33 weeks

Whoa-oh! Almost 33 weeks along and it's looking like I'm smuggling a basketball. Honestly, it is an incredibly odd feeling to kind of forget what your "new" body looks like, wake up, waddle to the bathroom, and take a glance of yourself in the mirror. Sometimes I still feel like I just got fat, but then I realize its all centralized in my midriff.

We ventured out last night for a wedding (which was TONS of fun) and finding something to wear was a mild dilemma. I should've opted for a new outfit, but told myself I'd settle for something I already had (my hubby's frugality has taken it's toll on me). I ended up being comfy, classy, and looking oh-so-pregnant. It was slightly disappointing to see this sea of dresses in my closet and know that a seldom few would work with my new figure, but honestly- I felt good last night! I also had my first run in with a stranger rubbing my belly. She said she just couldn't resist because I was just so cute. . . At the time it didn't seem that odd, I mean most people at weddings opt for a little alcohol, so I figured that had something to do with it. Well apparently it stuck with me because I ended up having a really bizarre dream/nightmare about it last night!

So the wedding was a blast- I even wore heels, and we were out until 11:00! I am totally feeling it today. Its kind of pathetic. I woke up this morning oh-so-tired and sore from cutting a rug all night. I just couldn't seem to peel myself out of bed (I have decided to enjoy this relaxing time while I can) so my hubby made me breakfast in bed. How lucky am I?

Spinach, green pepper, mozzarella scramble, whole wheat toast w/ Nutella, and a mini bowl of Reese's Puffs cereal (one of my constant pregnancy cravings)

Today, I also had the pleasure of experiencing my first prenatal massage. It was 90 minutes of pure bliss! They positioned me on my side, and were able to do a full body massage with me flipping back and forth while ensuring I was comfortable and safe. Since I've been experiencing a lot of back pain, it felt so great to have all of that stress and pain worked out. Needless to say I left completely relaxed. 

I vowed to myself that I deserved a lazy, do-nothing day since my days like this are numbered, so after whipping up some tuna casserole, I decided to relax again. I look forward to cuddling, sipping some hot cocoa, and reading my book! 

Life so far

Finally got our READ letters hung on the chalkboard

Well as hard as it is to believe, we are in the final stretch of this whole pregnancy journey. Its hard to believe 20-some odd weeks ago, I surprised my husband on his birthday with the news that we are going to be parents. I still remember the look on his face (mainly because I took a picture of it)

Could he BE any cuter!? He has really surprised me, because I see how excited (and tolerant) he has been throughout this entire pregnancy and I grow even more thankful that he is the person I will be raising this baby with. Not only has he assured me that everything will fall into place and be great parents, but he has also expressed so much excitement that he makes me even more excited!

All this excitement has created some ambition. We have started to make some serious progress on the baby nursery. I worked on some art work and am pretty proud with the way it turned out! As well as the READ letters you saw on the home made chalkboard, the first piece of actual art is something I had envisioned many moons ago, and didn't really know how I was going to accomplish it, but with a couple coupons from Michael's some buttons, and a little personal flair, I kind of threw it together. 

We also put (thanks to my lovely and generous friend) 2 dressers, and a rocking chair in the nursery. The shorter, wider dresser is going to double as a changing table, so we'll have to find a changing pad to slap on top. 

We actually ended up moving the chair to the other corner of the room, because Luke put together the crib! (Thank you, sweetheart)

And this gorgeous pendant from a friend!

There's still a lot of organizing to do, but we are really pleased with the progress! I could not have imagined that the baby would have this many clothes before she is even born. That is probably going to take the longest time. I took some time today organizing clothes, but its kind of overwhelming. So many onsies, so many sleepers, so many cute little outfits- Do I fold them together? Do I hang them? How do I organize the clothes based upon size. Needless to say I wasn't really feeling in the mood to hard core organize, so we shall wait till I'm feeling more ambitious. 

Besides the back pain and the fatigue, I feel great. I sat and looked at the crib tonight having a hard time imaging that the baby in my belly will soon be laying in it. Whew. 8 weeks to go!

Zoo baby shower

 

This weekend (which went entirely too quickly), two of my wonderful roommates from college (Mary and Erin) hosted the first ever baby shower for Baby Harvey.

I feel to grateful to have such amazing, thoughtful, and generous people in my life like these friends. It's hard to believe that just a few years ago we were overwhelmed at the thought of having bridal showers for one another. How quickly we transition to adulthood.

So the shower was a love theme, so we were surrounded in hearts, reds, and pinks (which just happens to be my favorite color)

We started with a delicious brunch of egg bakes, fruit, veggies, delicious treats, and some frost your own cookies for desert!

We played a couple super cute games: a celebrity name matching game, and what I would call a baby quiz. Some of the answers on the baby quiz really, REALLY surprised me. 

* Did you know that 1 diaper takes over 500 years to decompose?

* Did you know that the woman who holds the record for the most children, had 42 kids?

* Did you know that during pregnancy, the uterus stretches to 500 times its original size?

Those were just a few of the quiz questions. Although I didn't do too hot on either of the quizzes, I had a ton of fun. 

After the games came the gifts, and I just have to say- this baby in my belly has so many people that love her already. It really warms my heart. The baby got many wonderful things that are going to be helpful throughout her little baby journey, and some things that will help her to be stylish (like her mom- hehe j/k). 

Probably my favorite part of the shower, and thing to take home, was what they called a "wish jar." 

                                                     

Everyone was told to decorate a stone with a wish that they had for the baby and we got to take it home. I honestly can't wait to read these to her every day and will be sure to reference all of them frequently. I love, love, LOVED this!

All-in-all it was a wonderful shower, and I am so thankful for not only, the beautifully organized hosts, but also, all of my lovely Zoo girls for attending. Love you guys so, so much!

Hospital bag checklist

I decided I should probably compile a list of things to pack in my hospital bag. Does anyone have any other must-haves or any things that can be done without. After all, we're not going to Disneyland, and our hospital is only 2 miles from our house. 

Here's what we have so far:

• Insurance card, ID
• Birth plan
• My comfy robe
• Slippers 
• Laptop loaded with relaxing music and perhaps a DVD or two
• Hard candies/gum
• Junky magazines (like US Weekly)
• Camera
• Video Camera
• Cell phone & charger
• Snacks for partner
• Toiletries (toothbrush, paste, hairbrush, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, body and face lotion, deodorant, mini loofah)
• Shower sandals
• Nice comfy towel
• Nursing pillow
• Nursing-appropriate bra or tank
• Breast pads
• Nursing-appropriate PJ
• Make up
• Glasses/contacts/solution
• Comfy clothes & toiletries for partner
• Snacks
• Comfy outfit to go home in (NOT pre-pregnancy size)
• Coming home outfit for baby + swaddle blanket + car seat + pediatrician’s number
• Tennis Ball
• Cash
• Baby hygiene kit (nail clippers, file, etc)

My birth plan

Whitney Harvey’s Birth Plan

Name: Whitney Harvey
                                               Attendant: Luke (Husband)

Amenities


I’d like: to bring music, dim the lights, take pictures and video during labor.

Hospital Admission and Procedures


I’d like: the option of returning home if I’m not in active labor.

Once admitted, I’d like: my partner to be allowed to stay with me at all times; I will allow any residents in training to be present during my labor; to eat if I wish to; to stay hydrated by drinking clear fluids instead of having an IV; to walk and move around as I choose.

Other Interventions


As long as the baby and I are fine, I’d like: to have intermittent rather than continuous electronic fetal monitoring; have as few vaginal exams as possible; have as few interruptions as possible; be allowed to progress free of time limits and have my labor augmented only if necessary.

Labor Props


If available, I’d like to try: a squatting bar, the whirlpool tub, an exercise ball

Labor Augmentation


I’d like labor augmentation: performed only if baby is in distress; first attempted by natural methods, such as nipple stimulation; membrane stripping performed before pitocin is administered.

Pain Relief


I’d like to try the following pain-management techniques: bath/shower; self-hypnosis; massage.

Please don’t offer me pain medication. I’ll request it if I need it.

If I decide I want pain medicine, I’d prefer: trying systemic medication before an epidural.

I would like the option of sterile water injections if back labor is present

Pushing

When it’s time to push, I’d like to: do so instinctively; be allowed to progress free of time limits as long as baby and I are fine; avoid forceps or vacuum extraction if possible.

I’d like to try the following positions for pushing and birth: semi-reclining; squatting; hands and knees; whatever feels right at the time.

Vaginal Birth


During delivery, I’d like: the room to be as calm quiet as possible; avoid an episiotomy if at all possible.

After birth, I’d like: to hold my baby right away, putting off any procedures that aren’t urgent; to breastfeed as soon as possible; my partner to be given the option to cut the umbilical cord.

C-Section


If I have a c-section, I’d like: my partner present at all times during the operation; to stay conscious; my hands left free if possible; the baby to be put on my chest as soon as she’s dried, if possible; the baby to be given to my partner as soon as she’s dried, if I can’t hold her and if it’s possible; my partner to accompany the baby at all times if possible; to breastfeed my baby in the recovery room.

Cord Blood Banking


I’d like to: donate cord blood to a public bank, if possible.

Postpartum


After delivery, I’d like: all newborn procedures to take place in my presence if possible; if not possible to take place in my presence, all newborn procedures to take place in my partner’s presence, if possible; my partner to stay with the baby at all times if I can’t be there; to be able to have my partner room-in at all times.

I’d like: 24-hour rooming-in with my baby.

If baby is not well, I’d like: my partner or I to accompany the baby to the NICU or other facility; to breastfeed or provide pumped breastmilk; to hold her whenever possible.

Feeding Issues


I plan to: breastfeed exclusively.

Please do not offer my baby: formula, sugar water, a pacifier unless there is a medical reason.

Discharge


I’d like to: be discharged from the hospital with my baby as soon as possible.

Preparing for Labor & My birth plan

Well, I'm officially 30 weeks pregnant! 10 weeks to go!

Note the intense increase in the size of my belly since my last belly update:

The baby now measures almost 16 inches long, and should weigh around 3 pounds (which is why my back has been so strained and painful). This is hard work!

Luke and I also had our most intense and most important prenatal class last weekend: Preparing for Labor and Delivery at the Amma Maternity headquarters in Edina.

The class was 8 hours and was packed full of information including what to expect your body to go through, the anatomy of child birth, options for birthing, birth plans, and coping techniques for both Luke and I. We played some games, had group discussions, contributed in demonstrations, and practiced some of the different techniques we learned. Luke learned how to "coach" me through a contraction, what to do if back labor occurs, and what coping techniques I like and will like, as well as, how to encourage and support me throughout the labor. I will admit, it is kind of scary; seeing the skeleton pelvis that she kept holding up and the fake baby that she kept cramming in there kind of brought me to the realization, "this has got to come out somehow." We talked about our birth plans, and what we want and don't want. For the most part, Luke and I have communicated everything and are on the same page with things. We are definitely going for a drug-free labor. Call me crazy if you want, but my mom did it twice and had very good healthy labors, and I have no doubt that its not completely do-able. Also, it is so much better for the baby; the baby is more alert when they are born, and can immediately begin bonding with mom :) Not to mention, there are a number of side-effects associated with the different drugs, the risk of decreased heart rate and breathing in the baby, which can require additional drugs to be administered after birth. Its definitely a pain that no one can describe in words, but that is my goal so far- DON'T try to talk me out of it (all you mom's who've had drugs)!

Also I have to share this cartoon that I got off of Baby Center