Birth Day

Yes, it's October....Yes my darling daughter was born in April :) 

Here are some photos of Caroline day of birth (April 25 2012) 

 Holding her for the 1st time 

 She was 7 lbs 12oz 

 My husband and all Caroline's grandparents

 My grandpa "poppy"

 Some of my awesome girlfriends 

My husband with his brother who is hold Caroline's cousin Lucy, who is 7 weeks older.

It was an amazing day! I was induced and it worked like a charm.  Only a few moments of contraction pain before I got "the drugs" and felt fine!!  My labor was short and easy and I thank the Lord for that!  

40 Weeks

Today is Miss Caroline's due date.

I think it's mental torture to put a "due date" on your baby's birth.  Because when you get to that day and nothing has happened, it's a maddening thought process of  "what now?"

You've been "promised" this date for 9 LONG months, and when it comes and passes, what are you supposed to do with your thoughts?

Going over my due date has been a fear I've had since I GOT pregnant.  And now that D Day has arrived, and I don't have any clear labor signs, I'm going a little nutty.

I'm trying VERY hard not to over think it, but it's difficult.  All I want is this baby out.  I'm uncomfortable.  And...I mean...it's been NINE MONTHS!

I've got a few people betting that Saturday is the day.  I suppose one day over wouldn't be horrible...but I'd certainly be happier if we could just end up in the hospital this evening after Baby's Daddy gets home :)

I think I'll go on another LOOOONG walk while I wait ...

Pray for my mental sanity  :/

My White Castle Experience

Backstory:

My mother was 13 days late with me. THIRTEEN DAYS? I would have gone crazy. In all her 42 week pregnant bliss she decides to go to White Castle...and goes into labor that night.

My GRANDMOTHER'S last meal before labor with my mother was a White Castle.

That's two generations! Could it work for a 3rd?

I'm exactly 39 weeks...so not past my due date, but very uncomfortable and antsy to meet Miss Caroline.

In my 25 years on this Earth I've never even tasted a White Castle, the smell alone repels me.

So what did I do yesterday??

Ordered a #1

NOT GOOD!

And here is the text conversation between my mother and I after my shameful meal.

That's right. I ATE THREE! (with fries and a Big Red!) I wanted to make sure I ate enough for it to "work". I felt heavy and gross all day.

And while, I suppose, I'm still within the 24-hour time frame for the nasty onion burger to do it's thing...I am still very much pregnant, and very much NOT in labor.

If I ate that yucky food for no reason I'll be a little upset...but at least now I can say I've had White Castle :)

39 Weeks

Almost there! One centimeter dilated...which could mean labor is soon...or a week away still! But I hope it's soon :)

Getting antsy but trusting in the Lord's timing!

My boobs now rest on my belly

Yes, it's true....when I hunch over the girls rest on the belly...I can't decide if I want to crack up laughing, or start sobbing uncontrollably! Hehe.

Now it's just a waiting game! She could be here any day, but there are still 11 more days until my official due date! (April 20)

Some new developments:

I'm starting to actually lose weight now. I think I'm going in the history books as one of the strangest pregnancies ever! I cannot eat even a normal sized meal without feeling stuffed! My stomach is so compressed I just can't fit anything in there. My husband is force feeding me at every turn. My net weight gain is now around 12 lbs.

However on the bright side the baby is taking all she needs and is growing just fine. My arms and legs and back all have bones sticking out of them...but my belly is getting bigger...I feel like Bella in Breaking Dawn!

I feel pretty good, considering I'm almost 39 weeks pregnant! It's hard to bend over and my energy is a bit low...but I know I'm blessed and it could be much worse!! I think putting pants on is the hardest thing! haha....compressing yours legs up like that is difficult!

I was told to lay off the high intensity exercise at around 8 months due to my low weight gain...but I'm able to take some slow walks around the block. They make me feel better and I enjoy the time with either my husband or dogs...whoever decides to accompany me :)

All is ready for Miss Caroline...so whenever she decides to come I will be more than happy to have her here :) I'm still working and plan to do so up until the day she arrives....but I'm also busy getting things squared away with work at maternity leave, which I am beyond blessed to have :)

37 Weeks

Some Stats for ya!

I've officially gained 15 lbs!!! Woot Woot! They did an ultrasound at 36 weeks and Sweet Caroline weighed in at 6lbs 1 oz! She's a big girl considering how compact I'm carrying her!

Yesterday her heartbeat was 131bpm....it's gone between 130 and 135 for like the last 4 months!

I'm 50% effaced (thinned out) as of 36 weeks (they didn't check at my 37 week appt) So whenever she's ready to come out I'm ready for her.

She moves constantly still! Some say that their baby's slow down in movement a bit near the end, due to running out of room...but mine has remained extremely active...it's getting quite painful, but I still enjoy feeling her kick and roll!

My doc said she is head down and sitting really low, I can totally tell she has "dropped"...and I feel like I have to pee every 4 minutes!

I've been having Braxton Hicks like crazy!! Along with some dull crampy back aches, this means labor is well on its way!

Thankfully I have had zero swelling! I can't imagine how miserable that would be added to all the other uncomfortable symptoms! All my shoes still fit and my ankles are in tact! I drink a TON of water every day so maybe that helps!

Here's a fun video of me enjoying our beautiful Kentucky weather!!! Maybe the loud noise will startle the baby out!!! hehe

36 weeks and UK hoops!

GO CATS!!!!