Close Call!

So, today is February 9th... Happy Anniversary, honey! Yes, today marks the 2 year anniversary of Keith and I's married life. Ironically, it also marks the 8 year anniversary of our time together. By pure coincidence, Keith and I got married on the same day as our first date, 6 years prior.

Needless to say, I was excited about today. Partly because we get to celebrate our anniversary, and partly because it was another weekly appointment! I know it sounds cheesy, but I am starting to look forward to these like I look forward to my birthday. I was very anxious to hear about my progress and see if Eli was appearing to bump up his scheduled arrival.

It was like any other day walking into the office. However, when I got 'called back'...the reality hit that I won't be getting 'called back' for many more appointments. I am nearing the end of my pregnancy journey. Very truly, my 9 months is almost over. It was almost like I should have had a moment with the nurse, or done an arts and crafts project for them to remember me by. Although, I think Eli's baby picture will probably work a little bit better.

So, it was actually a pretty eventful appointment! That is because last night I thought that my water possibly ruptured! Yep..surprise!! (well, it didn't...but it could have!). I stood up at one point during our 'Dexter' episode and felt a small 'trickle' down my leg. Nothing major, so I didn't freak out, because I knew I had my appointment this morning. The 'trickle'...while extremely small, somewhat continued into the morning. I told this to my midwife, and she was starting to question if it was 'go time'.

She prepped me for the exam, and all signs were starting to point to Keith and I sharing our February 9th anniversary with Eli's birthday! Without getting into a lot of the graphic details, there were things going on with my body that were starting to suggest that Eli could be coming. However, with further investigation (and a painful exam), it was found 'not to be the case'. Don't get me wrong...I am still making excellent progress. Eli is crazy low in my pelvis...even lower from last week. Also, she said that my cervix 'is right there' (and it sounded like a good thing?). However, I am a few items short on the 'labor checklist'. So, it looks like our little guy is going to be hanging out for a little bit longer before his big debut.

It is kind of funny, what a 'close call' I had this morning. Just to know there was a moment in my mind when I was mentally preparing to make 'the call' to Keith and start the preparations to go to the hospital...pretty crazy stuff! It reminds me of my college internship. I had the unbelievable experience of working at a summer internship between my Junior and Senior year. Man, I loved every minute of the experience and wouldn't take it back for the world. But, I can honestly admit that the 'temporary 9 to 5 work world' certainly gave me a great appreciation for my last year at school. So, even if Eli is only giving us a few hours or a few weeks, you can bet that Keith and I will be sure to appreciate it. :)

Footnote: Just have to throw this in. During my very painful 'exam', I had no problem expressing my discomfort. And half way through I said, "yep, yep...I will probably be getting an epidural". Like I have said before....if I am pain...bring on the meds! So, if I can tolerate it...then I will. However, if I can't I am all down for plan B. Just wanted to give you the heads up...because it looks like the distance between point A and point B just got a lot shorter.

Any day now...the end is near!

I feel like I should be in the center of Time Square with a big obnoxious card board sign that says "the end is near!" What is crazy to think, is that despite all of my sarcasm and over reactionary mind set, the above statement is true. Well, assuming that you see 2 weeks left (out of 40) as 'near'....I know I do!

Quite literally, I feel like it is the most exciting time to be alive! Everyday I wake up or go somewhere it is an adventure. I think 'is today the day?'...."is my water going to break in the middle of lunch or a business meeting?". I have to admit that I LOVE surprises. So, despite the fact that we found out the sex of little Eli (which we hope stays true), the idea of 'not knowing' when he is going to come, has certainly given me the rush of adrenaline and surprise-fulfillment I am looking for. The only way I can describe it...is going to sleep and not knowing if tomorrow will be Christmas morning. Just imagine how exciting that would be!?! I really just can't imagine anything else similar.

Additionally, I have to give credit to this 'not knowing' element to my sense of calm before the storm. I suppose I am so caught up in the excitement of all of this, that I haven't given myself a chance to freak out lately. I have a feeling if I was using a 'count down clock' to a particular day, I might be a little bit more anxious as I approached the big day. Therefore, I am guessing the closer I actually get to Feb. 21st with 'no Eli'...my anxiety might start to increase (just an fyi). I have also had a bunch of people ask if I am 'nervous' or 'scared', and I suppose I am just so much more excited. I feel like the 3rd string quarter back that is just sitting there saying 'put me in the game coach!' I can't wait to give this whole thing a shot. I have heard so much about how your baby 'tells you' what he wants, likes, doesn't like, ect. So...let's get on with it. I want Eli to come out and start bossing me around so I can figure out if I need to pack up our obnoxiously large swing...or install a trapeze system for my lil' monkey.

As far as my 'level of comfort', I'm doing good. I would be lying if I didn't say that things have gotten more uncomfortable for me, but nothing that I can not handle. I am into a full out 'waddle' now-a-days, as the feeling of a bowling ball hangs heavy in my belly. Also, it is more difficult to move my legs up in down (think of putting your pants on in the morning). Additionally, my 'restroom breaks' have increased a great deal...if that was every possible (which means even less sleep through the night). Outside of that, life is good. I have been extra super sweet to Winston, Dottie, and Lucy, as their days as 'only children' come to an end (makes me sad thinking about it). And, I continue to complete little 'pre-Eli' tasks around the house in preperation.

I had an appointment on Tuesday (as I will have one every Tuesday until Eli arrives). As for my progress, it goes like this: 1-2 cm dilated and 80% effaced. Also, the really cool part!?! My midwife could feel his head when she did the check! So cool! I have to be honest when I say that I felt 'proud of myself' at this news. This funny since of 'competitiveness' kicks in (ok, probably only me)...as you approach these appointments. You want to feel like you are progressing. So, as I get news of Eli dropping or being dilated I feel like I want to give myself a pat on the back. Of course, this in NO WAY actually indicates anything for delivery or labor, so I can't let it go to my head. I could be dilated to 3 cm, and still have a March 3rd baby...or be totally effaced, and still require a c-section. So, these 'checks' don't have a whole lot of indication towards the future...but it is still good.

Game day stuff. So, as you know Eli is going to come, when he is good and ready (no scheduled induction). But, when that time does come Keith and I are pretty ready with our bags packed and route to the hospital planned out. I will call my midwife when in labor, and she will show up when I am at 5cm and stay with me until Eli arrives. The hospital we are delivering at is Allen Presbyterian. And, if you want the 'play by play' action, I recommend becoming friends with Keith on Facebook. Of course, phone calls and text messages will be sent, but I see Facebook providing most of the 'game day' action.

Also, as I mentioned before, I am prepared for 1 of 3 things to happen. A) a 'natural' delivery without the use of drugs (if I can tolerate the pain...why not). B) a 'natural' delivery with the use of drugs (if I am in pain...bring on the epidural!). C) a c-section with the use of drugs. Please keep in mind, that neither option is better or worse than the other...just different. I won't be upset with the delivery as long as Eli is brought into this world as safely as possible. So, don't think that any option is a bad one.

Well, that is what I have got for now. I guess we will see if my next appointment has a birth annoucement in it, or more 'pregnancy updates'.

"Eli's Coming...", but when !?! (A little contest)

Within the 'G Family' tradition, Eli has his own song (see footnote). Yes, for those of you that decide to name your children after famous songs or movies, you will discover this fact shortly after the announcement of his/her name. While, it is not a widely known song, there are enough relatives, coworkers, and acquaintances that love to serenade me with Three Dog Night's song "Elis Comin", which goes a little something like this...."Eli's comin', hide your heard, girl...Eli's comin', hide your heart, girl...." (I think you get the point). Ironically, I can't think of a more appropriate time for this song to be relevant in his life.

So, with that being said...I want to hear when you think "Eli's comin'?" As of today, I am officially considered 'full term', at 37 weeks. If all goes according to schedule Eli should be making his debut on February 21st. However, Eli might decide to have plans of his own and disregard when the doctors are suggesting he come out (I don't know if he much into following rules at this point).

I would love hear what you think! Place a comment on this post, and put in the comment the date that you think he will be born, time, weight, and length. The winner will receive a little something from me (probably in the form of a gift card). Hopefully this doesn't seem like an exploitation of my child's birth...ha ha. However, I certainly have no idea when to expect the little guy....so am trying to see who of my friends and family does! I also guessed that if I threw an incentive out there I might get more responses. :)

(How to leave a comment: Just two lines under the title of this post there will be a line that says 'labels'. Next to the labels is the word 'comment' and a number highlighted in teal. Click on that number, and it should give you the option to leave a comment.)

Footnote: Regarding my 'G Family Tradition' comment in the beginning, Keith and I each have a song or movie with our names as the title. I am fortunate enough to have a song entitled 'Lee' sang by the always clever and hilarious Jack Black band Tenacious D. Additionally, Keith and I were recently viewers of the classic Jesse McCartney movie 'Keith". Oh, yes....you have to love anything staring teen idol Jesse McCartney. If you snag the time, I would highly recommend indulging in both..... :).

4 weeks to go!

Well, I had my first official 'one week appointment' today. That is correct, I will now see my midwife every week until 'd-day'. You know...now that I think about it, I don't know if everyone is familiar with what exactly a 'midwife' is, but I have certainly had a great deal of people ask me about her or have 'midwife related' questions.

My midwife is part of a formal OBGYN office called Craig Ranch. She is on staff among 4 OB's their. Basically, a midwife can do everything that an OB does, except perform C-sections. Therefore, if I need a c-section delivery, one of the OB's will perform that. Otherwise, all of my appointments and attention have been similar. Where a midwife is more beneficial than an OB is that she gives us more time an attention during our appointments. Additionally, she will be in the delivery room once I am 5cm dilated, whereas an OB doesn't typically show up until you are ready to push at 10cm. Midwives, also, traditionally like to avoid to much 'medical intervention' as possible (c-sections, fetal monitoring, episiotomy, ect..) Oh, also...if I had used the 'OB's' at my office, I wouldn't have been certain of who was performing the delivery (on call style), while my midwife does all her patients deliveries.

So....you are wanting to hear the details? Today my belly measured exactly '36 weeks, I have gained 25 lbs, and my blood pressure is normal. My midwife said that I am having a very great, healthy, and 'textbook' pregnancy. AL-SO.....I am 70% effaced and 1/2 a cm dilated. So, I suppose I am starting to make progress in that department, but Eli isn't exactly going to be showing up tonight.

Speaking of Eli.....is a 'mover and a shaker'! Man oh man...he is still as active as ever! This little guy is using up all of the floor plan in my belly that he can. He moves, kicks, punches, and flips daily (makes my belly looking like a Jell-O mold). Due to his overactive hic-cup schedule, I can always identify where his abdomen is inside my belly. And, nearly ever single hic-cup session is experienced in a different location. Therefore, I can tell that he continues to flip from side to side inside me. My midwife did say that he is still head down...but clearly not 'engaged'.

So, when is Eli going to make his big debut? Know one really knows...not even a guess. On one hand I get the impression that he is going to come on his due date just to try to stay as 'text book' as possible. However, he is having so much fun moving around, that when he runs out of space he might just be ready to 'get the heck out'! Although...I can tell you this. When he finally does enter our great big wide world he might finally be able to get a nights rest. I swear he will be thinking "finally, some peace and quiet". Poor little guy has been having to battle with my VERY active stomach! I can hear my stomach growling and making noises very clearly from the outside, I can only imagine that it sounds like an Ozzie Osborn concert inside the womb. I just can't imagine anything phasing him 'noise wise' when he finally arrives...if he can still hear, that is.

The birth plan: This really could be its own post, and I am sure it will get more attention later on. But, I will say one tid bit before I go. My 'birth plan' is pretty simple....and at this point 'anything goes'. I am currently telling myself that I would like to a least try a 'medication free' labor, however I am not married to that idea one bit. By all means, if I am in extreme pain....then I am going to get an epidural! Basically, I am just going to play it by ear. Also, if I have to have a c-section (for whatever medical necessary reason)...then 'so be it'. Again, I am not married to any one notion of how Eli needs to enter this world. I have been told that you can not have expectations with labor, and to be open to anything. Additionally, if you are dedicated to one idea then you are setting yourself up for possible dissapointment. So, I say these things for one reason....as you all hear how Eli makes his debut, be happy and pleased with whatever happens. Stay positive, that is what I will be doing. Labor is good....epidurals are good....and c-sections are good, but Eli making it into this world safely is GREAT! :)

Reality Check

So, I am guessing that you were all waiting for this moment, or at least a post with this title. Yes, I believe 'reality' is starting to set in. I am pretty sure it is going to continue to hit me over the next few weeks more and more.

Reality 1: I am going to miss pregnancy. It is kind of sad to think that it is almost over. :( I have really enjoyed this pregnancy, and most of all the third trimester. I feel like things really started to 'take off' around week 25-27. While the third trimester has come with some 'uncomfortable' moments, and physically limiting side effects, it has been great. I love having a belly, feeling the 'big guy' make his 'big moves', and knowing that my baby will be here soon.

Pregnancy has been such a fun time of anticipation, preparation, and excitement. It is also such a 'magical' time. Just to know that you have something growing inside of you, that represents a piece of you and your husband. There are so many wonderful moments like: finding out the sex, feeling the first movement, Keith feeling the first movement, picking a name, getting the nursery ready, and getting prepared to be parents. It has all been really great, and I truly would not trade a moment of it in for anything.

Reality 2: I am having a baby....and he will be here in approximately 5 weeks! This fact is slowly sneaking up on me as I am watching my other pregnant friends (that are/were due around me) are all having their babies.

It is beyond me to think of Eli as actually being nearly full size right now. 'Word has it' that he is between 5-6 lbs, and approx. 18-20 inches...holy hell, that is nearly a full size baby! It is really easy to be pregnant and be far removed from reality because your baby is an 'alien' or still has a lot of developing to do, early on. However, when you realize that Eli is nearly full term, and so close to being here, it is bizarre. What is really crazy is to think about how 'physically' close he already is to us. The only thing that separates us is less than an inch of my belly and uterus, whoa!

Reality 3: Fear is a very real thing. Of course it is! If I wasn't the slightest bit scared then I would be concerned for myself, and my clear lack of realism.

I am scared to be responsible for another living being. I am scared to be a 'mother' and be expected to know what to do, when it is so clearly obvious that I have no clue at this point. I am scared to go through labor and experience pain unlike I have experienced in my life.

Reality 4: Despite all of my shocks and fears, Keith and I will be OK, and be great parents. The saying goes, "that women have been having babies for hundreds of years". This little nugget of knowledge is beyond accurate, and more than relieving to think of. I like to think that there are plenty of women that were less prepared or less capable than me having babies, and they did just fine as moms. I also like to think of the many women that have been in labor and survived...I too can do this!

That is it for now. However, don't be shocked to see more 'reality checks' making an appearance on the blog, as 'D-day' slowly approaches.

Week 34

Ok, so this is going to be another 'random' post. I guess I don't have any major updates, other than the inner ramblings of my mind. However, I do have another doctors appointment tomorrow, so perhaps I will have another update. Although, I suspect that I am going to get another 'pat on the back', and told that I am measuring just right, baby's heart sounds good, and that will be about it. I have already been told that I am not getting another ultrasound, so I don't suspect that I will be getting a lot more 'Eli updates'. Unfortunately.

So...I have 6 weeks to go! So close, yet so far away. I have been thinking lately, how far away it truly sounds, and I think I have figured out why. I am officially in the home stretch, so everything is 'technically' close to the end. However, to be so close to the end and still have 6 weeks just doesn't seem to make since, you know? Of course, this is all assuming that he comes on time, but no one knows at this point.

Pregnancy updates? I have a few for you. My belly has continued to expand, and I am loving it. :) It is the 'officialness of pregnancy'. My belly button has still yet to 'pop', although Keith is anxiously waiting for that to happen so he can follow it up with a big fat 'I told you so!'. I need to snap a photo of it, just so you can see how impressive it is that it has hung in there for so long. Again,....'worlds deepest belly button', right here.

'Official baby brain': Yes, this is the one where you feel stupid, and I do feel stupid. I will be having conversations with people when I realize that I am either speaking 100 mph or without any logic behind my rant. I constantly search for vocabulary words that I once knew, and then end up going with something from a third grade level. I will even go so far as to stop myself mid conversation (possibly explain my situation to the person I am speaking with), and start over. Unfortunately, I have been told that this never gets better. I guess that a former more intelligent Leigh will forever be trapped in this blabbering/nonsensical body.

'Nesting": Yes, I think I am into my nesting phase. And for those of you that don't know what that feels like....imagine taking Ritalin. Yep! You find yourself completing tasks that might formally have taken a back burner. You surprise yourself as you power through chores that suddenly seem so important to complete. The most mundane task for Eli's room suddenly becomes the most important thing for me in a day. Don't ask me...

'Cravings': They are back! I was told they go away after the first trimester, and they did. However, no one mentioned them coming back. They are not really motivated by hunger as much as just random stuff that 'suddenly sounds good'. A lot of times it is stuff that I see on TV and then becomes irresistible. Today I successfully went to the grocery store for Twinkies and clementines, and decided to add on some last minute tamales and cheese/crackers to my list. I should probably apologize to my stomach and Eli now, as I did manage to eat one of everything that I bought for lunch.

Oh....and one last thing! I can't believe that I almost forgot this. The nursery! It is complete, yay! My mom finished the bedding and curtains, and the room is put together. Since the last pictures, we hung all the artwork and shelves. Additionally, we added a few other little touches. Here are the pictures!

Reflection of pregnancy

Well, I guess this is as good of time as any to 'reflect' on the last 33 weeks of pregnancy. I am pretty stinkin' sure that after Eli gets here there will be very little time to do anything, let alone 'reflect'. Not to mention, I also predict the next 7 weeks are going to continue to become more uncomfortable and I will have my 'eye on the prize'.

To think in terms of 'weeks', it is awkward...so 33 weeks of pregnancy means very little. But, what is crazy is to realize that I got my positive pregnancy test back in June! So, that means since June, I have been pregnant! Crazy, huh!?! June...that feels like light years away. However, it doesn't feel like it was that long ago. So, that means that I have carried Eli through the summer, through the 4th of July, through a rainy October, a spooky Halloween, my 29th birthday, a great trip to San Fran, a sad Thanksgiving, 3 rounds of Texas snow, a wonderful Christmas, and great New Year! Watch out 2010, here we come.

I mean, it makes since for so many holidays, milestones, and events to have passed, considering 9 months is technically 75% of a given year. It is just funny, because on the one hand 9 months feels like forever. However, when you consider the few times someone is actually pregnant in their life, and what an impact that small time frame makes on your entire life...it seems like a pebble in the ocean. To think, Keith and I will no longer be 'Keith and Leigh'...in a few short weeks, we will always be known as Keith, Leigh, and Eli. I will be a mother and have a son, and the rest of my life with revolve around that fact.

So, in a nutshell, how has it been? Really wonderful!! I don't think I could have been more fortunate to have such a wonderful pregnancy, so far. I guess I can break it down by trimesters.

First Trimester: When I think back to this time, I just remember how slow and lagging it felt. I was so thankful to not experience any morning sickness, but I remember constantly worrying about hitting the '12 week' mark. I was so worried about the health of Eli and the pregnancy (although, the worry has never gone away). I did a lot of traveling during this time period, as well, and was forced to be sneaky around friends and coworkers, as to not let out my 'little secret'. The idea of 'being a mom' had in no way sunk into my head yet, and pregnancy was more a 'state of mind' than it was a 'way of life'. I do also remember a few food cravings and aversions, but nothing too crazy. I recall mostly craving orange juice and fruit...or anything that I saw on TV. I also dreaded ribs for some bizarre reason, and pretty much hated the idea of eating anything that was in our house (don't ask me). I think my 'ice cream man hunt' also took place during this time, and that was by far the funniest/craziest food story I will take away from this pregnancy.

Second Trimester: This time was filled with anxiousness and excitement. I couldn't wait to start 'showing', I couldn't wait to get a confirmation on Eli's sex, I couldn't wait to feel him kick.....I couldn't wait on a lot of things. This was the time, when pregnancy got so much more 'real' and exciting! Gosh, so much happened during the 2nd trimester. Of course, we found out Eli was a boy, I felt him kicking and moving, and we started to get his nursery ready. This is where I have to admit that I had my first (and only, so far) emotional breakdown. When Keith and I were moving the guest bedroom around to make way for the nursery, the reality hit like a ton of bricks. The funniest thing is that I didn't feel feelings of being scared, I was sad. That was the night that I came to terms with 'our little family' changing to make room for Eli. I cried for a few hours as I adjusted to the change, felt sorry for the dogs not being the center of our world, and got ready for Eli to come to the 'G' house. My emotional outburst passed quickly, and my sadness quickly turned to excitement. I knew that Eli was about to be the best thing that had ever happened to our lives, and he would be coming into the greatest family, with the most loving big brother Winston, and big sisters Dottie and Lucy. And on the flip side, our four legged friends would be very excited to add another member to their pack.

Third Trimester: This has also been an anxious time, but more anxious about Eli finally being here! Like I said in a previous post, I have had 'baby brain' for the last several weeks. I am obsessed with anything 'baby', and can't wait for the little guy to be here. In this stage of the game, I have been a lot more prepared for motherhood, and the idea of having a baby is so much more 'obvious' than it was in the first two trimesters. This has probably been the most fun time for me, because it is when I officially started showing my 'baby bump', Eli kicks and moves like crazy, Keith and I did all of our birthing/baby classes, and the waiting is a lot shorter until the end. I still catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and think 'Holy hell...where did that belly come from....oh yeah, I'm pregnant'...wait 'I'm pregnant!"...but it is so exciting. I have spent hours and hours in Eli's room arranging clothes, moving around play toys, and organizing shelves. Also, we are onto our bi-weekly appointments at the doctors office, and everything is measuring well. I have also been able to use this time to get mentally prepared for the 'labor and birth' process. I am surprisingly excited and somewhat prepared for the experience. Oh, I guess that I must add, that the 3rd trimester has been the most uncomfortable time for me, so far. It is certainly more difficult for me to move around and get out of bed. Also, my 'middle of the night bathroom breaks' have gone up to about 3-4 trips to the restroom, which is a record so far. And, of course, I can't forgot to mention my back pain and braxton hicks contractions. So, needless to say the 3rd trimester has had a few negatives, as well.

So..now we 'wait'. Seriously, there are only 7 weeks left (if he comes on time). I can't wait to meet him, and have to remind myself that I will not comprehend 'what we are in for', until he gets here. :)