Oh my! Well- I became a statistic- or rather part of a statistic last night. I was sitting on the couch watching t.v., contemplating what sounded good to eat when I notice that my stomach was tightening and cramping and my lower back was sore. I continued to pay attention to it and it seemed to be happening quite frequently though I couldn't put a real time on it. I decided to check with both Rachel & Kelly (who were both induced) if they could help me with what a contraction felt like.
Rachel told me that she had not been aware of hers but that when she went in to be induced and was hooked up to the monitor they told her that she was having them (contractions). This told me that contractions- at least initially- may not be painful. I left Kelly a message to call me when she could and thought about things some more- all the while my stomach getting tight and feeling different than before.
Jay was working late so I shot him a text message to see if he thought I should page the on-call doctor. He said yes. Dr. Chang was on and he called me back shortly to tell me what a contraction should feel like and confirmed that initially they may not be painful if I was in early labor. He said the only true way was to go to the hospital to get checked. Then I worried that if I did go and wasn't really in labor I would be embarassed. All I knew is that I was feeling something that I had never felt before- no basis for comparison. I finally decided I would bite the bullet, risk embarassment and let Jay know my thoughts. He agreed with me.
I then went to pack the rest of my things and try to get ready to go to the hospital- fully anticipating to drive myself. About that time Kelly called me and said that she'd had a similar experience to what Rachel described- that she actually had cramping/contractions several days before she was induced. Kelly offered to drive me- and I accepted.
Once we got to the hospital everyone was very nice and my nurse was Pam- she was super cool and gave me a lot of good information. She hooked me up to the monitor and said they would watch me for an hour. She also did a pelvic exam and found that I was dilated to 3 cm and still effaced at about 60%. At the end of the hour we found that I had had a few contractions but nothing regular enough to warrant me staying...and apparently about 80% of first time moms go to the hospital too early and get sent home- so that made me feel a little better. Pam also performed a "membrane stripping" which is when a finger(s) is inserted into the cervix and moved around the "water sac" in a 360 degree fashion in an attempt to separate the "water sac" from the lining of the uterus. This is supposed to help release prostaglandins which are needed (whether your body releases them on their own or you are induced) to help contractions and labor along. She told me that she'd had that done before she had her son and that she delivered within 48 hrs afterwards!
So the test will be when we go see Dr. Fuller this afternoon if anything has changed as far as my dilation or effacement. I'll be sure and pass that on.
Back to poor Jay though- he was still working and trying to make it over to the hospital and when I found out they were not keeping me I let him know so he didn't have to come all the way there. Kelly dropped me off (Thanks again Kelly) and I got ready for bed- feeling pretty crampy and sore for the rest of the night. I had the bed to myself because though Jay had made it home he couldn't get off the phone with work- he ended up staying up all night- he literally walked into the bedroom as his alarm clock was going off at it's normal "wake up" time. He finally laid down and I think that during the time that I was getting ready for work his phone must have gone off 4 times! I hope he is getting some sleep now!
Our appointment with Dr. Fuller is in a couple hours- I am anxious to see if anything changed from last night. It is exciting and I just want whatever is supposed to happen to happen.
Ok- that's my update- I'll be sure and update everyone after this appointment- either tonight or more likely tomorrow. Ya'll keep Hudson, Jay & I in your prayers please.
Love ya'll!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Antsy
Jay & I sure are getting anxious for Hudson to get here. Of course I've heard that once he does come out that we will wish he was "back in"- but I think that 9 months is long enough to be pregnant for anyone :)
Kelly reminded me this weekend that I will get to celebrate Mother's Day as a mom this year. I do aspire to be kind of mom my Mom is to me. I think if I can be half of that then I will be a pretty good one.
Even with my belly I have to say that I still wake up on occasion and wonder if I am really pregnant or if it was all a dream. It still seems sureal at times and I am sure that is not about to change with the soon to be disturbed sleep schedule our Gillespie household will have. On the topic of sleep- I have to say that I have had some crazy dreams throughout this pregnancy but especially in the last couple months- I wake up and wonder "Where did that come from?" Sometimes the dreams are disturbing and other times they are just strange. I've dreamed a lot about the house I grew up in but then the people there (in the dream) are people that live here-in Arkansas- most to all of which have never been to Canada much less to my house in Canada! I guess it's just hormones.
Dennis & Rachel are adjusting- or have been adjusting nicely to being parents. Beau gets cuter and cuter everytime we see him. We decided that was wanted to do our baby dedications together- they will be on May 24th. I am super excited that my parents will be here for this!That will be something for Hudson's memory book for sure. So- that's as official as the invite is going to be... Come one, come all- Hudson's baby dedication will be at Rolling Oaks Freewill Baptist Church in Maumelle on Sunday, May 24, 2009. Services start at 10:30am. If you need directions email me. He'll be roughly 2.5 wks old at that point (assuming we go till next Wednesday for his arrival).
Well- I don't know if it's because it's Monday or because I'm about to have a baby (for real!)- but my mind is having a hard time focusing so I'm gonna end this now and check back after our next Dr. Fuller visit- unless ...you guessed it...Hudson arrives first.
Love ya'll-
Kelly reminded me this weekend that I will get to celebrate Mother's Day as a mom this year. I do aspire to be kind of mom my Mom is to me. I think if I can be half of that then I will be a pretty good one.
Even with my belly I have to say that I still wake up on occasion and wonder if I am really pregnant or if it was all a dream. It still seems sureal at times and I am sure that is not about to change with the soon to be disturbed sleep schedule our Gillespie household will have. On the topic of sleep- I have to say that I have had some crazy dreams throughout this pregnancy but especially in the last couple months- I wake up and wonder "Where did that come from?" Sometimes the dreams are disturbing and other times they are just strange. I've dreamed a lot about the house I grew up in but then the people there (in the dream) are people that live here-in Arkansas- most to all of which have never been to Canada much less to my house in Canada! I guess it's just hormones.
Dennis & Rachel are adjusting- or have been adjusting nicely to being parents. Beau gets cuter and cuter everytime we see him. We decided that was wanted to do our baby dedications together- they will be on May 24th. I am super excited that my parents will be here for this!That will be something for Hudson's memory book for sure. So- that's as official as the invite is going to be... Come one, come all- Hudson's baby dedication will be at Rolling Oaks Freewill Baptist Church in Maumelle on Sunday, May 24, 2009. Services start at 10:30am. If you need directions email me. He'll be roughly 2.5 wks old at that point (assuming we go till next Wednesday for his arrival).
Well- I don't know if it's because it's Monday or because I'm about to have a baby (for real!)- but my mind is having a hard time focusing so I'm gonna end this now and check back after our next Dr. Fuller visit- unless ...you guessed it...Hudson arrives first.
Love ya'll-
Thursday, April 23, 2009
No changes :(
Went to Dr. Fuller's yesterday for our weekly appointment and found out that I was still dilated 2 cm and 60% effaced- so no changes. Dr. Fuller said that it is pretty rare for a lady to be more dilated than 2 cm unless she is in labor (in which I am not currently). I had no idea! I thought that I would just keep going week by week dilating and effacing more and more till I went into labor. He said my body has done all it can to get ready for labor and I could go into labor anytime, or we might go until our due date- May 6th.
If we make it to May 6th and Hudson has not hatched, I will be induced that day because Dr. Fuller does not allow his patients to go over the due date. So at least that gives us a time frame. I am hoping that Hudson will go ahead and come on out before May 6th- but only God knows if he will or not. So if ya'll haven't heard anything by May 5th you can rest assured that we will have a baby one way or another on May 6th. We will have a baby in two weeks!
Hudson, you can commit this to memory- Women worry about their weight! I say that because I am the biggest I have ever been. Yes, I know that it is baby and not all me- but the scale and my body don't know that. Well- actually I guess a more accurate statement would be my joints don't know that. Anyway- having a you (Hudson)- is worth every pound I've gained- but I am getting pretty tired! Having had a great pregnancy I really can't complain- but I do have to admit that it is starting to take it's toll on me and I am ready to move on to the next phase of pregnancy- parenthood, and to let my body work toward getting back to normal. I know that I will miss feeling him move inside me though- that is the coolest feeling ever!
Gretchen- Dr. Fuller's nurse- asked me yesterday- "Aren't you glad we are not elephants? They carry their young for 2 years!"- I said yes- very glad and if that was the case I don't think most people would have more than one!
Jay was being Mr. Funnypants this week with the guys at work, he'd emailed them in the process of conversation on obesity that maybe now that I had been pregnant and had some physical ailments and uncomfortabilities related to pregnancy that I would appreciate what he went through all the time- reflux, backache, difficulty getting up, shortness of breath- that sort of thing. Made me laugh but I quickly replied to him that I intend to go to Weight Watchers as soon as possible after I have Hudson to work on getting this weight off.
I also plan to train to run (well- I say "run" tongue & cheek- I am sure I will be walking more than running)- the Little Rock half marathon next March. A friend of ours- Eileen- did it last year and I told her that I would like to do it with her this next year. What a great way to get in shape and lose baby weight right? I will dedicate it to both Jay and Hudson. Ya'll keep me in your prayers.
Being the type of person that always tries to enjoy whatever stage I am in- and not have any regrets I was looking ahead and thinking how all of this will be forgotten in a matter of months. What I mean is that we will be in a totally different pace of life and as most people (parents) have told us- we will wonder what we ever did without Hudson. I think that is pretty cool. Everytime we do something we think "This could be the last time we do this before Hudson arrives"- then we just try to savor the moment! We saw "Monsters v.s. Aliens" in 3D at the movies last weekend and Jay said "This could be the last movie we see before Hudson is born."
I did want to brag on myself for a minute- or my good genes- Thanks Mom & Dad. Dr. Fuller is a very laid back man but he has bragged on my how well I have done with this pregnancy from day 1. He has been pleased with my blood pressure, my weight gain and overall how my body has handled being pregnant. Yesterday when he was checking Hudson's heart rate with the doppler he said "Well, no stretch marks"- I told him that I had been moisturizing every day and he said that might be some of it but that more than likely it was good genes and not gaining too much weight. He said when lady gains 75 lbs there is only so far the skin will stretch- that kinda made me smile because knowing how laid back he is I wonder what he does when a patient is noncompliant with his direction. I wonder if he ever gets made at them? Just made me smile.
Lastly for this entry- Poppa Jay ordered a base for the car seat for his car and a neat little camera that Rachel told us about called a Flip. Well- the base came the other day and the Flip came last night. We played with it a little last night. Jay was recording me while I was doing my nightly routine of removing make-up, washing my face and flossing and brushing my teeth- it was pretty cool. The neatest thing about this camera is that the software is on it and that you plug the actual camera right into your computer via a USB port and can download the footage or still shots right onto your computer. I was instructed by Jay that one of us needs to keep it with us at all times from now till Hudson is born- and even after- so I have it with me ;)
Well- ya'll have a good rest of the week. I- or Jay- will be sure to pass on if our precious angel decides to grace us with his presence before May 6th! Love ya'll!
If we make it to May 6th and Hudson has not hatched, I will be induced that day because Dr. Fuller does not allow his patients to go over the due date. So at least that gives us a time frame. I am hoping that Hudson will go ahead and come on out before May 6th- but only God knows if he will or not. So if ya'll haven't heard anything by May 5th you can rest assured that we will have a baby one way or another on May 6th. We will have a baby in two weeks!
Hudson, you can commit this to memory- Women worry about their weight! I say that because I am the biggest I have ever been. Yes, I know that it is baby and not all me- but the scale and my body don't know that. Well- actually I guess a more accurate statement would be my joints don't know that. Anyway- having a you (Hudson)- is worth every pound I've gained- but I am getting pretty tired! Having had a great pregnancy I really can't complain- but I do have to admit that it is starting to take it's toll on me and I am ready to move on to the next phase of pregnancy- parenthood, and to let my body work toward getting back to normal. I know that I will miss feeling him move inside me though- that is the coolest feeling ever!
Gretchen- Dr. Fuller's nurse- asked me yesterday- "Aren't you glad we are not elephants? They carry their young for 2 years!"- I said yes- very glad and if that was the case I don't think most people would have more than one!
Jay was being Mr. Funnypants this week with the guys at work, he'd emailed them in the process of conversation on obesity that maybe now that I had been pregnant and had some physical ailments and uncomfortabilities related to pregnancy that I would appreciate what he went through all the time- reflux, backache, difficulty getting up, shortness of breath- that sort of thing. Made me laugh but I quickly replied to him that I intend to go to Weight Watchers as soon as possible after I have Hudson to work on getting this weight off.
I also plan to train to run (well- I say "run" tongue & cheek- I am sure I will be walking more than running)- the Little Rock half marathon next March. A friend of ours- Eileen- did it last year and I told her that I would like to do it with her this next year. What a great way to get in shape and lose baby weight right? I will dedicate it to both Jay and Hudson. Ya'll keep me in your prayers.
Being the type of person that always tries to enjoy whatever stage I am in- and not have any regrets I was looking ahead and thinking how all of this will be forgotten in a matter of months. What I mean is that we will be in a totally different pace of life and as most people (parents) have told us- we will wonder what we ever did without Hudson. I think that is pretty cool. Everytime we do something we think "This could be the last time we do this before Hudson arrives"- then we just try to savor the moment! We saw "Monsters v.s. Aliens" in 3D at the movies last weekend and Jay said "This could be the last movie we see before Hudson is born."
I did want to brag on myself for a minute- or my good genes- Thanks Mom & Dad. Dr. Fuller is a very laid back man but he has bragged on my how well I have done with this pregnancy from day 1. He has been pleased with my blood pressure, my weight gain and overall how my body has handled being pregnant. Yesterday when he was checking Hudson's heart rate with the doppler he said "Well, no stretch marks"- I told him that I had been moisturizing every day and he said that might be some of it but that more than likely it was good genes and not gaining too much weight. He said when lady gains 75 lbs there is only so far the skin will stretch- that kinda made me smile because knowing how laid back he is I wonder what he does when a patient is noncompliant with his direction. I wonder if he ever gets made at them? Just made me smile.
Lastly for this entry- Poppa Jay ordered a base for the car seat for his car and a neat little camera that Rachel told us about called a Flip. Well- the base came the other day and the Flip came last night. We played with it a little last night. Jay was recording me while I was doing my nightly routine of removing make-up, washing my face and flossing and brushing my teeth- it was pretty cool. The neatest thing about this camera is that the software is on it and that you plug the actual camera right into your computer via a USB port and can download the footage or still shots right onto your computer. I was instructed by Jay that one of us needs to keep it with us at all times from now till Hudson is born- and even after- so I have it with me ;)
Well- ya'll have a good rest of the week. I- or Jay- will be sure to pass on if our precious angel decides to grace us with his presence before May 6th! Love ya'll!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Belly pictures- from April 16, 2009
And still some people say I "hardly show"
Hope that doesn't gross anyone out!
Camden Shower pictures- April 5, 2009
Becky (Jay's niece), Missy (Jay's" twin "cousin)
Jay's creative "high shot"
Me handing Gina's delicious punch to Jay
Hudson's Mommy & Daddy
Me eyeing the delicious punch
Nikki & Gracie Mae
Hudson's first Razorback bibs & booties
Card Miss Betty made- Love it!
L-R: Claudine (Jay's sister), Miss Charlotte, Miss Betty,Aunt Ola Faye (Jay's Mom's twin sister), Ashley & Connie
(cousins), Vicki (Jay's Aunt)
Claudine & Miss Charlotte 
Hudson's first pair of sandals
Books!!! 
Look at those shorts- too cute!
Gracie, Nikki & Gina (Jay's great-niece, niece and sister-in-law)
Miss Betty & Aunt Ola Faye
Cute bucket & stuff Vicki gave (she made bucket)
Daddy
Vicki & Me
Miss Betty & Miss Charlotte
Cake! Yummy! Progress report
Hudson's room pics
Well- we went to see Dr. Fuller yesterday afternoon and we have made some progress. Actually, Hudson is the one that is getting closer and closer into wanting to enter this world.We went from being dilated 1 cm and 50% effaced to being 2 cm and 60% effaced! If that pattern continues but does not accelerate I predict Hudson will arrive 1 week early. Anytime he is ready we are ready! (Although Jay has a big project at work that he would like to complete on the 25th of April and he is sure that Murphy's Law will bring Hudson to us that day).
Dr. Fuller was really pleased with my blood pressure (he said it couldn't be better) and that things were progressing just as he said they should.
Symptom-wise in the last week I have developed some mild swelling to my ankles and feet- where I had none before this. I try to wear tennis shoes no matter what- other than Sunday cause they just didn't go with my church outfit! Also- I have this insatiable thirst for water- I've been drinking like 100 oz (5 of the 20 oz bottles) per day easy. I just can't seem to drink enough. Other than that things are pretty much as they have been the whole pregnancy.
I need to get Hudson's room pictures posted soon- and also get some more belly shots (per Cristi's request ;)
Ya'll have a great day. I'll write more later.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Isn't she darling?
This is probably my favorite picture of LJ (my niece) to date. Ya'll can just drool over her with me- she is gorgeous isn't she?
Week 37
Hello everyone- fellow Hudson blog followers-:)
Well- since I wrote last week there have been a few developments. I did go to see Dr. Fuller on Wednesday (and we go tomorrow)- and he found that I was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. The effacement is what I was excited about because you can go for weeks dilated and it not mean much. Overall though it is all a good sign because it means my body is getting ready for delivery and should make things as smooth as can be expected. Also- if I don't have to be induced or have my membranes thinned artificially then that is good too!
We'll see tomorrow if I have dilated anymore. I was pretty sure also that last Wednesday night (early Thursday morning) that Hudson "dropped". What makes me say that? Well- I got up for one of my nightly bathroom breaks and would not have been aware of it otherwise- but when I laid back down I felt a "squeezing" down in my pelvis. I had never - and haven't since- felt that- so it made me wonder if that is what it was (baby dropping). The other thing is that all day I felt like I could breathe better and people commented on how I was sticking out more...I'll ask Dr. Fuller tomorrow and let ya'll know the verdict.
Jay & I worked and worked and COMPLETED- Hudson's room on Saturday. We literally worked all day on it. We assembled the last two pieces of furniture that we had purchased- then we put the crib together and got stuff placed in the room and on the walls. It was after 8pm when we stopped and decided we better get something to eat! Stay tuned for pictures...turned out really cute!
Oh- before that, on Thursday evening- I went to bookclub at Ann's and all the ladies had bought books for Hudson! Isn't that the nicest thing?! I was really touched because the majority of these ladies I've only known since last fall- it made me feel really special to know that they care so much about my unborn son- already!!! Also- I thought it was really cool because I think books are probably the best gift you can give someone. I intend on doing a lot of reading to/with Hudson. My Mom- I love you Mom- read a lot to us and I loved that! In fact, we asked her to tell stories so much that she ended up recording herself telling the stories so that we could listen to it anytime! Pretty creative! Anyway- thanks ladies!
Easter was nice. We went to service and then out to eat with Rachel & Dennis & Beau. Precious Beau! He is such a sweet little man! Jay & I took a long nap on Sunday afternoon and didn't go to bed super late. We're trying to catch up on/build our reserves of sleep.
We went yesterday and met with a pediatrician- Dr. September Westbrook. She will be Hudson's pediatrician because Jay & I both really liked her. She was very down to earth, laid back and very much about tailoring your parenting to YOUR child. She says books and classes help but living it is the best teacher. We were both very comfortable with her- so that made it easy. She was the first/only one we interviewed. I've been very blessed in my blind selections of physicians both for pediatrician and OB GYN. I told Dr. Fuller last time that I hoped he would not retire till I had my 2nd baby- he smiled.
I am super excited that in the next couple months I will get to see most of my family! Mom & Dad are coming from May 15-31st and then Julie & Patrick are coming in June (they haven't picked dates yet). It will be so good to see them all. Only ones missing will be Paul, Chenelle & LJ, which I won't get to see till Christmas. I am also very excited about an upcoming trip to Washington, DC with Jay. He has to go for training in mid-June and I will be off on maternity leave so we thought it would be a good time for me to go with him. I've wanted to go to DC since I moved here and this is the perfect timing- I'll get to do lots of walking with Hudson!
I have a request...If there is anyone out there that knows how to make a sock monkey- will you hook me up please? I will pay you- I would just really like to have a homemade sock monkey for Hudson. Mom had made us some when we were little but they are no where to be found and she said she doesn't remember the pattern anymore. I found some at Cracker Barrel (a restaurant here)- but like I said- they are too pretty- I want a homemade one. That and the Ragedy Ann and Andy dolls would be pretty cool. Boys can play with those right? It's not Barbie or anything.
Well- I have a shout-out for my friend Cristi. Cristi & I were pretty tight in nursing school but after graduation life just happened and we haven't seen each other in a very long time- actually she has a daughter that is 1 year old and I have never met her! Anyway- Cristi- you are an inspiration on being a good Mom, researching topics and breastfeeding in this day and age of convenience. I appreciate you and your advice! Just wanted you to know that. I am going to do the best I can with breastfeeding and we'll see how it turns out!
Ok- well- gotta run (I am at work afterall)- Hudson says "hello"- I just felt him wave in my belly (may have been his leg not his arm- but anyway he is getting pretty cramped in there!). Jay & I will keep everyone posted on new developments! Love ya'll! XO
Well- since I wrote last week there have been a few developments. I did go to see Dr. Fuller on Wednesday (and we go tomorrow)- and he found that I was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. The effacement is what I was excited about because you can go for weeks dilated and it not mean much. Overall though it is all a good sign because it means my body is getting ready for delivery and should make things as smooth as can be expected. Also- if I don't have to be induced or have my membranes thinned artificially then that is good too!
We'll see tomorrow if I have dilated anymore. I was pretty sure also that last Wednesday night (early Thursday morning) that Hudson "dropped". What makes me say that? Well- I got up for one of my nightly bathroom breaks and would not have been aware of it otherwise- but when I laid back down I felt a "squeezing" down in my pelvis. I had never - and haven't since- felt that- so it made me wonder if that is what it was (baby dropping). The other thing is that all day I felt like I could breathe better and people commented on how I was sticking out more...I'll ask Dr. Fuller tomorrow and let ya'll know the verdict.
Jay & I worked and worked and COMPLETED- Hudson's room on Saturday. We literally worked all day on it. We assembled the last two pieces of furniture that we had purchased- then we put the crib together and got stuff placed in the room and on the walls. It was after 8pm when we stopped and decided we better get something to eat! Stay tuned for pictures...turned out really cute!
Oh- before that, on Thursday evening- I went to bookclub at Ann's and all the ladies had bought books for Hudson! Isn't that the nicest thing?! I was really touched because the majority of these ladies I've only known since last fall- it made me feel really special to know that they care so much about my unborn son- already!!! Also- I thought it was really cool because I think books are probably the best gift you can give someone. I intend on doing a lot of reading to/with Hudson. My Mom- I love you Mom- read a lot to us and I loved that! In fact, we asked her to tell stories so much that she ended up recording herself telling the stories so that we could listen to it anytime! Pretty creative! Anyway- thanks ladies!
Easter was nice. We went to service and then out to eat with Rachel & Dennis & Beau. Precious Beau! He is such a sweet little man! Jay & I took a long nap on Sunday afternoon and didn't go to bed super late. We're trying to catch up on/build our reserves of sleep.
We went yesterday and met with a pediatrician- Dr. September Westbrook. She will be Hudson's pediatrician because Jay & I both really liked her. She was very down to earth, laid back and very much about tailoring your parenting to YOUR child. She says books and classes help but living it is the best teacher. We were both very comfortable with her- so that made it easy. She was the first/only one we interviewed. I've been very blessed in my blind selections of physicians both for pediatrician and OB GYN. I told Dr. Fuller last time that I hoped he would not retire till I had my 2nd baby- he smiled.
I am super excited that in the next couple months I will get to see most of my family! Mom & Dad are coming from May 15-31st and then Julie & Patrick are coming in June (they haven't picked dates yet). It will be so good to see them all. Only ones missing will be Paul, Chenelle & LJ, which I won't get to see till Christmas. I am also very excited about an upcoming trip to Washington, DC with Jay. He has to go for training in mid-June and I will be off on maternity leave so we thought it would be a good time for me to go with him. I've wanted to go to DC since I moved here and this is the perfect timing- I'll get to do lots of walking with Hudson!
I have a request...If there is anyone out there that knows how to make a sock monkey- will you hook me up please? I will pay you- I would just really like to have a homemade sock monkey for Hudson. Mom had made us some when we were little but they are no where to be found and she said she doesn't remember the pattern anymore. I found some at Cracker Barrel (a restaurant here)- but like I said- they are too pretty- I want a homemade one. That and the Ragedy Ann and Andy dolls would be pretty cool. Boys can play with those right? It's not Barbie or anything.
Well- I have a shout-out for my friend Cristi. Cristi & I were pretty tight in nursing school but after graduation life just happened and we haven't seen each other in a very long time- actually she has a daughter that is 1 year old and I have never met her! Anyway- Cristi- you are an inspiration on being a good Mom, researching topics and breastfeeding in this day and age of convenience. I appreciate you and your advice! Just wanted you to know that. I am going to do the best I can with breastfeeding and we'll see how it turns out!
Ok- well- gotta run (I am at work afterall)- Hudson says "hello"- I just felt him wave in my belly (may have been his leg not his arm- but anyway he is getting pretty cramped in there!). Jay & I will keep everyone posted on new developments! Love ya'll! XO
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Week 36
What a slacker I have been about keeping everyone updated!
Well- as the title dictates- this is week 36 and Hudson will be considered term as of Sunday. We start our weekly checkups with Dr. Fuller this week. We go tomorrow and they will be checking for group B Strep (a virus that sometimes women are carriers of). There is no real danger in being a carrier- it just tells the doctor that you will need (the mother) intravenous (IV) antibiotics before the baby is delivered so that it is not transmitted to the baby through the birth canal. I am not suspicious for it- they just have to get a firm "Yay" or "Nay".
They will also start checking to see if I am dialating yet. It is normal to start dialating a few weeks before the due date but it is ok if you don't too. Last week when we saw Dr. Fuller I asked approximately how big he thought Hudson was now and he indicated that he was about 7 lbs already! He estimated that he would be about 8 lbs 5 oz at birth, provided we make it to May 6th as a delivery date. Sounds like he is a healthy fella! That, and he is long. He measures from my breastbone/ribcage down to my pelvis. His head goes down into my pelvis already, though I don't think he is "dropped" yet.
I would like to throw out a few shout-outs before I go any farther- To my Mom, to my Aunt Doris and to my other family members (Jules, Patrick, Paul, Chenelle, Loralie) who follow my blog from Canada. I want ya'll to know that it is hard being away from all of you through all this. I've had a great pregnancy overall- but ya'll didn't get to see me in person at all or rub the baby bump. I hope you all know that I think of you all everyday and still consider you a big part and help in my life even though we are far apart! I love you all very much and can't wait to see you all again- though it will be at different times!
Ok- next- since I last wrote we had a couple showers for Hudson. The first I want to mention was our church group shower. It was on March 29, 2009. It was hosted at Heather Hardenberger's house- thanks girl! Hudson got a lot of neat stuff and we got to play some cool games. The cake was a baby pooh and tigger and was super cute- and delicious! I don't know if I had a favorite gift- it all was wonderful- but I have to say that the musical pooh that Rachel got Hudson was pretty special, that and I got to hold Beau! What more could you ask for?(Beau is Rachel and Dennis Blackwell's baby boy. He was born on March 25, 2009. Jay & I predict he and Hudson will be big buddies throughout their growing up. Rachel & Dennis live in our same subdivision, we go to church with them and they took several of the baby classes together with us- they are good friends!)
The second (chronologically third) shower was this last Sunday, April 5, 2009. It was hosted by Jay's sister- Claudine Baker. We went down to Jay's Dad's (Jim) on Saturday and spent the weekend there. Thank you Claudine for hosting a shower for Hudson! We got so many great outfits and books- it was wondeful! We LOVE books- I hope Hudson will too. Thank you to everyone again! He will soon be here!
In other news- Jay & I worked on Hudson's room weekend before last and we ordered some furniture for his room. A dresser, and another dresser with a hutch combo. We purchased them in the box and now understand why things cost so much more if you purchase them assembled. After 3 hours of labor, several scratches and a few smashed toes we had the first piece put together. The best part (please sense sarcasm) is that the instructions had NO WORDS- only pictures- so we had a super fun time matching the screws we were holding to ones in the picture! Big fun! Anything for our precious baby son though :)
We picked up the other two pieces (other dresser and the hutch) last night and we will assemble those sometime- I guess later this week. Thank you by the way to John Bryant- a great friend of ours who helped unload these pieces in the house so the pregnant lady didn't have to do it!
I've washed all his clothes and blankets so it is just a matter of getting those big pieces of furniture in the room and then I'll get it organized. I bought some baskets the other day so we should have it looking pretty cute by Sunday. Stay tuned for pictures...
I've noticed that it is now taking a lot more out of me to work full days. This has just been in the last couple weeks. I feel well overall- just drained by the end of the day and feel like I could sleep all day when the alarm clock goes off. I haven't had any problems sleeping and I haven't swelled any to date. I had several ladies this weekend tell me that there was still time for me to swell- so I guess we'll see. I drink plenty of water (at least 80 oz a day) so I think that has really helped.
We've selected a pediatrician and are going to meet her next Monday. Her name is Dr. September Westbrook and she is in the same complex with our primary care doctor. If I sit and think about everything I get overwhelmed- so I try just to deal with whatever is right in-front of me and make lots of lists. I have been pretty laid-back about things because I figure if several million people have done it before we have then surely we can too. God has been very good to both Jay and I through this and we appreciate all of you for your support and prayers too!
As a short aside- Jay will be 40 next month! I've been working on a small/medium get-together, I started on it today because it will be here before we know it and somehow I just feel like it needs to be in order before Hudson gets here!
Ya'll have a great week and I'll try to write again sooner than later...it's getting closer and closer to when we get to meet our precious angel- Hudson Jack Gillespie!
Well- as the title dictates- this is week 36 and Hudson will be considered term as of Sunday. We start our weekly checkups with Dr. Fuller this week. We go tomorrow and they will be checking for group B Strep (a virus that sometimes women are carriers of). There is no real danger in being a carrier- it just tells the doctor that you will need (the mother) intravenous (IV) antibiotics before the baby is delivered so that it is not transmitted to the baby through the birth canal. I am not suspicious for it- they just have to get a firm "Yay" or "Nay".
They will also start checking to see if I am dialating yet. It is normal to start dialating a few weeks before the due date but it is ok if you don't too. Last week when we saw Dr. Fuller I asked approximately how big he thought Hudson was now and he indicated that he was about 7 lbs already! He estimated that he would be about 8 lbs 5 oz at birth, provided we make it to May 6th as a delivery date. Sounds like he is a healthy fella! That, and he is long. He measures from my breastbone/ribcage down to my pelvis. His head goes down into my pelvis already, though I don't think he is "dropped" yet.
I would like to throw out a few shout-outs before I go any farther- To my Mom, to my Aunt Doris and to my other family members (Jules, Patrick, Paul, Chenelle, Loralie) who follow my blog from Canada. I want ya'll to know that it is hard being away from all of you through all this. I've had a great pregnancy overall- but ya'll didn't get to see me in person at all or rub the baby bump. I hope you all know that I think of you all everyday and still consider you a big part and help in my life even though we are far apart! I love you all very much and can't wait to see you all again- though it will be at different times!
Ok- next- since I last wrote we had a couple showers for Hudson. The first I want to mention was our church group shower. It was on March 29, 2009. It was hosted at Heather Hardenberger's house- thanks girl! Hudson got a lot of neat stuff and we got to play some cool games. The cake was a baby pooh and tigger and was super cute- and delicious! I don't know if I had a favorite gift- it all was wonderful- but I have to say that the musical pooh that Rachel got Hudson was pretty special, that and I got to hold Beau! What more could you ask for?(Beau is Rachel and Dennis Blackwell's baby boy. He was born on March 25, 2009. Jay & I predict he and Hudson will be big buddies throughout their growing up. Rachel & Dennis live in our same subdivision, we go to church with them and they took several of the baby classes together with us- they are good friends!)
The second (chronologically third) shower was this last Sunday, April 5, 2009. It was hosted by Jay's sister- Claudine Baker. We went down to Jay's Dad's (Jim) on Saturday and spent the weekend there. Thank you Claudine for hosting a shower for Hudson! We got so many great outfits and books- it was wondeful! We LOVE books- I hope Hudson will too. Thank you to everyone again! He will soon be here!
In other news- Jay & I worked on Hudson's room weekend before last and we ordered some furniture for his room. A dresser, and another dresser with a hutch combo. We purchased them in the box and now understand why things cost so much more if you purchase them assembled. After 3 hours of labor, several scratches and a few smashed toes we had the first piece put together. The best part (please sense sarcasm) is that the instructions had NO WORDS- only pictures- so we had a super fun time matching the screws we were holding to ones in the picture! Big fun! Anything for our precious baby son though :)
We picked up the other two pieces (other dresser and the hutch) last night and we will assemble those sometime- I guess later this week. Thank you by the way to John Bryant- a great friend of ours who helped unload these pieces in the house so the pregnant lady didn't have to do it!
I've washed all his clothes and blankets so it is just a matter of getting those big pieces of furniture in the room and then I'll get it organized. I bought some baskets the other day so we should have it looking pretty cute by Sunday. Stay tuned for pictures...
I've noticed that it is now taking a lot more out of me to work full days. This has just been in the last couple weeks. I feel well overall- just drained by the end of the day and feel like I could sleep all day when the alarm clock goes off. I haven't had any problems sleeping and I haven't swelled any to date. I had several ladies this weekend tell me that there was still time for me to swell- so I guess we'll see. I drink plenty of water (at least 80 oz a day) so I think that has really helped.
We've selected a pediatrician and are going to meet her next Monday. Her name is Dr. September Westbrook and she is in the same complex with our primary care doctor. If I sit and think about everything I get overwhelmed- so I try just to deal with whatever is right in-front of me and make lots of lists. I have been pretty laid-back about things because I figure if several million people have done it before we have then surely we can too. God has been very good to both Jay and I through this and we appreciate all of you for your support and prayers too!
As a short aside- Jay will be 40 next month! I've been working on a small/medium get-together, I started on it today because it will be here before we know it and somehow I just feel like it needs to be in order before Hudson gets here!
Ya'll have a great week and I'll try to write again sooner than later...it's getting closer and closer to when we get to meet our precious angel- Hudson Jack Gillespie!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)