I get a little panicked. 

Q: Are you planning on drugs during delivery?
A: The answer is, I'm not sure.  Again with the whole open mind thing.  My official plan is to hold out for as long as I think I can before asking for the good stuff.  But if the moment arrives where I feel like an epidural is necessary, then I'll ask for one without feeling any shame.  Hey, there are no medals given out for natural childbirth.


Q: How is Childbirth Education going?
A: Well, our first class was last week (this week's has already been canceled due to the threat of inclement weather).  I have to say, it was pretty much what I expected.  J and I definitely giggled several times, but our instructor, Mary Sunshine, didn't seem to mind.  Seriously, this lady is all rainbows and unicorns.  I told J that if I learned one thing from that class, it was that I definitely do not want a doula present when I give birth.  To each his own, but I really just want J there to support me.  Plus, the uber-positivity of this woman isn't calming to me, it's laughable.  I'm not really sure what that says about me as a person!!

In all seriousness, even though I'm extremely well-read and well-informed about pregnancy and childbirth, I did get a few things from this class.  And I expect each of the next four sessions to be about the same.  If nothing else, these classes are a rite of passage for new parents, and they are exciting because they bring us one step closer to meeting baby.

One final nursery image for the week: these blocks didn't arrive until today, so I couldn't include them in yesterday's nursery post!

And, of course, the weekly belly shot.  Me in my glider, hanging out in my new favorite room!

From the Peanut Gallery- SPECIAL EDITION: The Nursery

I know that I'm only a day away from Monday, when I normally post my updates.  But this was just too exciting to sit on for even one more day.

THE NURSERY IS DONE!

My mom arrived on Wednesday night, and worked tirelessly all day Thursday, Friday, and Saturday to help bring my vision to life.  J's mom drove into town on Saturday to help out, as well.  (Isn't Gabe a lucky boy to have his grandmas put so much love into his little room?)

I'll keep the words short and sweet, because I am HEAVY on the pictures.  But basically, I am in love with this room.  As a matter of fact, I have hardly left it since it's been completed.  Sitting in the glider and admiring this sweet space, all the while envisioning my baby being here in a few short weeks, is now officially my favorite past time.

Enjoy!

Remember a few short weeks ago when the room looked like this??

Then my friend Amanda and I painted the bottom half of the walls white, to help my mom get a head start on the huge transformation ahead!

Now we start to paint the top half of the walls light blue.

Supplies are ready, and light blue is coming along!

I go to work one morning, and come home to find the chair rail up!  Just needs finishing.

Grandma, the happy, handy helper.  Seriously- she's really handy.

Uncle Scott (and Delilah) helping to tape the wall for stripes.

BOTH Grandmas hard at work!

Stripes are done!

Room's still pretty empty, but Daddy is hard at work assembling many pieces of furniture!

And we have a crib!

and a glider...

and a dresser... (which is full of washed, folded clothes now, by the way)

and a bookshelf...

AND a changing table!

Still really loving these tiny shoes.

Pictures are hung! 

The dogs aren't quite sure what to think.

Grandma Clark knit this little sweater.  So sweet!

Of course, I had to get Gabe a personalized clock.

All in all, this is one happy mama.  I simply can't wait for Gabe to get here and call this space his own!  Until then, I will be here, happily gliding away.