Latte Lovin' Mommy: Braxton Hicks

Showing posts with label Braxton Hicks. Show all posts

July 28, 2009

It Was a Practice Run

Well 34 weeks down, just 6 or so left... right??? Right. That's to my due date- 09/06/09- cool, eh? We would actually love 09/09/09, but that seems so FAR away right now... and all I have been hearing is, "first time moms are always late... yadayada..." Weeellllll..... I'm not so sure that BabyW is going to wait.... especially after last night!

I've been having Braxton-Hicks (B/H) contractions since about 25 weeks- they are very common, not harmful and only mildly uncomfortable. It's basically BabyW's way of telling me to take it easy, or they are common when it's hot. Yesterday was hot.... yesterday was NOT B/H contractions....!

It started on my drive home from work (and I didn't even stop for a Slurpee!) in nice balmy 102 degree weather. I had mid-line pain below my belly button that felt like a burning sensation followed by a contraction. These were different than all of my other ones- lower and a bit stronger. After the second one, I began timing them and then promptly laid down to rest once I got home. We were also instructed in our classes that pre-term (anything less than 37 weeks) labor can be caused by dehydration so you're supposed to empty your bladder and then drink a ton of water and then lay on your side. So, I did. And they continued.... and continued. Finally after three hours, I called Labor & Delivery and explained what I was going through and well.... we had a little late night visit to the hospital!

Even knowing that it was highly unlikely that this was "it," we still tossed a few things in a bag and jumped (Jason did, I, on the other hand, waddled and scooched) in the car and made the 20-minute drive to the hospital. Despite some people waiting to clear security, they whisked me back to admitting (woo-hoo- this belly is a free line pass at the hospital!) very quickly. Unfortunately, Jason wasn't so lucky and after about 10 minutes he finally made it to my room.

My nurse rocked... despite the duration of time that I'd been having pre-labor, I still felt a bit silly to be at the hospital, but because of only being 34 weeks, it was important that I was there. She did a great job of making me feel quite normal for being there... she was there five times prior to delivering! LOL BabyW and I were hooked up to some monitors with wires snaking around us- wow- she is a marathoner like her Daddy- her heart was thumping away like crazy! And it went up during each contraction. And then I got to have a fun exam! That, was painful- but we found out that her head is really, really low; but I'm not dilated, so BabyW is not going to make a debut this time- thank goodness! Hearing her heartbeat and seeing her healthy and active (the Doc said she is a wiggle worm!) on the ultrasound was a relief- she was kicking the monitor sensors! Oh, and she is huge--- not alot of room left in there- which explains why I feel and look larger every day! My contractions weren't progressing, nor letting up, so they gave me some medicine to ease them and after a few hours, we were on our way back home. Phew- I- WE- were not quite ready yet for BabyW to make her long-awaited appearance! Even after five years, we could wait for just a few more weeks to get just a bit more done around here! And we might need just a bit more practice on our breathing and relaxation techniques!!!!

So now for the Irony: our 'to-do' list for the evening was to situate the nursery and pack our hospital bags!!! So funny!

July 27, 2009

.... And a Little Mustard for the Ketchup....

...yes, playing catch-up again!
(that's for you honey.... he puts mustard on EVERYTHING!)

I’ve not forgotten blogland, it's just these past few weeks have been busy, busy- and I’m trying to just managing eating and working let alone keeping this updated. The good news is that life is finally slowing down this week and I am looking forward to a little break!!!!

We had a regularly scheduled OB appointment on the 15th and it was cancelled- but we didn’t find out until after we go there! Ugh- talk about frustrating! Furthermore, they didn’t seem very concerned once I talked to the triage nurse that the next appointment wouldn’t be until I hit 36weeks! Needless to say, I was concerned and managed to book another appointment (although w/ a diff OB) for the 17th . I’ve been having serious Braxton-Hicks since early last week due to the heat and impending anxiety. One contraction had my baby belly tight for nearly 40 minutes- not so comfy! Jason couldn’t go (thank goodness, I actually had to have an “exam” done for the first time since very early on and I’m trying to maintain a shred of ladylike dignity in front of dear hubby- yes, I know that will fly out the window half-way through labor, but give me a few more weeks!). The good news? No dilation. Bad news? She is a big baby already- about 18” long and 6# already and she has about another five weeks to grow. Holy 9# toddler! So, all is well- so far!

After the appointment, I had a girls’ afternoon planned with my friend Kindle who flew in from Georgia (y’all) for the baby shower. We had a leisurely lunch, got pedis (my polka dot toes kinda look like cartoon mushrooms- and not because they are swollen!!!!) and went shopping- fun! Now how mean is this- she and her parents placed bets on how long I would last for the afternoon; and I was wiped out at 5:30! Nothin’ like hauling around a big ol’ preggers belly to end a fun day out! ( :

Kindle and I

and 'smurf mushroom' pedicure!

Not to mention I had to rest up for the big baby shower the next day (the 18th) at Dad & Stepmomsters hosted by her and BFF Leah!

Jason and I have been on the hunt for a glider/ rocker for the nursery- GrammaH did give us $$ to spend, but I wanted to try to save a little green (the environment- by recycling and money by not buying retail!) and get one from either a yard sale or craigslist. So we got up early (pre-baby shower) on Saturday to hit a few yard sales off of Craigslist that listed gliders…. Needless to say I am in love with craigslist! Unfortunately we didn’t find what I wanted and the few C/L ads that I’ve inquired about have already sold. Oh, and I discovered a petpeeve- people that say they are having yard sales- and don’t- it almost ranks right up there with them NOT taking down their signs! LOL.

The shower was very fun- I feel so honored that all of my friends and family have been so generous and caring during my pregnancy journey! It was all one big blur, actually! I am working on a complete baby shower post hopefully that will be up by the end of the week! That’s another reason that I’ve been a bad blogger- trying to finish the nursery and find a home for all of the baby schwag had been an adventure! ( :

(some of the Baby Shower Schwag taking over dining room)

<---- note: Jenxie Cat liking the bassinet!! LOL- he's been sleeping in the bottom shelf of it!

We were also busy visiting with friends and family over the weekend, finishing up classes for our Baby Degree as well as Jason’s “jail time” (he he- community service in lieu of paying $$ for a ticket) and maternity pictures throughout the week. I’m not sure if our classes have earned us a Master’s degree, but I definitely feel like we’ve just graduated from baby college. The week was wrapped up with the Keith Urban concert/ girls night out with Nanette and Erika- those Shirley Temples made it almost impossible to drive home! Phew- I’m EXHAUSTED just reliving the whole week! Time for a nap…..

One of our maternity pictures....

A random Keith Urban pic- great show- comfy seats in a luxury box too! ( :

July 15, 2009

Can She Hear Me?

There is much controversy in the medical world over what (and when) babies in utereo can hear- or even see for that matter. Studies have found that fetal hearing is clearly developed by 24 weeks- and my own experience with BabyW would have to agree. I think that she began to recognize sounds right about that time, and coincidence or not, was active whenever we were in the pr essence of another baby. I've tested this theory again over the past few weeks while visiting my girlyfriends and allowing BabyW to have playdates with Baby Aaliyah, Baby Penelope and Baby Grayson! (She's a busy little girl already!) Every time we are around a baby, and it isn't her normal 'awake' time, she reacts with movement. My biggest conclusion as to her sensitivity was over the 4th of July.

I grew up in a a very Podunk, Norman Rockwell-esque town in the middle of California. Very small, and complete with the down-home 4th of July celebration every year. My mom still lives there (how much longer after BabyW arrives! LOL) This is the one time of year that I also get completely homesick- my extended family also comes and this is one holiday that we all get to see each other and catch up. This year was no exception, and despite the 660 mile/ 13-hour + round trip, we made the journey- plus it was school reunion time, a weekend, and the baby shower. Although the drive itself was uneventful, it required a few more stops than normal due to my bitty bladder syndrome. I also discovered that it takes twice as long to load up a car for the road trip and 20 minutes in, I was completely exhausted and began just tossing crap in the rental car- thank goodness for an SUV with room! BabyW was on her best behaviour during the travels- of course!

Saturday the 4th was a BUSY day! It started with shower preparations, then the parade (it runs down Main Street twice!) honoring our nation's military, a arts and crafts fair, visiting with family, the baby shower and on to the fireworks- usually my favorite part! Due to traffic LOL- if you could see the town, you'd be laughing too!- we hoofed it in on brand new sidewalks and joined friends to enjoy the fireworks. GrandmaH bought a sponsorship in BabyW's name- so very cool- but we didn't make it much longer than that. At the detonation of every firework, BabyW 'jumped'- again and again. After about 10 minutes, we were both exhausted and left. There is no other explanation to her reacting like that except for the sounds of the fireworks. Needless to say by the time we got back to my mom's, I was very tired and trying to ward off Braxton-Hicks and some minor swelling. It was quite an adventure!

So, I think BabyW can hear- will she have Mommy's cat-like ears is the question???