A great contribution

Today I had another doctor appointment.  The doctor did all the normal things like blood pressure, fundal height check, and fetal heart rate.  They also did a strep test.  Nothing too dangerous, but then again nothing good for the baby to get.  So if I run positive for the test they will give me medications during labor to help prevent passing it to the baby.  And the last test they did was check my cervix.  I am already 1cm dilated!!! 

The doctor said that it's good I'm already dilating.  Most first time mom, he said, don't start this early and it's harder for them when it comes to labor.  But he told me that since I am dilating already I need to be more prepared for signs of labor. 

The other day Matt's mom sent us a box of mail, and in it she had a flier for cord blood banking with a little note saying "might be something good to look into."  So I asked my doctor about it this morning and he said they don't have the equipment to do it at the hospital on base, but I could contact the cord center and they would send the equipment to the hospital. 

I got home and researched it a little more.  I found a few great informational sites.  There have been cases where families have helped treat their child's leukemia.  It's amazing to me how something so natural in life, usually wasted, can save a little kids life from some diseases.  However, I don't think I can save my baby's cord blood.  It is just too expensive....

One company, the cheapest I found, starts at 20 years for $1900 and then $100 a year after that.  I wish we had the money to do it.

But I did find out that I can donate the cord blood, just like you can donate regular blood.  I think this is what I am going to do.  It would bring me so much happiness knowing that instead of wasting the cord blood, I could be saving another kids life.  So first thing Monday morning, I am going to call a donation center and get the equipment sent to my hospital.  I think it'll be such a great contribution :)

The end is near!

So, Matt and I finally went to Lamaze class.  It was a two day process, but definitely worth it.  We learned a bunch of calming techniques for when I am in labor which we now practice every day.  It was also nice to learn what to really expect on the big day.  There were so many things I didn't know! 

My "according to last period" due date isn't until the 27th of November, but Matt and I always had this hunch that she will come out earlier than that.  Even at my 20 week ultrasound, they said she looked older than that due date predicted.  They thought she was about two weeks older giving me a due date of the 13th of November. 

At Lamaze class, the birthing nurse talked about signs of labor, and signs of preterm labor (meaning "if you see these signs, you will probably have the baby within two weeks").  There were six signs to be aware of for preterm labor:
-Nesting
-Lightning/engagement
-Pelvic floor pressure
-Diarrhea and bowel disturbance
-Braxton Hicks contractions
-Lose of mucous plug, bloody show

I am already experiencing four of those signs (the first four), maybe even five.  I'm not quite sure how to determine what a Braxton Hicks contraction feels like. Sometimes I feel like I have them, but sometimes it feels different. So maybe I have them, maybe I don't. 

Either way, I think baby girl is about to be here soon.  Hopefully she grows a little bit more and gives me more time to clean.   But we can't wait to welcome her into this world.  She is going to be great :)

water grass and pumpkins

Matt and I have found a new favorite hobby....Fishing!!!  We both got a license to fish on Fort Carson for $15.  They have a few lakes on base, but we've only been to one so far.  We went last weekend and it was really cold outside, but yesterday was a perfect day.  It was chilly, but comfortable. 

We didn't catch anything again, but got a few nibbles.  The most we caught was water grass. 

Eventually we want to buy our own poles instead of having to rent, and maybe one day we will catch something.  It's just so nice getting to spend some great time together. 

After fishing, we drove to Canon City and went to a family owned corn maze and pumpkin patch.  It was kind of difficult walking through the maze.  I felt a little sick and the baby kept pushing out on my stomach making it harder. But we found the exit and sat down.  It was kind of fun picking out our own pumpkins. 

I think we got some good ones. 

We even got this nice picture together, taken by Matt's friends wife. (I edited it though.  The original picture had poor lighting).

I can't wait to have more adventures like this one, especially when the baby comes. 

Healthy and loving

I had my 34 week check up at the doctors this week.  Everything looked good.  I've gained 36 pounds so far (I was under weight to begin with, but I still feel like a huge porker), my blood pressure was "outstanding," and the baby seemed to have a great heart beat.  I've been having problems with heartburn, so the doc gave me some medicine to calm that down.

But a few months ago, while I was in California, another doctor noticed a lump in my breast.  It's never really bothered me, but poor Matt has been so worried about it.  So finally my doctor here in Colorado ordered a breast imaging exam.  Matt left work early to be with me at the hospital, but he wasn't allowed in the area where it was being done.  It felt like I was sitting in the back room for more than an hour before they started the exam. 

The lady was nice though.  She asked about the pregnancy and kept me talking while she did the ultrasound.  But then the radiologist walked in.  He looked a little worried.  He stared at the screen then finally turned to me.  He said it was nothing to worry about.  "A common occurrence in pregnant women" he said.  He used words I don't quit understand, but something was blocked, and it wasn't liquid, but it was benign.  He said to come back after I have the baby for another exam and a possible removal. 

I went out to find Matt in the waiting room.  He quickly jumped up to ask the news and I told him.  His face lit up with such joy.  Gosh, I love this guy.  He hugged me and kissed me and said "Thank you God for my healthy Elbee!" The whole walk to the car, he held me tightly.  I couldn't believe how relieved he was.  I feel so lucky to have him.  I wouldn't trade him for the world :)

So here I am...

I'm 34 weeks pregnant and so ready to meet our baby girl!  I already know she is going to be an active little thing.  She kicks and punches me at all times of the day.  Even the doctors tell me she is the most active they have ever seen.  She doesn't get that from me!  I can bet she will look and act a lot like her daddy. 

Matt has been so great during the whole pregnancy.  My favorite part is when he leans over, kisses my tummy, and says "I can't wait to meet her and teach her everything I know!"  I couldn't have been more lucky in life.