Tours & Photos

Last night we toured University Hospital where we will be giving birth in nearly 6 weeks (or so). There's not much to say, it's a hospital. It's nothing like the University Hospital at Fitzsimons, but it's where the doctor wants to deliver. All the rooms are private, as are the postpartum rooms. It was a busy place, there were many people getting ready to give birth, as well as people who had just given birth. So we know where to go when the big day arrives.

I put up some baby related pictures on my website, including a recent picture of me and one of the baby gift we received from Rod & Diana (Geoff is modeling it).

I have my next appointment in 2 weeks, then I move to every week. I have them all scheduled, and should I deliver early (or on time) I don't have to call to cancel, they'll have a record of it. Which is cool, because I did wonder about that. since I didn't see Dr. Dix this week (she was running behind), I didn't get to ask my questions. But some of those questions were answered on the tour. The appointment went well, my weight gain was perfect (perfect by my standards), the baby is good, I'm measuring just right.

I have to get on calling the ladies planning my showers, so I'm going take care of that now.

Graduation

We graduated from our prenatal class this Saturday. While we were unsure when we started the classes that it would benefit it us, after it was all over we felt it had been worthwhile. Our last class they brought in an empathy belly for the husbands to wear. Geoff doubted that it was accurate for the weight that I have put on, but I told him we'll see how big I get in these last few weeks. The teacher and her assistant commented that they enjoyed the realism I portrayed during our practice exercises. You know me, such a drama queen. Just trying to be realistic for Geoff and I. What's the point in pretending it's all going to be smiles. We have a reunion scheduled for May, and they want us all to bring the babies. That might be interesting.

Geoff put together the crib up on Saturday night. Honey wasn't sure what to make about all the activity. I pulled the bassinet out for her to get used to it being in different places. I think she liked crawling underneath it. She's funny like that, she likes to have her own little fort (just like a kid). I'll try to post pictures of some of this stuff.

We talked about the glider and the changing table. We decided that the glider just isn't going to happen. There just isn't room for it. We could have it in the living room, but it wouldn't leave much room to move about. As for the changing table, I'm still trying to talk Geoff into it. I think there is room for it in the baby's room, and we certainly could use the storage space to hold all the changing supplies. We also need to find the money for it.

I have an appointment this week, and we'll be touring the hospital on Thursday night. I'm hoping they'll give us more info on the parking situation. Geoff wants to just park in the lot a few blocks away where his parking pass is good for. :) It'll be fun though to do the tour and see where it will all happen.

No more contractions since that last one. I'm still feeling pretty good. I'm trying to sleep as much as I can, while I can, and trying to take it easy. 7 more weeks before we meet the little guy.

If I'm the cube, then Elijah is ...

Braxton Hicks Are Painless?

Last night I experienced Braxton Hicks, the contractions that are supposed to get my uterus ready. And they were not painless. They weren't "oh my goodness I'm going to die!", but it was pretty uncomfortable. I practiced my breathing exercises, and took a nice long hot shower which made me feel so much better. So, now I know what early contractions should feel like.

I just thought I'd share that.

Prenatal Classes

Okay, so we've been through 2 of our 3 prenatal classes. The first one went kind of slow. It was hard to get into it. But this week's class was much better. Now there is only one class left. I do feel like it's been worthwhile, I feel like I kind of know what to expect, so I'm not as nervous as I was before. We'll be taking a tour of the hospital on January 27, so we'll know the layout of the land.

Everything else is going well. Elijah is moving ALL THE TIME. Shannon gave me some of her old gender neutral baby clothes. I don't feel like I'm at the stage where I'm ready to start washing the baby's clothes yet. Geoff wants to (possibly) buy the glider we registered for. That would leave just the changing table for big items left to get.

I'm at 32 weeks today, and my next appointment is on the 26th. Then I think I'll be going every week, but I'm not sure. It's all coming together so quickly.

I bought a stocking kit from Hobby Lobby to make for Elijah, so I'm working on that in my spare time. I'll post a picture of it once it's done. I'm going to get back to stitching those sequins.

Taking Care Of Business

So I was looking at some website that gave a list of all the things I should get done in my 3rd trimester, and it freaked me out. I started to panic. I know I shouldn't let these things bother me, but it did light the fire underneath me to get on a few things. First off, I talked with Fiona (Brad's wife), since she's a neo-natal nurse. I asked her for advice on finding a pediatrician, since it was on the list. She said to try Cherry Creek Pediatrics, especially if it's under our insurance. The office is right across the street from us. Last night we toured the office and met one of the doctors and had some questions answered. I think we will select a doctor from there for it's convenience and because Fiona says the doctors there are the best. It's pretty fancy in there. They don't have privileges at University Hospital, meaning they won't be able to come see Elijah after he's born, we'll have to bring Elijah into their office once we get out of the hospital. No big deal though.

I had an appointment this week. Everything is still good. My blood pressure is the same as always (100/60) and I only put on one pound since my last visit. I'm crediting my sickness to that. For those who may be concerned about my weight gain, don't be. This pregnancy I have put on 18 lbs, which is a good amount. And my doctor isn't worried. So while I look small, I guess I just wear pregnancy well. My next appointment is in 3 weeks, they are going to become more frequent. Oh, I did talk to my doctor about me being sick the last 2 weeks. She said it's just viral, but take some Sudafed to dry out my sinuses so they aren't draining into my throat and irritating it. My only concern is now that I got Geoff sick again, that he may pass it back to me.

I'm waking up in the middle of the night with my hips aching. No amount of pillows is making it better. I'll just suffer through this for a few more weeks. I did some major tidying up in the baby's room to make room for Geoff to set up the crib. I'll be moving the bassinet into our room soon.

I'm hoping that we'll get a lot out of our prenatal classes, which start on Saturday. I'm nervous. I fear the unknown. :)

We did make it to Target to register, and Mary and I settled on the first weekend of February for the museum baby shower. As for my non-museum friends, Fiona has offered to throw a shower. I'm always touched by the kindness of our friends.

That's all for now.

He's Coming When?

Holy Moses! Tomorrow I will be 30 weeks along. Which means, in theory, the baby is coming in 10 weeks. 10 weeks!?! Yikes!

I have an appointment on Tuesday, and I feel like I should have questions, but my mind is going blank. Saturday we'll have our first Prenatal class, and I'll be asking them for the forms for us to pre-register at the hospital. Also setting up a time for us to tour the hospital, since we won't be delivering at Fitzsimons. Tomorrow I plan on registering at Target, and talking to Mary about the museum baby shower. I think she was hoping to do it on the 15th, but Jeff will be in Egypt, and I know he wanted to be there.

Though 2005 will be Elijah's first Christmas, he received gifts this year. :) He got some clothes, a Canadian bib and booties, some small toys, and a few blankets. One of the blankets was made by my friend Cate in California, it's so beautiful. She sewed a note to him on it, which was very sweet. This baby sure is loved!

Well, I will post on Tuesday and let you know what is new. Here is a picture of me taken at Christmas. It may be hard to see how big I am, but everyone who hears how far along I am keeps telling me I'm too small. Can't hear that enough I'll tell ya. :)