FULL TERM!!!

36 weeks and officially full-term!  

Last weekend we were very productive! We completed our hospital registration, insurance and cord blood donation forms, worked on the hospital bag, finished washing Ellie's clothes/blankets and put together the rock n' play and bouncer. We especially wanted these two items put in place so Bailey can start getting used to them and have a chance to smell them before she's in either.

Hospital bags are packed and in the car at this point! Some tips others have given me to include in the bag that might help others: extra clothes for me in case they get ruined, a pillow for Steve, change for the vending machine/quick snacks, extra space in bag for items from the hospital, and large underwear for after delivery to fit padding and ice packs (as if you're not already excited for delivery). We also made sure to put the boppy in the car just in case we decide to use it. This was very helpful when our nephew Landyn was born. Visitors could use it to help hold him and for Lauren with nursing. We may want one less thing to carry but have it just in case.

Most recent doctor's appointment update---I went last Friday for the first of my weekly appointments. He says I'm about 50% effaced and was 1 cm dilated. He could feel her head below my protruding belly button and says it seems my body is doing its part to prepare for labor! I go again on Monday and it will be interesting to see if I've progressed at all!

Turns out I tested positive for Group B Strep---an infection that about 1 in 3 women have. I mention this to you all in case you have it. We were a little worried when first finding out but have since discovered that several of our friends also had it with no resulting problems. The infection, if not treated, could result in meningitis, pneumonia or even stillbirth. At least four hours before delivery, the hospital will administer an antibiotic via IV for me to help prevent passing it on.

Stressor of the week---our labor class, which was scheduled for Saturday got canceled last minute. Apparently the instructor had a scheduling conflict and decided to call last minute about the possibility of rescheduling. After several calls to the hospital and a lot of frustration from myself and their staff (encouraging that they're on my side!), I found out they did in fact reschedule for May 11th---a day that 3 other couples cannot attend and I will not only be 38 weeks pregnant (if Ellie doesn't make an early entrance!) but also have my Girls on the Run 5k.  While the class is obviously more important, the 5k is a commitment I previously made and all season our girls have worked very hard toward this and I don't want to miss it. What can I do I guess??? I'm hopeful for helpful nurses and some good research in the meantime to help me wing it!

How far along: 36 weeks

Baby size: honeydew

Current Weight: 160 (35 lbs gain---he just tells me to keep at it!)

Maternity clothes? - combination but more maternity than not

Sleep? - uncomfortable

Best moment: not only feeling but seeing tiny feet  protrude :)

Miss anything: normal skin...I feel like a teenager with these breakouts!

Movement? I heard the movement slows toward the end...Ellie's still VERY active.

Anything makes you queasy or sick: thinking about labor

Showing yet? - I was told this week that I look like I'm about to pop---that's a first!

Gender: GIRL

Labor signs: I think I'm having practice contractions

Wedding rings on/off? -  to be safe, I've stowed them away :(

Mood: loving being pregnant

Looking forward to: meeting our baby girl :)

Maternity Pictures

LOVING our maternity pictures!!! Our friend Kate takes photos on the side (convenient for us, especially since she's so great)! I wanted to post a few of my favorites for you all to check out...

Ellie's Future Home!!!

Most people take huge life steps at different stages in their lives. We jumped right in and decided to do two at once---welcome our first baby girl and build a home!

We'd been searching for a home for some time as we wanted to expand to one with at least three bedrooms--- we'll need a nursery AND guest room soon. As we searched, nothing felt right for us. Our agent ultimately suggested we speak with a builder friend of hers just to hear our options. Upon meeting with him, he showed us a floor plan he was hoping to build that had everything we'd been looking for. The price was in our budget too so it was a perfect fit! He'd already begun construction on another home in a new development in Glen Carbon so we ventured out to the developing subdivision to take a look. The location was great and there was a lot that clearly had our name on it---at the end of a cul-de-sac, walk-out availability and with only one immediate neighbor. We were sold!

They broke ground Valentine's Day weekend and have been rocking and rolling ever since! As of this week, our plumbing and wiring are complete and we've passed city inspections. They expect drywall to be delivered today and brick to be completed by the end of the weekend!

In our new home, we'll have 4 bedrooms---enough for us, Ellie, a guest room and an office for me. Steve will finally get his basement (aka Man Cave), a large kitchen with lots of storage for me and Bailey will have a fenced-in yard---we're a happy and anxious clan! 

Going in, we expected my pregnancy to a deterrent with decision-making (I'm already horribly indecisive!) but thus far, Steve and I have done quite well. Not only has Ellie relieved worry from my mind---I don't stress or worry about much anymore, thank goodness---but she has apparently made me decisive as well! We've already chosen our flooring, lighting, cabinetry, countertops, and fixtures. Our big to-do's are paint colors, cabinet hardware and (to think ahead and avoid later stress) blinds/window treatments.  

Our new home is expected to be complete for closing and move-in by about the end of May/beginning of June.....right in line with Ellie's expected arrival : )

6 weeks to go!

We're 34 weeks pregnant and baby girl is starting to drop! I not only notice my belly growing by the day but getting a little lower (the regular jeans are out!) and more pressure on my bladder (so sweet of her). This week, Elizabeth can be compared to the size of a butternut squash nearing about 4.5 lbs and up to 18 inches long, which makes sense since I feel her kicks on my far right side and up near my ribs and her fist on the far left side. That whole 87th percentile in leg length must be true! She can apparently hear lullabies and stories now too that may help soothe her after birth so hopefully their 'predictions' are true---from what I hear soothing a baby can sometimes be a challenge. She already loves hearing her daddy read to her at night! She's very active when she hears his voice : )

My ankles are swelling and it occurred to me why this week---aside from just being pregnant that is! Years ago, before I started running more and got into shape, I had some ankle problems. I visited a doctor and he told me I have what they call ligament laxitus, which I honestly thought he made up. Essentially, my ankle ligaments couldn't support my weight. During that next year, I started running more, lost some weight and had thought I strengthened my ankles -- > no serious issues since. Now I'm 30 lbs heavier and having ankle issues again. I'm pretty sure I'm at a point where my weak ankles literally cannot handle the extra weight! Crazy. This is really my first big pregnancy symptom so as I told Steve, if I only have 6 weeks/2-ish months of symptoms, I'll take it! It's looking like a lot less treadmill time and more pool!

How far along: 34 weeks

Baby size: butternut squash

Current Weight: 

Maternity clothes? - still a mix but all maternity pants

Sleep? - more anxious, less comfortable

Best moment: Ellie's cousin Jax being born and her cousin Landyn beginning to walk

Miss anything: could really go for a glass of wine

Movement? very active! I think she's doing yoga in there!

Anything makes you queasy or sick: Chinese food

Showing yet? - yes!

Gender: GIRL

Labor signs: no

Wedding rings on/off? -  to be safe, I've stowed them away :(

Mood: loving being pregnant

Looking forward to: seeing how our maternity pictures turn out!

Ellie's precious cousins

Elizabeth's cousin Jaxson was born last week! After a rather difficult delivery, our sister-in-law Stephanie gave birth to beautiful Jaxson Craig last Friday afternoon. Both were given immediate care but are now doing well! His arrival was such a joy to both of us! We love being an aunt and uncle and cannot wait for our brothers and sisters-in-law to know that same feeling!

Of course, Jaxson's arrival prompted 'planner' mode in me! It occurred to me that we have a lot to accomplish in the next 6 (give or take) weeks. I cannot believe I'll be considered full-term in two weeks, meaning our little girl could be here anytime after that! I've always felt I'd be late---my family likes to tell me "If she's anything like her mother, she'll be late!"--- but want to be prepared in case she makes an early surprise arrival! Among our most important to do's:

    - Pack the hospital bag!

    - Install the car seat

    - Hospital info sheet to family/friends & list of contact #s (in case of no cell service)

    - Pre-register with hospital

    - Wash Ellie's blankets and some clothes

    - Further research on 529 college plan

    - Decide on cord blood donation

Other exciting news this week----Elizabeth's other cousin Landyn began walking! He'll be ready and in action for his new baby cousin!