Don't do as I do

Just got a warning from my parents that swimming in the last month, when the cervix is dilating is not such a good idea. So, no more swimming for me until Olivia has safely entered this world.

Kiddie Pool = Preggie Pool when the lifeguard is off duty

I decided to take myself to the gym this afternoon. Not just to the gym, but to the pool. I have learned that the pool at Lifetime Fitness is typically full as it only has five narrow lap lanes. Praying that most people were eating lunch, I decided to chance it and take my swimsuit (which I also prayed I still fit into) and go to the gym.
Luckily, when I got there, there was only an Asian woman doing water walking in one lane and some weirdo just sitting at the end of another lane, so I actually had my choice of lanes. I needed to submerge myself in water as I am feeling the weight of Olivia at this point. I needed to relieve some of that weight. To my dismay, though, a couple weeks of not swimming has made me a weaker swimmer. That, or the fact that I am immense... Either way, I was almost immediately worn out and couldn't do the normal 500 meters at a time deal. I swapped a slow 200 meters and a 100 meter breastroke in between.
A guy in the lane next to me commented "I see you're swimming for two. I love seeing women with child working out." (okay, a little awkward.) "My wife got in the water a couple of times, but got worn out easily. I think it's great that you're swimming and working out, it's going to make the birth and recovery so much easier." (less awkward that he was married, I guess I can take the complement, and this guy knows more about pregnant woman and fitness than probably any guy on the planet.) So, I kinda feel a jolt of energy from my boosted ego and finish my planned 45 minute swim.
After I was done, I noticed that the kiddie pool (extremely large, shallow pool) was empty as there was no lifeguard on duty. I decided to just get in the 1'-6" deep water and just lie there. I noticed almost immediately that the kiddie pool is bath water warm. (hopefully from the heater and not the kiddies) So it's extra relaxing to just float in it...all by myself. It is a surreal and great experience if you find yourself ~35 weeks pregnant and can't get in the jacuzzi. The kiddie pool a great safer alternative and if you can get it all to yourself, it's the next best thing to zen.

Makin' room in the womb

Okay, lame title. I couldn't think of a title so I started a rhyme.
Yesterday was Olivia's most active day yet. I mean she was pushin' all over the place. Even letting John see and feel her. I think you could see her push almost an inch out of my belly. Whatever she did, she's worn out because there's not much going on this morning. My favorite (not really) is when she pushes into my bladder, so I get these short intense urges to pee and then it goes away. John did a funny impression of what Olivia was doing: "What's this?!" and he imitates her pumping her hands up and down on my bladder.
In reading one of the many baby books I have accumulated over my pregnancy, I read that John and I should be reading and singing to O. NOW they tell me. I hope I have spoken enough that she recognizes my voice, but I fear that she mostly hears the voices on the radio and the books on tape I listen to on the way to work. I am generally non-verbal for the most part, but I may have to break out the Harry Potter books that I have yet to finish and get to work.

Love comes in all shades of pink

Fresh from a day of girlfriends and pink love, I get to be under the crappy lighting and freezing cold of my office. It’s quite the terrible transition. I think I would recommend taking a vacation day after a baby shower, so you get to enjoy the stuff you bought and the great time you had.

I had a great girlie weekend. Kata came on Saturday to help prepare for the shower, but first I got her all to myself. We went to see “Bride Wars” (chick flick comedy), had gelato, went to payless shoe source (where we tried on tons of shoes but bought none) then we went to Target. From Kata’s recommendation I bought some nursing tank tops and breast pads. So, I am prepared to feed. (Physically anyway, wrapping my brain around feeding every three or so hours is still difficult).

After Target, it was time to go to my mom’s house to do the prep for the shower (ie make scones and sandwiches without crusts). I was happy to help, but I mostly ended up watching the other lovely ladies (Penny, Mom, Chrissy and Kata) do all of the work. It was great spending time with the women I grew up with as we prepared for celebrating the coming of O.

After Kata and I headed back to my house and, along with John, we plopped on the pullout bed and watched “Ghost Town” where I promptly fell asleep. John was comfortable being part of the girl’s night and apparently made a great addition to the party.

The next day we went out to breakfast at Walker Brothers. Yum. Our was clearly new (well, I hope that was his excuse)… I can’t be too upset, though. Sundays at this restaurant have to be tough on the staff. I had my usual wheat germ (folic acid!) pancakes with strawberry syrup and eggs. (Since I thought of strawberry and my craving, I found that they have a sugar free version of the Hershey’s strawberry syrup…guilt free pleasure!!)

Then we went home to get ready for the shower. Chrissy picked Kata up at 11:30am and I got myself dolled up for the occasion. Then John dropped me off at my parents and we all waited for the guests to arrive. It was supposed to be a tea party, but everyone went for the wine at first. (I can’t blame them…I would have if I could). Then we ate and played guess the size of my belly. There was not really much of an in-between on that game. Either people way overestimated or they got pretty close. Penny was the winner. (She cleaned up at my sister’s shower too…she’s really good at this baby stuff).

After cake, I called John over to the p’s house and we opened gifts. I got some adorable baby girl clothes, a diaper bag, bedding and the travel set. (car seat and stroller combo). I am very relieved to get this cuz, if anything, you need a car seat. Kata got the originality award and made coupons for me. What’s entertaining is she offered the services of others (ie, her parents will come over and make us a meal). Very entertaining…but don’t think I won’t spend those coupons! 

All in all, it was a great weekend, which makes it harder to be here, at work. Two more weeks to go and I get to work from home. Only my cat to ignore me as we wait for the coming of Olivia. Although this is not my official thank you, I would like to thank all of you reading this who came to my shower or have sent gifts already. I love that you guys care about me and this lovely little girl about to turn my world upside down…in a good way.

Pop goes the belly

Apparently, I have "popped". I saw my sister and bro-in-law last night and, after two weeks, I am "immense" as my dad likes to put it. You can see from the previous image I posted. I hadn't noticed because I feel huge in general as of late. Huge is huge in my book. The evolution of hugosity has been rather slow and unnoticeable, but one day, you look down and your feet can't be found and you think "when did that happen?!” My wardrobe currently consists of all things stretchy, so the only thing that is getting tighter on me is the size large vest I bought for the winter.
Also, I officially have a craving. Sweet and strawberry (the combination) … strawberry ice cream has been on my mind and I haven’t EVER craved strawberry ice cream. I almost made John run to the store to buy that Hershey’s strawberry syrup so I can make strawberry milk. That used to be my fave, but as a child. It will be interesting to see if my cravings have anything to do with O.

8 weeks, 15 weeks, 34 weeks. The evolution

Quite the difference, huh? I should have documented this more frequently, but as much as you think you will, things don't always go as planned. Hopefully I'll be better at this the next time around.

I also noticed something that makes me happy. I am producing milk. Gross, huh. Well, it's another exciting evolution of pregnancy and lets me know that I have working breasts. Mooooo.

Well, off to my 90 min prenatal massage!

Shower O with Gifts

The first of my baby registry gifts arrived today. Some great hooded towels (that makes babies even MORE adorable), washcloths, a diaper caddy and Butt Paste. (That sounds so wrong, but I hear it's the best stuff). This is so exciting! I can't wait to keep filling up her room!

Also, I had a moment of insanity today. I wanted to move some big heavy furniture around in O's room. Luckily, the rational side of me prevailed and I stopped before I broke something (namely my back). This "nesting" stuff is not always safe. I may need to be restrained.

Warning to pregnant women

Don't even JOKE about going into labor early, cuz it will show up in your dreams. I made some joke, knock on wood, yesterday about going into labor early and last night I dreamt that I was feeling movement everywhere in my belly. I dreamt that I woke up to find that I could see Olivia through my belly, that she had somehow gotten out of my uterus and I could see her underneath my skin..her hands, her blue eyes. It was like that science fiction film where the creepy crawlers are crawling up someones body under their skin. Then, I go to my dad, who happens to be in the next room to see if I should go to the hospital, or if he could put Olivia back. He tries to put her back in my uterus, though my skin and O won't go back. So, we end up going to the hospital, but, as you can imagine, it's hard to dress while a baby is moving around loose in your belly. Then, I went for my white sweat pants, because they were the most comfortable, and I remember thinking that "John's going to hate this" (because he HATES my white sweatpants)(but they ARE comfortable). Then I wake up and realize that O is still safely secure in my belly... sigh of relief.

So, I decided to document our current stage of readiness as far as the nursery. We received some decorations from my mom with "O" or Olivia and then we have the crib (the infamous Ikea crib that goes with nothing) and the infamous-er expensive, but oh-so-comfortable glider. I'll keep updating as we get more stuff. I do have clothes, and burp cloths put away...so those are part of the evolution of the baby room too:

Empty crib...

I am sitting next to Olivia's assembled crib. Right now it just has an empty mattress. Soon, it will be filled with her bedding and soon...her! We one step closer to an official nursery.

On that note, I was just making lunch. Not exciting news in and of itself, but I stopped to think that soon I will not be able to do this or anything else without a baby. It's affecting most of what I do lately...imagining what it's going to be like. Like lying awake at night, deciding if I have to pee badly enough to get out of bed, I think that I am going to have to get up on regular intervals for feedings. Nothing's going to be the same soon.

It's the home stretch, people. Less than two months to d-day (delivery day). I realized that I cannot actually see my feet anymore without bending over. I am not sure it's something that I miss yet, but an entertaining fact nonetheless. (okay, maybe just entertaining for me).

This weekend I am going for a full 90 minute prenatal massage. I got to splurge due to the generous Christmas and birthday gift receipts I received for my favorite spa. I cannot wait. I need some good rubbin'.

Next Sunday is my baby shower. My sister and best friend are putting it together and I cannot wait to ooh and ahh over baby stuff. John's been obligated to join me for the gift opening ceremony. He was also requested to wear pink in O's honor.

A dream is a wish your heart makes

A few days ago I was watching this documentary called The Business of Being Born. It is some, seemingly, propaganda piece for home births with a midwife. I was almost convinced it was something to think about...giving birth "naturally". That is, until I dreamt last night that I did just that. I woke up terrified. So, props to all of you moms who choose to go that route, I am no longer wavering. At least, this time around, pass me the epidural please!
Olivia is still pushing away on my belly. She lets me know when she is not comfortable because she makes me uncomfortable if I am sleeping on a side she didn't approve of. In theory it would be great to get my sleeping points racked up now since I will be in deficit when she arrives, in reality...that is not how it's working out.

Congratulations! You're huge

This is the intro to the "Third Trimester" chapter in a book I got for Christmas called Spa Mama: Pampering for the Mother-to-Be. I think it's quite appropriate considering how huge I feel lately.
BUT WAIT, it gets better: Olivia is supposed to weigh about 3.5 pounds at this point. What does this mean? Babies are born about 7 pounds. So, as huge as I AM, I have got twice that to go. It's amazing how it takes 32 weeks to get to this point and then only 8 weeks to double that. This is going to be F-U-N.
I actually have started to prepare the bedroom for baby. I moved out most of the "adult" junk that's been accumulating in the second bedroom and moved in all of the baby goodies I have inherited or bought up to this point. The dresser is already full of clothes and I just know there is more to come.
It's all starting to come together and hopefully I will have it all ready to go come March. (If she's not early).

O may stand for Orange

We got this juicer for a wedding present (we registered for it, no one was trying to give us a hint or anything like that. It's been collecting dust up until lately when I have been on this juicing kick. I drink a large glass of pear-carrot juice. It makes me feel healthy, but I wonder to what extent I am making my baby orange. Hopefully I am just giving her the gift of x-ray vision with all of the carrots I am consuming...

On a another unrelated note, I am hearing a lot of "put it away" lately from my family. Okay, so, I have a problem...I like to expose my belly. It's sufficiently huge right now and I am giving it room to breathe. I love feeling O move bare hand to bare belly. None of this though-my-clothes mumbo jumbo. It's not the same at all. AND it's not like I am exposing lewd portions of my body...one would think this would be an exciting thing to look at...my prego belly. I guess they have gotten sick of it. I, on the other hand, cannot get enough. Besides, once Olivia comes in to the world, my belly will be...well, something I won't want to show off for a while, so I may as well enjoy it while it's taut.

Oh, and it's officially 2009. The transition was rather unremarkable. I guess the lack of alcoholic beverages may have something to do with it. And the excitement that 2009 is going to bring for me has another two months to go...officially...as of today. TWO MORE MONTHS. I better get my sleep on while I can.