Sometime You Just Need Some Sunshine

Today is one of those days!

38 Weeks and Impatiently Waiting

Weight: 220 up 1 lb from last week and 14 lbs from pre-pregnancy weight.
BP: 118/80

Sione's HR: 140

Measurements: 40 cm/wks back to being 2 weeks ahead

Position: Still head down and no longer back to back with me.
Progress: She didn't check me again today and i didn't ask so no new news really.

So no news! No checking! No baby!!!!

I am STILL having contractions but just more random.

He is was down in my pelvis and my pelvic bone feels like it just might snap in half.

I am running fast out of patients with Sione' and my body, my kids, myhusband, and anyone or thing that crosses my path.

I am however grateful to my sister who took me to dinner and a movie Monday night. She wanted to take me out for a night before Sione' does get here. We went to Chili's to eat and then went and to go see Saw VI. I had a blast and it was a great movie.

So really nothing to update on. Same old same old and i am just sooooooooooo ready!

For more check out Wordless Wednesday, 5MFM, MomSpective, MomDot, Ordinary and Awesome, and Seven Clown Circus.

Sigh........

So i am still pregnant and still having contractions (3 an hour at the most).

I am feeling......................

Well..................

Crappy!

There is no better way to put it. I know some of it is just me hitting the same brick wall that all pregnant women hit when you are considered full term and miserable, but another part of it is just me being so tired of these contractions.

Call them what you will but Braxton Hicks just does not seem appropriate. I never had them with my boys so i don't know what they are suppose to really feel like but from what i have read they are usually painless. These contractions i am having are not painless. They hurt like someone is twisting my ovaries and biting my uterus. And on top of that Sione' decides ever so often to scratch my cervix.

That is the only way i can describe the feeling. It is like he is taking his fingernail and scratching along my cervix. Maybe he is! Who knows! Maybe he sees a light and wants to explore. Either way it is a very annoying feeling.

I am huge! My stretch marks, which up until now had not gotten any worse, are starting to turn red and get bigger. They are inching closer and closer to my boobs. I was hoping to avoid this and was thinking they could not get any worse. I guess i was wrong!

My back and legs hurt! I can not sleep good at night between peeing and tossing and turning because of pain. I am just miserable!

I am however happy that my baby boy is safe and i know he will be here eventually.

(((He will be here eventually right? Cause he obviously cant stay in there forever!?!?)))

So what am i to do. The only thing i can i guess. Wait it out!

I am doing laundry, cleaning, and walking (among more entertaining, fun things which are not so entertaining and fun when you are huge, exhausted, and miserable) to try to get this thing on a roll. He will come when he is ready and i have to make piece with that, i know! Waiting is just not my forte if you know what i mean.

I have a midwife appointment tomorrow and i am going to ask to be check and possibly see if they might consider stripping my membranes. Either way i will probably update you on Wednesday. Wish me luck and keep on praying for me that labor will get its butt in gear and give me a visit (or for me to be more patient lol)!

Labor Update

9:52am: So i am guessing yesterday was a pratice day for me. Sione is still warm and cozy inside my tummy and the contractions have not really stopped but slowed down to the point that they only come about twice per hour. I will be going to hubby's game today since it is about 30 mins away and he wants me close in case they start back up again. I hopefully will be doing a lot of walking at the game and maybe that will pick them back up. Either way i guess he will get her when he gets here. I am a little disappointed and embarassed that i made such a big deal out of it for it not to be the real thing. I think i was just so excited and ready for it. Either way i am sure he will be making his apperence soon and i will be overjoyed to meet him when he does arrive.

11:59pm: I am headed to bed! Contractions have slowed down to about every 20 to 30 mins again which is disappointing but i still have hope they will pick back up. I am going to get some rest and i will update some more when i wake up.

6:52 pm: My contractions are about 10 mins apart now and the midwife told me to take a hot bath and try to get some sleep in case things start to pick up. I just got the kids fed and Marcus came home from work so i am off to do as told lol. I will try to keep you guys as up to date as possible. If you follow me on facebook or twitter i will be updating as long as i have access to my computer. Wish me luck that things start to pick up and this is it!

Nature Walk To School

I had to walk to go get the kids from school the other day. I decided to take my camera and try to capture some of the beautiful Fall scenery. I am by no means a great photographer with my cheap digi camera but i did manage to get a few really nice shots.

Just one of the many things i love about the fall. The colors are so warm and bright. The sky can be so dull at times and then so bright at other times. The cool crisp air just adds to the feel.

We have been eating a lot of soup for the last few weeks. It is just that kind of weather. Last night we had clam chowder with salad. It was so yummy and although the kids were not very into the soup they did devour 2 plates of salad a piece lol.

Just as a pregnancy up date for those who care, i am writing this as i have contractions. Not very frequent or strong but i am hoping that maybe this is it and not just more random false labor contractions. I guess we will see with time.

I am ready for my Fall boy to make his appearance and today would be a great day lol. Please pray for me that if this is the beginning of labor i can be strong and make this journey. I will try to keep you all in the loop and update again later so you will know what is going on.

Eviction Notice: 37 Weeks and Midwife Update

Weight: 219 up 1 lb from last week and 13 lbs from pre-pregnancy weight.

BP: 104/68

Sione's HR: 145 and right up near the skin of my lower belly.

Measurements: 37 cm/weeks. Right on for my actual due date.

Position: Still head down and no longer back to back with me.

Progress: She didn't check me today and i didn't ask so no new news really. I am having some mild contractions here and there but nothing serious. Plan on doing a lot of walking from here on out.

I am officially giving Sione' his eviction notice as of today! His lease is up and he hasn't paid rent in almost a year so i think it is more than fair to ask him to vacate the premises lol!

On a more serious note i tested positive for GBS (Group B Strep) but the midwife assured me that all is ok and as long as i get my antibiotics then i should have no problem. We talked a lot about different scenarios and problems with my current pediatrician but we have a plan and it works for all of us.

I wont say much just that my pediatrician is not very pro birth center or midwife and it is causing some problems. He wants me to admit the baby back into the hospital for 48 hr observation after i give birth (since i tested GBS+) and i do not think it is necessary after talking about it with my midwives. I think it is actually more risky to expose a newborn to the hostile germ filled hospital if it is not truly needed.

Anyways we also talked about when i need to call them and when i need to leave to go to the center. I will be ask to come in a little earlier than a normal delivery since i am GBS+ and they want to make sure i get my antibiotics in.

Other than that i am just playing the waiting game now. He is free to show his face any time now and i am getting so excited. I am really ready for it now and plan on doing a lot of walking and other things ***;)*** to hopefully speed along his arrival. I am just done being pregnant and ready to meet my little man!

For more check out Wordless Wednesday, 5MFM, MomSpective, MomDot, Ordinary and Awesome, and Seven Clown Circus.

All News Is Good News

Update: I just talked to my midwife and she reassured me that it is all fine. That losing the plug really does not mean much of anything and just to keep acting normally unless i start to have a bloody show or contractions or leaking. So nice to be able to talk to my midwives any time as opposed to doctors who take hours to call you back.
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So this really isnt for anyone elses reading pleasure but more for my record keeping. Sorry if this is disgusting to some but i am sure most mommies will know what i am saying and understand.

I lost my mucus (mucous) plug this morning. I kept feeling something wet in my underwear and thinking WTF so i went to the bathroom and there it was. Underwear snot! I know a great discription and so far past TMI for probably most of you lol.

It was not tinged with blood and was only a little bit. I am assuming that i only lost a little of it and not the whole thing.

I do not know when i lost it with my boys so i have no clue what to really think about it. I am getting lots of support from all my Twitter buddies and appreciate all of your responses to my panic lol.

I just keep talking to Sione and telling him he just has to wait 6 more days then he is free to come out when ever he pleases.

Since i am having no bloddy show, no leaking, and no contractions i will just assume for now that all is ok and we are in this for at least another week.

If you feel like it share your story about losing your mucus plug! Hey people i am bored so give me a break!

Almost There: 36 Week Pictures and Midwife Update

Weight: 218 up 1 lb from 2 weeks ago and 12 lbs from pre-pregnancy weight. She assured me that the 1 lb is probably all baby at this point though.

BP: 110/80 which is a little high for me but still very very normal.

Sione's HR: 140's and very strong.
Measurements: 38 cm/weeks. If i am still measuring this far head (2 weeks essentially) next week we will schedule another U/S to see if we can find the cause (either big baby or excess fluid).

Position: He is definitely head down (way down) and he is also at the moment back to back with me which we want to avoid since that is the cause of back labor. She suggested i spend some time a couple times a day on all fours (which hubby just lights up about; sicko) or bending over.

Progress: She checked me upon my request (due to my history of 37/38 week delivery) and i am 2cm dilated and 50% effaced. She said it is no where near a laboring cervix but that it is a great start for 36 weeks.

As far as how i am feeling well i bet you can guess. I am sooooo uncomfortable! Just ready to meet my little man and find out what he looks like and how big he is.

I finally got my bag partially packed. I have all the stuff i need for him in the bag and still need to get my stuff in there. I am going to pack a separate back with some snacks, toys, and such for the kids and myself.

This weekend i am going to try and find a comfy robe and a night gown for the birth. I decided if i end up in the tub a sports bra will probably be worn so that is already taken care of. Just need to finish it all up and put it in the car for when the time comes.

I had my maternity pics done yesterday and i can not wait to share with you all. I just know they turned our beautiful! She did some great shots of all the boys and me, just Marcus and I, and then me by myself. I can not wait to share.

So that is it for this week. I have my 37 week appointment next Tuesday and i will have another update next Wednesday. Till then just holding Mr. Sione' in!

For more check out Wordless Wednesday, 5MFM, MomSpective, MomDot, Ordinary and Awesome, and Seven Clown Circus.

Natural Birth Advice

So my due date is fastly approaching! I have 31 days (1 month/4 weeks and 3 days)! It is starting to set in to me that in as little as 4 weeks (or less) i could meet my little man!

As most of you know i am preparing for a natural birth at a birthing center. As much as i would like to say i am completely ready i just am not. I have so many unanswered questions.

I do not by any means doubt my body's ability to do this but mind and body often can be 2 separate things. I am trying very hard not to freak myself out over the details and just allow myself to go with the flow and allow my body to do what it knows how to do.

What i need from you all who have given birth naturally (either at home, hospital, or birthing center) is some advice.

What was the most comfortable position for you to labor in? I have heard a lot of people say that on all fours helped take some of the pain off their back but what did you do during the beginning and middle stages of labor? Did you walk a lot or use tools such as the birthing ball? I know it will ultimately be what is most comfortable for me but i think i would fare well knowing what all i can try to help.

What position did you find yourself in when you actually delivered? I have not yet decided if i will do a water birth or not (since it is an option). I am guessing it will depend on how i feel at the time and if i feel comfortable in the water. I know on the back as they do in hospitals is not the best position for baby but i have yet to really figure out what is the easiest way for baby to get out. Well maybe i don't mean easy but i think you get what i am saying.

What were some of the essential items you could not have lived without during labor? The birthing center provides all the comfort of home but does not provide any of the items you would have at home, meaning i have to bring everything i need/want with me. So what do i need because i am pretty clueless. Robe? PJs? Food? Drinks? Cell and a laptop are probably on my list already. What did you have to have or wish that you had, had at the time?

Did you have anything specific that got you through the transition phase of labor? Did you visualize anything specific or listen to a certain CD? I have heard the transition stage is usually when women start to panic since that is when the contractions really start to pick up. I have planned on visualizing something soothing like a bubbling brook or a gently rain but for those of you who have been there how well does this work. I need brutal honesty here!!!

I am not sure if i got all my questions out but if i have more i can always do another post lol. Thank you all for helping and feel free to leave a mile long comment as i need all the advice i can get! And by all means pass this on to anyone you know who can lend some advice!

Pumpkin Festival

Saturday we went to the local Pumpkin Festival. The kids had a blast seeing all the huge pumpkins and crafts. We bought fudge (Amaretto Chocolate Swirl is the best thing ever) and lots of fatty foods. The best thing i found though...the sign above! I want it to hang on my porch.

It was a fun day of family and well fun! The kids were exhausted and so was I by the time we left. The artisans were amazing and there was just so much to see.

For more check out Wordless Wednesday, 5MFM, MomSpective, MomDot, Ordinary and Awesome, and Seven Clown Circus.

Gone Fishin'

Last Saturday we took the boys for a modeling shoot. They do mini-modeling for a local studio. Masterpiece Studio of Charleston offers great discounts to their mini models and in turn we get unforgettable pictures of our kids.

They often send out emails for new sets and if we like the set we call and schedule the appointment. Then they use the pictures for their website and promotions.

The newest set was a Gone Fishin' theme and it was perfect for our boys. I just knew they would have a blast while shooting. So off we went to do a little photographing. Here is one of the pictures they are using for their promotions and web page.

I think it just turned out beautiful! It really shows my boys in their natural boyishness!

This is not one of the pictures we bought as we decided to hold out til we have money to buy a canvas size. They sell beautiful canvas pictures that look like paintings and i think this would be a perfect shot for that.

When we finished the shoot (as always) they gave the kids cookies, and this time they also gave them some goldfish crackers and with out permission they gave them 2 live goldfish. They boys were thrilled with their prizes and had such a blast doing the shoot.

I can not say enough good things about Masterpiece Studio of Charleston. If you are in the Charleston, WV area i would highly suggest you give them a call. They are amazing and truly melt your heart with the beautiful pictures they capture.

i am going back on the 13th to have my maternity pictures done and i could not be more excited! I just know they will capture a perfect portrait of my growing belly and family!

(Disclaimer: They did not ask me to do this post and i did not receive anything for doing it. I am just passing on through word of mouth how great i think this studio is)

Baby Names Meme

Steph over at Adventures In Babywearing posted this cute Meme about baby names and i decided to participate. I love hearing how people come up with names for their kids.

1. Do you have any cultural or religious naming traditions?
Not really. I guess we have a Jr but i dont think that counts as cultural or religious.

2. Did you or your partner come to the marriage with pre-selected names?
I most definitely did but i think most women start coming up with names early on in life and just drag them around with us til we find the right man lol.

3. Did you consider the sound of the first and middle and last names together? Did this make any sad eliminations?
We most definitely did! I dont think it made any elimanations but i could be forgetting something.

4. Did you have veto powers?
Of course i did lol. I carried the baby for 9 months so i get the ultimate decision!

5. Did the baby naming cause arguments?
It really didnt for me and my husband. However i had a few good friend who thought they needed a say so and got upset when we didnt like or take their suggestions.

6. Do you think it is easier to name boys or girls?
Both are hard! Naming a child is, in my opinion, a life long choice. If you name them the wrong thing and they get picked on or made fun of later in life they can always blame/resent you for it.

7. Did you eliminate names because of people from your past or present who you don’t like or because a certain image comes to mind?
Not really for me although i tried to stay far away from common names and names of celebrities. Hubby however turned down 2 of my favorite names because of situations with people he didnt like. Kayloni and Issaih were 2 of the casulties.

8. Did you / would you survey your children to get their thoughts on the name?
I never have but my kids are only 3 and 4 and in my belly so maybe when they get older i will ask.

9. Did you tell people the name or possible names before the baby was born or were they “in the vault”?
We told everyone once they were picked out simple because i liked calling our baby by it's name as soon as we found out a gender. It helped me to connect and bond with the baby in my belly.

10. Did you use baby name books?
Actually only for Phabian's middle name. Ma'Ky which sounds like Machi/Maki/Makai was found in a baby book by my husband who wanted to shorten it to make it easier for him to spell.

Drumroll Please…What did you name your kids?
Phabian Ma'Ky
Marcus Eugene Jr
Sione' Marcellus

You are suppose to tag people but i just wanna pass it on and if you do it please leave me a comment so i can read what you wrote.