B-I-G Baby!!!

I haven't done as well as I would have liked with updates, so this will include as much information as I can recall at this point. At our 32 week appointment, I measured 39 weeks. So....now Baby T is measuring 7 weeks further along. I asked the doctor if they had received the results of the sonogram and they showed me normative curves that reflected the 80th percentile for weight, belly, head, and femur. Essentially, Baby T is a big baby, but fortunately not off the charts. They still seemed confident that I would be able to deliver naturally and told me to let them worry about how big the baby is. It's nice for them to take on this burden, but seriously, I'm the one lugging around this kiddo everyday.

I wanted more information about my low iron as I'd been put on the prescription supplement and was concerned because the package said to discuss the risks of taking this medication while pregnant and breastfeeding. It's been about a week and a half since my appointment and the doctor hasn't called to update me on the information they said they were going to seek out regarding this information. I continue to be somewhat concerned about the lack of individualized attention that I'm getting. I just hope there are any issues that are being overlooked. I have to stay positive though. Through our discussion they did tell that my hemoglobin was assessed at an 11 from my last blood test. If my hemoglobin would drop below 10 at delivery then they would have to consider a blood transfusion. This makes me anxious and I'm hoping that this doesn't happen. That being said, I have little and no interest in eating liver and raisins everyday. I guess we'll see what happens.

I've had both my primary baby showers at this point. We feel very blessed to have the support of our friends and family. Baby T received lots of essentials and goodies. It was so nice to spend time with everyone, and see family members that I haven't seen in quite sometime. I went through our registries and prioritized the necessities we need. Over the next few weeks we'll have to pick them up. Forunately, we received a few nice giftcards as well. Every litte bit helps.

Prior to the shower here in Troy, Grandpa Thomason passed away at 11:48 am on April 18th. Diane had driven down for the shower and decided to wait until after the shower to break the news. I knew something was going on though, as she wasn't her typical self. Once everyone had left, I actually asked if it had happened since we knew it was a possibility. This past week we traveled back to Danville to attend the visitation/funeral. It was difficult for us to come to terms that Baby T was so close to meeting his great-grandfather, but he truly is in a better place. I just wish Baby T could have met him at least once and received one of his good bear hugs.

We had to reschedule our last Prepared Childbirth Class which we were supposed to attend on Wednesday night due to the funeral. We went to a different instructor last night. We're not sure that these classes were beneficial, and perhaps have given me more anxiety. I'm still scared of having an epidural, but also not sure that Anderson Hospital is prepared to assist me in a drug-free delivery. It seems there is different information provided by each nurse that we meet with. We're just hoping to have a good nurse when the big day comes.

Another memory for the baby book is a blunder on mommy's part. Today as I left for work, there was road construction from Route 40 to our subdivision which is atypical, however they're expanding the road to allow for a turning lane which will drastically improve my drive to work once it's done. I sat in the line of traffic for about 20 minutes and as I approached Route 40, I decided to use the shoulder to turn right. There were only three cars in front of me and I decided it wasn't a big deal. I've waited out this light several mornings, and I've also seen other cars more significantly break this law. That being said, I wasn't upset about being pulled over until the officer came back to the window and said my citation court date was 6/10! I told the officer, "great, that's my due date!" He told me I didn't have to appear in court, I said, "fantastic!" Not exactly the way I wanted to start my Friday morning. This was following a ridiculous charlie's horse at 5:30 am and lead to a pounding headache all afternoon. It hasn't been the best day of my pregnancy for sure. I'm approaching the uncomfortable stage, and I'm ready for Baby T to be here. Forunately, BJ has been supportive and has taken care of me.

Hmmmmm...

Well, the confusion goes on as there is no new information letting us know if Baby T is a giant or not. I had a ultrasound this past Wednesday. It's always nice to see him and take a glimpse at life inside the belly. Of course, he yawned as soon as the screen popped up. I think he's bored with these events, but always goes along for the ride. His little hands were up by his face again. The most amazing thing though was watching his little tongue move in and out of his mouth. It's such a surreal experience to think about this little human being that is forming inside. The technician did confirm that Baby T is in fact a boy. We wanted to know this just because we'd heard both at this point. She also pointed out that he has hair on the back of his head. It's so intriguing to think about what he'll look like. That little hair could be blonde like his daddy, brown like mine, or even red based on others in the family. The technician estimated that he is about four pounds. I'm unsure if this is abnormal or not. The information that I've read on the net says that babies on average are three pounds at this point. The doctor hadn't received the data from the technician at my appointment on Thursday. However, it's also my understanding that this information can easily be skewed and probably isn't accurate anyway. The tech estimated my due date to be June 1st.

To add to the fun of things, we decided to attempt some good ol' April Fools pranks on the grandparents due to the timing of the ultrasound. I called my dad and told him the doctors had figured out why I was measuring so big - there is another baby in there! My dad immediately said you're not getting me with an April Fool's. Ha! We took a different approach on the Thomason side. Due to their high hopes that Baby T would be a boy, we called and said, "you won't believe it - it's a girl!" Grandma Thomason immediately seemed concerned and commented that she'd have to change so many things. I'm guessing she's making a blanket or something that must be more gender specific. So funny!

To add to the craziness, the physician's assistant measured me at 36 weeks at my appointment this week and I'm 30! So rather than measuring four weeks further along - now I'm 6 weeks! I'm dying to hear their thoughts on the ultrasound. My fear is that I won't get any information until my next appointment so I'll be waiting two weeks. The worst part about measuring further along is that it makes me gets my hopes up that there is a chance I won't have to actually wait until June 10th for Baby T to get here. Although, my gut feeling tells me I'll be waiting until then and possibly longer.

At this point, I've gained 21 pounds. So, in my own words, I was given the "fat talk." The P.A. said that they hadn't wanted me to gain more than thirty and at this rate I'd be up 4o pounds by the time of delivery. So I was told to cut back on starches and sugars. Ugh! I can't say I've done so well even since hearing that information. I'm hoping the weather improves so I can get to walking again.

My mom, Aunt Lillian, Amanda, and Renee were over this weekend to work on favors for the baby shower here in two weeks. It was fun gabbing with everyone. Afterward my mom and I went in search of a glider/rocker for the nursery. We found one on sale which was even more exciting. I was very happy, as this was one item that I wasn't very optomistic we'd receive as a gift. Daddy will be putting the chair together on his day off this week.

This next weekend is the shower given by the Goodner aunts in Danville, and then the following weekend is the shower for friends and Jennings/Bush family members. I'm excited to see everyone and feel more confident that we're prepared for this kiddo. Time really is flying. It's amazing that he'll be here in two months! :)