Rockin' a Mom Suit

After giving birth to Evan I wasn't sure what to expect as far as a post-baby body goes.  Obviously the 50 lbs I gained over the course of 40 weeks caused a bit of stretching on my rather slender frame leaving a few permanent markings above my belly button.  Now of course I am my own worst critic, so what I consider noticeably ugly, most every one else would consider obscure or insignificant.  But every one else's opinion can't change the way I feel about myself - I have to be comfortable in my own skin.

When summer finally rolled around I had to decide just how comfortable I truly was with my new body.  I had lost all my weight and was back in pretty good shape, but those two little stretch marks made me decide that my bikini days were over.  I justified my decision by telling myself that I need to cover up a little more any way - I mean I am a mother now.  So I opted for the tankini and actually found some really cute options.  I wore this style for a couple of summers, but just never felt like it did any thing for my figure.

Fast forward two more years - I am now a mother of two.  I am in better shape after my second pregnancy than I was after my first, except of course for a little extra belly - but I have actually come to terms with that addition.  Unless I'm gonna be baring my belly, a six pack doesn't seem nearly as important any more - and quite frankly, requires too much work.  So again, a bikini is no longer a contender and the tankinis just don't do much for me or my body.

I was walking through Old Navy last week and spotted a really classy one piece hanging on the rack.  I have always dismissed this particular style because, COME ON...who wears a one piece these days??  Well, in my opinion...a mother.  But in my mind - not a cool, stylish mother - more like a mom who also sports a fanny pack.  For some reason when I would think one piece I envisioned a Speedo that accentuated all the wrong areas and could make even Pamela Anderson look flat.  So no matter the cut, print or brand I always turned my nose up to a one piece. That is, until last week.

I grabbed this suit to hopefully prove myself wrong about one pieces...

Let me tell you - not only did I prove myself wrong, but I am a HUGE fan now.  This suit is not only stylish, classy and cute, but I felt so comfortable as I pranced around my dressing room.  I realized that all the bending over I have to do at the beach and all the running I do after crazy kids - hell yeah - this was just the right fit.  But the icing on the cake - belly issues?  What belly issues?  Awesome.

So I bought not one...but two!

And it sure didn't hurt that these babies were only $17.50 a piece.  Score.

She's Finally Here

Mattie Jane Stinnett - born October 15, 2010

Our baby girl is five days old today and I'm just now getting around to making her birth announcement via the blogosphere.  Blame it on no sleep, my medication or the fact that even leaning up to grab my computer sends shooting pains down my legs - whatever the case, MJ deserves her blog time.

Mattie Jane was born on Friday, October 15th at 1:56 pm.  She weighed 8 lbs. 8.5 oz and measured 21.25 in.  Her head was a bit misshapen from her bumpy ride down the birth canal, but it only took a day for that to correct itself.   She is absolutely adorable and sweet as she can be.

I was fortunate to have my mom there for the birth.  Sharing that experience with her was truly special and I know it meant a lot to her to be there.  She could however work a little bit on her coaching methods.  Cracking jokes is not exactly the way to motivate a woman in pain - especially pain like that.  But it wouldn't be my mom's true presence with out that I guess.  My inner monster came out and said, "Mom - SHUT UP!"  I think we all laughed after that - or at least every one else did.

I want to follow up with MJ's birth story, but my lack of sleep is completely clouding my brain so I will wait a couple more days to do that.  But let me go ahead and warn you - the details might be disturbing so make a decision beforehand whether or not you want to go that route.  Until then...

Going All the Way

I never got around to giving the run down on yesterday's last and final check-up (39 1/2 weeks).  The plan going in was that if I was at least 4 cm dilated I would be sent over to the hospital to have my water broken and finally meet our baby girl.  MJ simply will not cut her Mama any slack.  I was "just shy" of 4 cm so my doctor wrote up a hospital order for Friday morning, the 15th - also my due date.  If I don't have the baby before then I am instructed to be at Waccamaw Hospital, 6 am sharp.  My doctor will break my water soon thereafter and we should finally meet Miss Mattie J.

I've been so consumed in the possibility of going into labor these past two weeks I barely noticed how quickly my due date actually approached.  Here I am staring the reality of two kids right in the face!  Ahh!  It would still be pretty cool to go into labor tomorrow since it's the 14th - I was born on December 14th.  Robert and Evan were both born on the 11th (August and July, respectively) - Girls vs. Boys.  My doctor laughs every time I throw out a new date that would be "neat" or "cool."  She thinks Robert and I are obsessed with numerology when in fact we don't really care.  It's just something to think about while we patiently wait for our child to arrive.  Well, not so patiently any more for me.  But I'm also the one with a foot permanently wedged underneath my ribcage.

The last thing my doctor said before I left the office was, "The only thing that could possibly slow your labor down after we break your water will be the size of the baby.  You're looking at another 9+ lber."  FANTASTIC!  Looking forward to the recovery.

Oh, final weight gain for this pregnancy - 34lbs.  WORD.

39 Weeks and STILL Pregnant

I went to my 39 week appointment this morning hoping that I would be at least 4 cm dilated.  In this case my doctor would've sent me over to the hospital where they would've broken my water to kick-start my labor.  Well, as my luck would have it - that door was slammed in my face.  Instead, I was told I am only 2+ cm dilated - just shy of 3 cm.  But the good news is that my cervix is definitely soft and I'm 50% effaced - in other words, I'm ready for labor.  It's literally just a waiting game now.

My doctor did encourage induction again because she is estimating the size of the baby to be between 8 and 8 1/2 lbs.  She's afraid that if we wait to induce at 40 weeks I will be delivering another 9+ lb baby.  I've decided I will go back to see her on Tuesday and if things have not progressed any further we will go ahead and schedule an induction since my cervix is labor-ready.  Again, the hope is that if I make it to Tuesday I will be dilated enough to only need a little help such as water breakage.  Avoiding the pitocin is my main goal this time.  I'd like to go as naturally as possible.

I was telling my doctor how my family and I discussed the possibility of having a 10/10/10 baby (which would be Sunday) and how cool that would be.  She suggested that in my condition I could probably induce my own labor with a warm enema and make that happen.  She recommended on Saturday night, around 8 or 9 pm, warming up an enema in hot water and giving it to myself.  She said if it works the way it should I will go into labor by Sunday morning.  Oh, really???  I thought.  Well, I might just have to try that.  If it doesn't work I can look at it as just cleansing my innards for when I do finally have this baby.  No poopies for me during delivery.

My mom is moving here tomorrow with the help of Robert so I am gonna lay low - literally - until he is back home then I will be back to sampling various home induction techniques.  So far climbing stairs has only resulted in pain, drinking tea has only made me get up more during the night and as for Robert - poor, poor Robert.  Well, he just feels used.  Isn't pregnancy great??

Self Maternity Photo Shoot

Throughout both of my pregnancies I attempted to document my growing belly by taking photos every few weeks.  The pictures were never meant to be high quality considering I usually just propped the camera up allowing myself a few seconds to run and quickly sit in its view in time for it to snap a quick shot.  When I was 38 weeks pregnant with Evan however I decided I really wanted a few maternity pictures that I could actually frame or put in an album that portrayed pregnancy for what it really is - beautiful.  So my friend Amanda set me up in a studio where she works and she took some amazing pictures that I have admired ever since.

Well, here I am 39 weeks with MJ and I have nothing of worth, as far as pictures go, to show for this pregnancy.  I also don't have Amanda to depend on to take any pictures for me.  And Robert doesn't know how to use my camera.  So, what to do, you ask?

Never underestimate the power of the self-timer.  Right, Amanda?

I decided I would do my own pictures.  That's right - by propping up the camera again and rushing into its view finder.  But this time I had a specific style of picture in mind that I wanted to take and through various resources I learned what settings I needed to use for my camera in order to accomplish that goal.  By playing around with the exposure and contrast and using natural light softened by the sheer curtains this was the final result - and I'm really happy with it.

 

Progression

I'm not in labor yet.  Darnit.  But I have progressed some.  At today's 38 week check-up I learned that I am 2 cm dilated, but my cervix is still fairly thick.  I have definitely been having contractions - minor ones I'd say - so they may still be considered Braxton Hicks contractions which is nothing to get excited about.

My doctor suggests walking up stairs to jump start labor.  She also highly recommends having intercourse which always makes me laugh considering that's how I got myself in this mess in the first place.  But whatever works, right?  I figured these options were way better than drinking castor oil and taking a car ride down a bumpy road.

During last week's visit I was given the option to induce at 39 weeks if I had not gone into labor on my own at that point.  Up until today I had made the decision that I would indeed choose induction at 39 weeks.  But after thinking it through I've made the decision to just let nature take its course.  Robert and I don't plan to have any more children after this birth and I think I would really like the experience of natural labor.  I want to feel the excitement and exhilaration of knowing this is it!   I want to scramble around the house wondering if I have everything I need but at the same time not really caring.  I long for the pure chaos of it all.  Call me crazy - but that's the final decision.  Now if 40 weeks rolls around and there's still no baby then this whole reasoning may go right out the window - in fact, I know it will.  I'll be scheduling an induction pronto.

So, in the meantime you can find me scaling my stairs, drinking raspberry leaf tea, eating pineapple and meditating - all while making my husband a very happy man. :)  Yes, I know, too much information.

Music to My Ears: Dilated

Just went in for my weekly check-up and found I am already dilated - just 1 cm, but my cervix is also soft.  MJ has dropped some since my last appointment too so that is yet another indication that labor is right around the corner.  I was having mild to medium crampage yesterday, but what I thought could be contractions ended up being diarrhea (if you find this detail gross, my apologies - this is for my record).  The diarrhea continued until this morning so I decided to google its connection to labor.  And what do you know?  Diarrhea is a sign of labor.  My doctor referred to it as "nature's enema."  She said she had a patient two days ago dealing with the same symptom and she was delivering a baby 48 hours later.  Whoa, dude!

Another bit of information my doctor shared with me is that they will do an induction at 39 weeks if I so desire.  I'm hoping I will go into labor on my own before then, but I imagine I will probably take them up on that offer if I haven't.  I will say the convenience of planning your own birth is quite remarkable.  So much for spontaneity, I guess.

My mind is reeling now with everything I need to get done before MJ decides to make an appearance.

• Pack a hospital bag
• Purchase newborn diapers
• Not much I can do about the infant carrier I ordered and still waiting on - oops.
• Have someone on call to take care of Evan
• Make sure camera/video are charged
• Get my remaining magazine assignments completed

I'm sure I've forgotten several important things - but oh well.  We're about to have a baby! :)

Measuring Big

Should we really surprised by this?  I mean it's not like we haven't heard that phrase a million times before.  In fact, that phrasing was used during so many visits when I was pregnant with Evan that it's become an expectation even now.  We were also informed that MJ may possess the all too familiar Evans' family trait - the monster melon.  Yay, I thought.  Delivery should once again be as pleasant as ever!

All this information was gathered at my 36 week appointment yesterday.  This appointment officially began "Baby Watch 2010" with the first check of my cervix.  It was luckily not in any shape to have a baby yet, but from this point on it will be checked on a weekly basis.  We also had an ultrasound done which confirmed MJ is positioned correctly, head down, and ready for delivery.  They estimated her current weight between 6 1/2 and 7 lbs.  I'm hoping that means her birth weight will be in the 7 1/2 to 8 lb range - and for recovery purposes I'm begging.

I gained a whopping 1 lb in the last two weeks making my weight gain total 31 lbs so far.  Not too shabby.  At this point however it wouldn't matter if I was 10 or 20 pounds heavier - uncomfortable is uncomfortable.

I can honestly say that I am ready for all that comes with taking care of an infant.  My only experience has been Evan and that was the hardest job I've ever had to date.  I'm confident that MJ will be easier, but any way you look at it night feedings can take their toll.  Luckily we are able to have Evan in his program which will make things a lot easier those first few weeks.  I will also have my mom here as she has decided to move to the area in just a few weeks.  YAY!!!!  I couldn't be happier to have my mom in the same town, not only to help me with a newborn, but to be a permanent fixture in Evan and MJ's lives.  Having grandparents near by is really special for a child.  I was not fortunate enough to have that so I am extremely happy that my children will.

So in just 4 short weeks Robert and I will be moving my mom here and welcoming our baby girl to the family.  Man, time really does fly!

Bi-weekly Check-Up

The 34-week marker has come and my bi-weekly check-up has gone.  My doctor seemed pleased with my progress today.  Everything seemed to be on point which made for a very short visit.  I have an ultrasound scheduled for my next appointment where we will check on MJ's weight and positioning.  If all goes well according to my birth plan MJ will be head down and ready to rock and roll.   None of this I think I'll stay in here for as long as humanly possible.  My plan is 38 weeks - do you hear that MJ, my sweet?  Make Mama happy!

A Baby Machine

Evidently I should have babies for a living according to my doctor.  My results came back from my 3-hour glucose test and she claimed they were the best numbers she had ever seen.  No gestational diabetes for me.  She added that I was made to have babies - whatever that means.  Maybe I should've considered this as a living...a lifelong surrogate.  Ha - absolutely not.

Weight gain for the past two weeks?  Not horrible - almost 3 lbs.  I'm thinking I'll gain about 40 lbs by the end of it all.  My initial goal was to not exceed 40 lbs so I won't be too disappointed with that.

Thirty two weeks and counting.

In other baby news, my brother and my sister-in-law are patiently awaiting the arrival of their son.  Ruth has been having contractions for the past two days and is dilated 3 1/2 cm.  Her contractions are about 7-8 minutes apart.  Once they drop to 5 minutes they will be hospital bound.  Yeah!  Being that my mom and I are flying to Chicago on Friday for Isabel's first birthday, it sure would be a bonus to meet my little nephew too.

Pregnancy Stats

I have definitely neglected MJ as far as pregnancy updates go, but this is not to be taken any other way other than I've been there and done that. I am more knowledgeable this time about symptoms and routine tests so it seems pointless to report - but this pregnancy has definitely been different so it's necessary that at least make note of that.

I am just shy of 31 weeks and really starting to feel big and uncomfortable.  I have gained 25 lbs. thus far, but five of those pounds were in just the last two weeks!  My doctor was a bit concerned because not only were my glucose levels elevated, but gaining weight more rapidly could indicate gestational diabetes.  I have to get a more thorough test done on Thursday that will determine whether I do in fact have gestational diabetes.  My doctor thinks that I am fine since my numbers were only slightly elevated based on their standard.  She checked my sugar just last week and my levels were great - so I'm fairly confident that Thursday will bring no bad news.

I have failed to mention the effect this pregnancy has had on my skin.  Contrary to my pregnancy with Evan, I have had no problems with pimples or blemishes.  In fact, my skin quality has been better while pregnant than not pregnant.  That's always a plus.  Although I'll deal with a few pimples over being pregnant any day.

Another issue I've been dealing with that I never really experienced my first pregnancy is what's referred to as "baby brain."  It's essentially memory loss due to those raging hormones.  Many times I simply can not remember where I left my keys or if I took my prenatal pill or not.  I'm sure I've taken a double dose several times not even realizing it.  It's an extremely frustrating feeling so I hope to never deal with Alzheimers or anything similar in the future.

Nine more weeks - and no, I'm not ready.

Gettting Closer

We've made it six months.  I'm not sure whether I feel like time has gone quickly or that we've had/have so much going on that I haven't been paying much attention - either way, we're here.

I mentioned before that MJ gives the womb quite a beating with her kicks and punches.  I don't even think this child sleeps because my insides aren't getting much of a break day or night.  We've definitely reached the point of alien nation - Robert's favorite part.  MJ throws her elbows or thrusts her feet and it looks like she may just break right through the skin.  Robert tends to get a little weirded out by this development.  You'd think I had a gigantic tape worm making an exit based on his reaction.

One symptom of pregnancy that I didn't deal with the first time was heart burn.  Man, I wish that was the case this time because it just plain sucks.  Every night when I start feeling nice and comfortable the burn sets in.  I can't pin point any certain foods that could be causing it so I'm assuming it's just a random symptom that I have to deal with.  I also am having horrible hip pain.  It has caused much conflict with my sleeping which I'm not very happy about.  But again, I realize it's just something I have to deal with - it comes with the pregnant territory. Oh boy, what joy.

I'll be 25 weeks on Friday.  Woot Woot!

Oh Dear

Sometimes what you think is a fabulous idea turns out to be not so fabulous after all. Like my beautiful candy jars. I envisioned lovely glass jars placed just right on my counter and filled to the rim with colorful candies. Its presence would add such a fun and playful twist to my kitchen decor. My vision was spot on. My self-control not so much.

I had my 4 week check-up with my new OB this morning and I was not very pleased when I watched the nurse move the small weight on the scale further and further to the right. I gained 5 lbs. this past month. ONE MONTH! I only gained 5 lbs. the prior three months combined. And it's all because of those damn candy jars! Please notice the half-filled jar of M&M's. Who did I think I was kidding? Like I could really walk past those jars every day and resist sticking my hand in and grabbing a large handful or two...or three.

That appointment was a wake up call. Would prunes look just as pretty?

Decision Made

Deciding on a baby name is far too complicated.  When I think I've come up with the perfect name, one that I think Robert will love, I find out that he knew a girl in high school by that same name and she was - how should I put it - easy.  Out the window it goes.  I come back with another name that has a really nice ring to it until I'm notified that Robert's ex-girlfriend named her daughter that too.  Again - gone.  Associations really take a toll on baby naming because unfortunately once you know someone who may not have made the greatest impression on you, well, that's the person you see when you say that particular name.

To avoid the difficulty and randomness of finding a name, we again decided to search our family trees and find the perfect one among the many branches.  We played around with a few different names - Hayden, Katherine, Ruth, Rhea - just to name a few, but we finally settled on one this morning.  In honor of Robert's great-great-great grandmother and my great aunt we are so excited to meet Mattie Jane.

When I put Evan to bed tonight I asked him if he wanted to say goodnight to the baby.  He stood up in his crib and leaned over and kissed my belly - and for the first time he said, "Nite Nite, Mattie."  My heart melted.

Low Country Living

We are somewhat settled in after our long awaited move to South Carolina.  Thanks to my brother Todd and his buddy Matt we were able to get all of our furniture moved in on Saturday.  We've literally been camping out on an air mattress for a week giving our moving truck transit time from Florida to South Carolina.  Not the most ideal sleeping arrangement for a pregnant lady.

We are absolutely thrilled with our new house.  We went in almost completely blind on this property and simply crossed our fingers it would be suitable.  It totally exceeded our expectations.  The layout is perfect, the size is exactly what we were shooting for and the yard is phenomenal!  We can't keep Evan or the dogs inside - score! 

In the short time we've been here I've managed to get most everything unpacked and put away.  Decorating will be my primary focus for the next month or so.  But that's the fun part because that involves shopping.  And the best shopper I know is coming to visit this weekend.  Bring some ideas with you, Sarah.  My goal is to have the house completely ready by October so we can feel completely at home when the new baby arrives.

Robert is in Pigeon Forge this week with his new job.  He seems really happy with his new position and is more convinced every day that things are really falling into place for us.  I share his feelings on that.  This is the most settled I have felt since we've been together - so almost 9 years! Yikes!  It's all smiles here in the Low Country.
 

 

 

And the Winner is...

Or should I say "and the winners are" because with the exception of one voter (sorry Kylie), everyone nailed it.  We are having a girl!  As satisfied as I would've been with having another boy, I must say, my heart swelled when the technician said those sweet words.  In fact, I had tears rolling down the sides of my face.  To experience both worlds will be a treat - or at least let's hope so.

Boy or Girl

I had my 19-week check-up yesterday.  I don't know what was more pleasing - the good report from my doctor or the remarkable work of the staff getting patients in and out in a timely manner.  From the moment I walked into the office to the moment I walked out only 30 minutes had lapsed.  Why are we moving again?

The heartbeat sounded perfect according to Dr. Baldwin.  She advised me to get a swine flu vaccination while I was there as well.  I thought about turning it down, but I figured I better be safe than sorry.  Vaccinations scare me for some reason - especially new ones.  At least it didn't hurt.

My next sceduled appointment is Thursday, the 27th.  We will find out if we're having another boy or a little girl.  Let's take a vote!  Who thinks we're having another boy?  And who thinks we're having a girl?

Sufferin' Succotash

Last week my mom found great humor in pointing out that Evan says "yes" with a sort of sloppy lisp.  He also says the letter "S" the same way.  If you remember Sylvester the Cat from Looney Tunes then you know exactly what I'm trying to describe.  It more or less sounds like he has a collection of spit in the back of his mouth. Which is why my mom called out "sufferin succotash" over and over and over again.  It was her effort to poke fun, but to also get a reaction out of Evan.  And, not surprisingly, it worked.

He thought the expression was absolutely hilarious - so hilarious that he made every attempt to repeat it.  Now having practiced it for a few days he has it down pretty well.  He decided to drop the "sufferin'" part and just go with "succotash."  The funniest part about it is that he naturally has the lisp sound down perfectly.

Yesterday morning Robert and I overheard Evan downstairs in his crib going back and forth between "succotash" and his other favorite expression, "yay-ya."  I have a feeling he's gonna be one of those kids that can be told to say anything - could get dangerous.

In baby news, I'm pretty sure I'm starting to feel movement.  What is referred to as quickening is what I'm most likely feeling.  It's a fluttering sensation that sometimes feels like popcorn popping.  It could also just be gas.  My stomach has been bubbling the entire pregnancy - I'm sure you all wanted to know that, but it is a natural part of pregnancy.  Among many other disturbing things.

I have had several requests for an updated belly shot.  Amanda is coming up tomorrow so I will have her take one so I can avoid my infamous mirror shots.  Robert will be leaving me tomorrow for an entire week.  He's heading up to Georgetown to get some things done at the restaurant.  Updates on all of that soon.

Monthy Check-Up

I heard a strong, rapid heart beat at today's monthly check-up.  What an indescribable feeling it is to hear the sound of human life just below the surface of an ever expanding belly.  I get emotional every time. 

And get this people - I only gained ONE pound since my last appointment.  ONE pound.  Even my nurse said, "nice job," after weighing me.  I was proud of myself.  I know this may sound ridiculous, but this is coming from someone who gained AT LEAST three lbs per visit in her last pregnancy.  In 15 weeks I have only gained eight pounds.  I'm sure to some this may not seem like an accomplishment, but for me - olympic gold!  I'm hoping to stay under 40 lbs. this time around.  For some reason I can hear Kylie laughing at me right now. ha.

Heading to Chicago on Wednesday to visit with my brother and his family.  Isabel will be 8 months old tomorrow.  I can't wait to see my little niece.  And to squawk back and forth with Ruth about pregnancy - I can see Tim cringing already.  Mimi is making the trip too!!

Hello Second Trimester

I have made it through the first trimester - finally.  And I say finally simply because it feels like I've been pregnant for an entire year already.  With 26 more weeks to go I might as well buckle down and get ready for what will truly feel like an eternity.

Just the other day I mentioned to my friend, Amanda, that I've been extremely forgetful regarding my pregnancy the last few weeks.  I don't mean that I've been misplacing things or forgetting to feed my child -  more along the lines of just forgetting that I'm pregnant.  I guess now that I'm feeling back to normal - other than the bulging belly - it just slips my mind sometimes.  I made a huge pasta and spinach dish the other night and the main ingredient for the sauce was feta cheese.  I absolutely LOVE feta cheese so I dumped an additional 1/2 cup in there for good measure.  After I completely devoured my meal it dawned on me that I'm not supposed to be eating feta cheese or any soft cheese for that matter.  And then I remembered the blue cheese crumbles on my salad and the gorgonzola cheese on my burger.  I thought to myself, "jeez, get it together."

But it didn't stop there.

Just last week I was feeling good that it was the weekend.  Evan was in bed.  Robert would be coming home soon.  I opened the fridge to get something to drink and realized we really didn't have anything.  But I spotted a few Miller Lites on the bottom shelf and immediately was like, "Yes!  That sounds perfect!"  So I popped the top and sat on the couch and enjoyed a nice cold brew.  And then I decided I would have another.

Mom, are you freaking out yet?

Totally kidding.  I haven't lost my entire brain yet.  Just a small portion.