37 week check-up

Aside from high sugar count (probably the doughnuts and Hibachi Express I ate today...oops!), all looks good.  

• Benjamin's heart rate went back and forth between 139-142 today, which is great
• Weight gain is at 32
• 50% effaced
• Measuring closer to 38 weeks, instead of 37 
• Negative for Strep B (wahoo!)
• Benjamin is no longer breech - somewhere down the line, he flipped and is head down, which Dr. Maydew said is typically easier to deliver (via c-section)
• Signed the c-section consent form...basically stating everything that could happen...but likely won't (nothing calms your nerves like reading that form)

Two weeks from today!!!

35/36 Weeks

So, two weeks from tomorrow...our boy will be here!  Eeeek!  I'm starting to feel the...pressures, shall we say...of impending child birth.  And by pressures, I mean it hurts to walk, sit, stand and lie down.  My hips and pelvis just ache.  I don't recall this kind of pain with Madeline.  But, at the end of the day, it's truly the only thing I have to complain about. No swelling, I'm actually sleeping pretty well and still feel pretty decent overall.  And it's all worth it in the end...I believe in my heart of hearts that this is an answered prayer.  God's way of easing my anxiety about the approaching surgery and getting me ready!

We're still enjoying watching Benjamin stretch and push limbs of all sorts out of my tummy.  I went to the doctor this week and all still looks great.  I'm up 30 lbs. and still measuring right on track.  

Derek and I have started really getting things ready.  We've brought down the bouncy seat and set up the crib and bassinet.  We've washed clothes and put them away.  And this weekend, we tackle Christmas.  Full nesting mode!  

The Benjamin countdown is in full effect!  

Dora Live! and Madeline update

Mimi and Grandbuddy treated us to Madeline's very first theater experience.  Dora Live, no less. Madeline had a ball!  She sat still the entire time and was really enthralled with the show.  A theater buff in the making, maybe?  She'd come by it honestly!  We all had a wonderful afternoon together.  Such a special day!

Our little bitty girl isn't much of a little bitty anymore.  She has given up her paci, officially, and is losing interest in her lovey, too.  She's just not a baby.  So bittersweet for her mom and dad.  She's still entertaining us to pieces with what she says and does - here are my favorites these days:

• She's saying her ABCs
• She says "I can't like it" (I don't like it)
• She hugs your neck tight and says, "squeeze, squeeeeeze"
• She is very protective over my belly...when Derek (or anyone for that matter) talks to my belly, Madeline runs over and says "Nooo, that's MY baby brother!"
• She'll ask you a question, or you tell her something, and she responds with "Oh ____?  Okay." (i.e.: Oh, we're going to the store?  Okay).

She's a joy and a blessing.  Love this amazing girl.  

33/34 weeks

Nothing too new to report this week.  My hips are still killing me - it's literally hard to walk when I get out of bed in the morning and sometimes into the day a bit.  Lots of pelvic pressure on top of that - but I know it's my body doing what it's supposed to do.  Truly, if this is all I have to complain about, it's not that bad.  I'm still sleeping pretty well and have a good appetite.  Can't believe in 5 weeks, we'll have our little boy here with us!

I went to the doctor this week and have gained...wait for it...4 more lbs. over the last 2 weeks.  Oops.  Guess I went a little overboard with the Halloween candy.  All looks great though.  Benjamin's heart is beating strong in there and he is stretching. me. out! Literally - loves to push his feet directly out at my belly button...which adds to the torpedo look I've got going on.  I can't wait to see how much he weighs :)  Which will be soon...only 3 more doctor's appointments before he's here!  Already so in love with our son.  Can't wait to hold him in our arms!

My work friends threw a baby shower for my co-worker, Karen, and me this week, too.  Yummy food and lots of goodies for baby Benjamin and baby Manganillo (name TBD).  I'm so grateful!  Lots of love for our little guy already.

Happy Halloween!

I wish I could put into words just how much fun the Beavers family had last night on Halloween.  It was Madeline's first time trick-or-treating and the kid is a pro.  Our little Snow White loved going door to door, saying "trick-or-treat" and even following with a "thank you" when she got candy.  So proud!  Too, Madeline enjoyed her first bite of Snickers, which she loved...just like her mama (who inhaled about 14 mini-Snickers yesterday...oops...weigh-in next week at the doctor will be glorious).

Of course, the night wouldn't have been the same had we not ventured out with sweet Avery Boo, who also rocked the trick-or-treating festivities.  Who knew two little 2 year olds could take on a neighborhood like that!?

Great night, great fun.  Excited for next year already!!

Mom's Halloween costume...a Magic 8 Ball :)