Well...here we are at the last day of the year, almost 36 weeks, and we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our little one. Ironic since if you had asked me a month ago if I would be thinking about baby's delivery date today I would have told you no. Here's what happened this week.
We had a doctor appointment on Tuesday to check progress made from last week. Since the doctor was concerned last week that baby would be coming much earlier then it he or she should I scheduled an appointment for this week. At the appointment I was checked and was dilated to 1.5 cm and was 50% effaced. When I asked about how this could be since I was told 70% effaced last week, she said since she could feel inside of my cervix now, they could get a better picture of how effaced I really was. At this point the doctor told me we still needed to be careful, but there was still a good chance I could make it to 37 weeks or maybe even to 40 weeks. I left feeling fairly comfortable that baby would be born healthy.
Then on Tuesday night we had more activity. I started to see some color which indicated to me that I might be losing my plug. Tuesday night I had a bunch of contractions. They were strong enough that they woke me up from my sleep and they started to feel like they might be real labor contractions. They were starting in my lower back and sides of my uterus and then spreading. I had cramping in my back and stomach. I started timing them after they weren't letting up and they were 6-7 minutes apart. Cole was very concerned and was constantly checking on me and asking me how I was doing. Every time I would get close to falling back asleep I would have another contraction. Cole finally fell asleep and I decided I would get up and pack the diaper bag. Although I had packed my stuff, I hadn't packed the baby's stuff. I had been having contractions for almost two hours, was drinking water and lying down and they didn't seem like they were going to let up. So I figured I would pack, then wake Cole up and we would go. About the time I finished packing I noticed that they started to subside. So, I laid down again and was timing them until the point where I noticed they were going away and was able to fall asleep.
Wednesday I went to work. During the day I lost my plug. Or at least I am fairly certain I did from the way it looked and how it is described in books, I don't think it could be anything else. I called the doctor to make sure I didn't need to do anything differently since I am not to term yet. She said to continue what I was doing and that since the plug has come out, there is a good chance baby should be coming any time within the next two weeks!
Since then, things have been fairly uneventful. I worked from home on Thursday and Friday. I have had mild contractions and shooting pains, but nothing that has been constant or indicative that active labor is arriving. So, here we are just waiting. Cole and I are both anxious and hate the not knowing. I know it is something everyone experiences, but it is certainly hard. Cole has been great taking care of me and trying to keep me off of my feet. We are going to have a nice night with friends tonight at a house, so that it will be low key for me.
We are taking guesses as to when baby will come. Here are guesses so far:
Cole: late sometime today
Mom: tomorrow
Kay (Mother in law): January 10th
Brenda (Step mom): January 8th
Me: January 5th
Saturday, December 31, 2011
2011 Was a Good Year
Wow. That is all I can say for 2011. As I reflect back on it, I think of what an amazing year it was and how so much happened. This will definitely be a year I will remember as one of the best in my life. Here are the highlights of my year. This will be all of them unless a baby comes unexpectedly today... more on that in the next post. :o)
* Got a promotion to Manager of Financial Operations at Saint Alphonsus
* Graduated Boise State with my masters degree
* Got pregnant with our first baby
* Went to Europe with Cole and visited Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Iceland
* Celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary
* Cole and I also celebrated 10 years of us being together
* Spent many wonderful memories with friends and family
We are looking forward to spending the evening with close friends and ringing in the new year. We will definitely get pictures!
* Got a promotion to Manager of Financial Operations at Saint Alphonsus
* Graduated Boise State with my masters degree
* Got pregnant with our first baby
* Went to Europe with Cole and visited Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Iceland
* Celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary
* Cole and I also celebrated 10 years of us being together
* Spent many wonderful memories with friends and family
We are looking forward to spending the evening with close friends and ringing in the new year. We will definitely get pictures!
Our Last Christmas as 'Just the Two of Us'
Our last Christmas together was pretty low key. Being pregnant and needing to rest made it so we didn't do much, no baking or cooking and mostly just lying around and resting. It was still a good one though.
Christmas Eve Cole and I spent the day home together by ourselves. We cuddled together and watched tv and got last minute gifts ready. We went out and bough the movie Christmas Vacation. This is a tradition in his family to watch, so he and I watched it together. I had also bought a Swedish holiday drink when I was in Seattle at IKEA and we cracked that open. Cole mixed the mulled holiday drink with apple cider and a little bit of white wine. It was definitely what a holiday drink should be, although it was a little sweet so you couldn't over do it. We also exchanged early Christmas gifts. I gave Cole his patchwork hobo pants that I made. He gave me some black fleur-de-lis earrings and a BSU t-shirt.
On Christmas we went to both of our parent's houses. First we went over to Cole's parents. Grae had to stay home in Wyoming this year, so it was just the four of us. We had a low key afternoon. We exchanged gifts and had the smoked ham that Cole's grandma sends for us every year. I got a locket from his parents complete with a picture of Cole and a spot for the new baby as well as a gift certificate for a pedicure. Cole got a Cabella's gift card so he could buy backpacking stuff and hockey tickets. Cole also opened another present from me - a beer brewers kit. Dinner was wonderful with ham, jello salad, potatoes, rolls, and green beans.
After we ate with his family we headed out to my parents. Since we had Thanksgiving dinner with my family this year, we didn't eat Christmas dinner with them. Instead we joined them for dessert and presents. We had pumpkin pie, chocolate satin pie, and cherry pie for dessert. So many options! Grandma did a wonderful job. Since my family had just gotten back from Cancun the day before, grandma got everything ready for Christmas dinner and dessert. After dessert we opened presents. Cole got me a Victoria's Secret pajama set that buttons so I can use it for while I am nursing. I got Cole a gift certificate to blank label where he can custom design his own dress shirt. Since we didn't eat dinner with my family we spent some time catching up before heading home for the evening. Although we headed out a little before 8, I was exhausted and ready to go home. It was nice to spend a quiet last Christmas before the little one comes. I know next year will bring a whole new layer of excitement and business. Unfortunately, no pictures this year. I brought my camera, but didn't realize the battery was dead.
Christmas Eve Cole and I spent the day home together by ourselves. We cuddled together and watched tv and got last minute gifts ready. We went out and bough the movie Christmas Vacation. This is a tradition in his family to watch, so he and I watched it together. I had also bought a Swedish holiday drink when I was in Seattle at IKEA and we cracked that open. Cole mixed the mulled holiday drink with apple cider and a little bit of white wine. It was definitely what a holiday drink should be, although it was a little sweet so you couldn't over do it. We also exchanged early Christmas gifts. I gave Cole his patchwork hobo pants that I made. He gave me some black fleur-de-lis earrings and a BSU t-shirt.
On Christmas we went to both of our parent's houses. First we went over to Cole's parents. Grae had to stay home in Wyoming this year, so it was just the four of us. We had a low key afternoon. We exchanged gifts and had the smoked ham that Cole's grandma sends for us every year. I got a locket from his parents complete with a picture of Cole and a spot for the new baby as well as a gift certificate for a pedicure. Cole got a Cabella's gift card so he could buy backpacking stuff and hockey tickets. Cole also opened another present from me - a beer brewers kit. Dinner was wonderful with ham, jello salad, potatoes, rolls, and green beans.
After we ate with his family we headed out to my parents. Since we had Thanksgiving dinner with my family this year, we didn't eat Christmas dinner with them. Instead we joined them for dessert and presents. We had pumpkin pie, chocolate satin pie, and cherry pie for dessert. So many options! Grandma did a wonderful job. Since my family had just gotten back from Cancun the day before, grandma got everything ready for Christmas dinner and dessert. After dessert we opened presents. Cole got me a Victoria's Secret pajama set that buttons so I can use it for while I am nursing. I got Cole a gift certificate to blank label where he can custom design his own dress shirt. Since we didn't eat dinner with my family we spent some time catching up before heading home for the evening. Although we headed out a little before 8, I was exhausted and ready to go home. It was nice to spend a quiet last Christmas before the little one comes. I know next year will bring a whole new layer of excitement and business. Unfortunately, no pictures this year. I brought my camera, but didn't realize the battery was dead.
Cole's Trip to Denver
The weekend before Christmas Cole went to Denver with Matt, and Ben and his brother Grae met up with them. What for you ask? Why a hockey game of course. Cole has been wanting to take a guys trip for quite some time and we realized if he was going to make it a reality he better do it soon since the baby is coming.
Although I clearly didn't go, I was told some of the things they did included - the hockey game, going to the bars, smoking cigars, eating at Waffle House, and going to Dave and Busters. The Waffle House is a cheap breakfast joint that Cole and I are addicted to and make a point of going to whenever we are on vacation and there is one in the city. I am told Cole was able to convert all of the guys into fans. Dave and Busters is like an adult Chuck E Cheese's complete with alcohol. This is somewhere I would love to go to, although I was told it would have been way more fun if I had gone since it is more of a date like place.
Of course this was a guys trip, so there weren't a ton of pictures taken. Thanks to Ben for taking a few on his phone that I was able to use.
What was I doing during this time? Well I made a Christmas present for Cole, patchwork hobo pants which he wears camping. If you could see these pants, you would know why they took me so long to make! I bought the fabric and cut it Friday night, then spent almost all day Saturday sewing them. If it weren't for my good friend Tina bringing her sewing machine over too, I probably wouldn't have gotten them done on Saturday. Saturday evening I spent with Cole's mom. We went out to dinner at Willow Creek Grill and she helped me out with organizing some things around the house. Saturday was an interesting day. It was the start of some frequent contractions which we found out from the doctor the following week caused some progression on the early labor side. Sunday I picked up the house and then Jessica came over and we baked goody boxes for Christmas to hand out as gifts. It was a busy weekend, but I got a lot done while Cole was out. Cole had tons of fun and the guys are already talking about their next getaway.
Although I clearly didn't go, I was told some of the things they did included - the hockey game, going to the bars, smoking cigars, eating at Waffle House, and going to Dave and Busters. The Waffle House is a cheap breakfast joint that Cole and I are addicted to and make a point of going to whenever we are on vacation and there is one in the city. I am told Cole was able to convert all of the guys into fans. Dave and Busters is like an adult Chuck E Cheese's complete with alcohol. This is somewhere I would love to go to, although I was told it would have been way more fun if I had gone since it is more of a date like place.
Of course this was a guys trip, so there weren't a ton of pictures taken. Thanks to Ben for taking a few on his phone that I was able to use.
What was I doing during this time? Well I made a Christmas present for Cole, patchwork hobo pants which he wears camping. If you could see these pants, you would know why they took me so long to make! I bought the fabric and cut it Friday night, then spent almost all day Saturday sewing them. If it weren't for my good friend Tina bringing her sewing machine over too, I probably wouldn't have gotten them done on Saturday. Saturday evening I spent with Cole's mom. We went out to dinner at Willow Creek Grill and she helped me out with organizing some things around the house. Saturday was an interesting day. It was the start of some frequent contractions which we found out from the doctor the following week caused some progression on the early labor side. Sunday I picked up the house and then Jessica came over and we baked goody boxes for Christmas to hand out as gifts. It was a busy weekend, but I got a lot done while Cole was out. Cole had tons of fun and the guys are already talking about their next getaway.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
34 Weeks Pregnant
I got a few pics earlier this week. Complete with my beginning stretch marks - ugh! I guess it was an inevitability. However it is something I am told I should wear with pride. So, in the interest of documenting the good and the bad, I am showing my stomach stretch marks and all.
I had a doctors appointment yesterday. I had a ton of contractions this past Saturday when Cole was out of town, and ever since I have felt that things have been different with my body. I had a feeling that my body was readying for the big day. So, when I went to the doctor I told her that I thought something had changed and that I wanted to be checked out. Well at least I can say that I know my body - my cervix is 70% effaced and the baby is 'engaged' in my pelvis and is at a -1 stage. Stages of 'engagement' go from -3 to 3. They don't count stages until you have dropped. 3 is crowning, and -3 is in the pelvic region but there is still some room for the head to go downward into the cervix. Needless to say baby Harper knows where the exit is and is ready for his or her debut. I was now told that I need to take it easy for the next few weeks to make sure the baby makes it to 37 weeks for full lung development. I have been ordered by the doctor to take it easy and not do much, including only working half days at work. For those of you that know me this won't be easy because I don't do well being told what to do against my will, and I don't like to be required to sit still. It is even harder because I have officially hit my nesting mode and have a million things that I want to do. It should be hard but I know it is necessary for the little one. I want to be able to take the baby home with us and don't want to see our little one in the NICU. So, here goes a few weeks of relaxing!
I had a doctors appointment yesterday. I had a ton of contractions this past Saturday when Cole was out of town, and ever since I have felt that things have been different with my body. I had a feeling that my body was readying for the big day. So, when I went to the doctor I told her that I thought something had changed and that I wanted to be checked out. Well at least I can say that I know my body - my cervix is 70% effaced and the baby is 'engaged' in my pelvis and is at a -1 stage. Stages of 'engagement' go from -3 to 3. They don't count stages until you have dropped. 3 is crowning, and -3 is in the pelvic region but there is still some room for the head to go downward into the cervix. Needless to say baby Harper knows where the exit is and is ready for his or her debut. I was now told that I need to take it easy for the next few weeks to make sure the baby makes it to 37 weeks for full lung development. I have been ordered by the doctor to take it easy and not do much, including only working half days at work. For those of you that know me this won't be easy because I don't do well being told what to do against my will, and I don't like to be required to sit still. It is even harder because I have officially hit my nesting mode and have a million things that I want to do. It should be hard but I know it is necessary for the little one. I want to be able to take the baby home with us and don't want to see our little one in the NICU. So, here goes a few weeks of relaxing!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Hiccups and Carpe Diem
This week I have been relishing in all of the glories of being pregnant. Although I have had a few inconveniences this week (my once a week throw up/food sitting in my esophagus night and baby digging into my ribs and being uncomfortable for a day) overall I have really enjoyed this part of my pregnancy. Today and other days like this are no exception.
Today the baby had the hiccups again. I love this feeling. The fact that it is becoming all the more frequent makes it even better. The baby is big enough now that I can see and feel almost all of the movements that are being made and it brings a smile to my face every time I feel the rhythmic thumping of my baby's hiccups. In addition to this I have been relishing in the rolls and twitches that this little one makes when moving. In fact I find myself many times throughout the day pulling up my shirt just to watch my stomach move and roll as my little one does acrobats inside of me. I find this sheer entertainment and I enjoy it best when I am alone and I can watch all by myself to take it all in without any distractions.
The other day Cole and I were sitting on the couch and he looked over at me and said 'I saw that!' as the baby was moving around in my belly. This too was wonderful because for a split second he got to be caught off guard by the baby's movements, which is what I experience every day. Although he can't actually be caught off guard through feeling the movement inside of him, it was neat that I didn't have to say "quick the baby is moving come feel/watch" for him to see the movement.
Today I found this post: http://www.howtobeadad.com/2011/7632/0-baby-sixty-seconds
which I absolutely love. Maybe it is because of the feelings of sheer enjoyment I am having currently. Even down to realizing that my nights of little sleep due to throwing up are karma for not having morning sickness, I am doing everything I can to enjoy this part of being pregnant. The above post is a 60 second video of a woman growing through pregnancy and then arriving with her baby in her arms. It is a reminder to all pregnant woman that although you want the end of the pregnancy to go fast, once it is over you will look back on it with thoughts of how it went by too fast and how you miss it. So, seize the day and enjoy all that pregnancy has to offer. That is just what I am doing this week, enjoying my little one and all the smiles he or she is bringing me now, knowing that soon I will be smiling from him or her for different reasons. I love you Baby Harper and I am so excited to meet you!
Today the baby had the hiccups again. I love this feeling. The fact that it is becoming all the more frequent makes it even better. The baby is big enough now that I can see and feel almost all of the movements that are being made and it brings a smile to my face every time I feel the rhythmic thumping of my baby's hiccups. In addition to this I have been relishing in the rolls and twitches that this little one makes when moving. In fact I find myself many times throughout the day pulling up my shirt just to watch my stomach move and roll as my little one does acrobats inside of me. I find this sheer entertainment and I enjoy it best when I am alone and I can watch all by myself to take it all in without any distractions.
The other day Cole and I were sitting on the couch and he looked over at me and said 'I saw that!' as the baby was moving around in my belly. This too was wonderful because for a split second he got to be caught off guard by the baby's movements, which is what I experience every day. Although he can't actually be caught off guard through feeling the movement inside of him, it was neat that I didn't have to say "quick the baby is moving come feel/watch" for him to see the movement.
Today I found this post: http://www.howtobeadad.com/2011/7632/0-baby-sixty-seconds
which I absolutely love. Maybe it is because of the feelings of sheer enjoyment I am having currently. Even down to realizing that my nights of little sleep due to throwing up are karma for not having morning sickness, I am doing everything I can to enjoy this part of being pregnant. The above post is a 60 second video of a woman growing through pregnancy and then arriving with her baby in her arms. It is a reminder to all pregnant woman that although you want the end of the pregnancy to go fast, once it is over you will look back on it with thoughts of how it went by too fast and how you miss it. So, seize the day and enjoy all that pregnancy has to offer. That is just what I am doing this week, enjoying my little one and all the smiles he or she is bringing me now, knowing that soon I will be smiling from him or her for different reasons. I love you Baby Harper and I am so excited to meet you!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Saturday Visit With Connor
Whew! Saturday was a very busy day! Not only was my baby shower on Saturday, but we also got to visit Megan's son Connor at his house. We cherish this opportunity and it is definitely one of the highlights of the month since it is really the only time of year we get to see him. Since December happens to be Christmas, Megan's birthday, and right before Connor's birthday, this is the month we get to have our yearly visit.
After the baby shower we headed out to Connor's house. This year was neat because we got to see Connor in his own house which therefore meant his own environment and element. He was way less shy than he has been in the house and he loved that he got to show off all of his toys. Adrienne made a great meal for dinner consisting of clam chowder, biscuits, oranges and ham. After dinner the kids (Connor and his sister Lily) opened the presents that we got for them for Christmas. We visited laughed and played for the next few hours until it was time to go home. Highlights of the night included Connor riding his bike around the house - including slamming his bike tire down on the hardwood floor, Lily being in her own little world and self sufficient, Connor trying to fit into the box seen below, and everyone's favorite - Connor throwing a stuffed animal at me without any warning thus making me lose my plate and bowl that were in my hands. Fortunately there was no food in either, but I'm told the look on my face was priceless. We are so very thankful that Adrienne and Bryant allow us to spend time with the little man even though we know he is theirs.
After the baby shower we headed out to Connor's house. This year was neat because we got to see Connor in his own house which therefore meant his own environment and element. He was way less shy than he has been in the house and he loved that he got to show off all of his toys. Adrienne made a great meal for dinner consisting of clam chowder, biscuits, oranges and ham. After dinner the kids (Connor and his sister Lily) opened the presents that we got for them for Christmas. We visited laughed and played for the next few hours until it was time to go home. Highlights of the night included Connor riding his bike around the house - including slamming his bike tire down on the hardwood floor, Lily being in her own little world and self sufficient, Connor trying to fit into the box seen below, and everyone's favorite - Connor throwing a stuffed animal at me without any warning thus making me lose my plate and bowl that were in my hands. Fortunately there was no food in either, but I'm told the look on my face was priceless. We are so very thankful that Adrienne and Bryant allow us to spend time with the little man even though we know he is theirs.
Baby Shower #1
This Saturday my moms threw me a baby shower for my close friends and nearby family. I had such a wonderful time with friends and family and we got tons of wonderful things for the little one. Some of the things that we got for the baby: BSU blanket and t-shirt, swaddle me blankets, pack and play, onesies, car seat travel system, and many other awesome gifts. We played baby shower games including: guess how big my belly is, concentration memory game, and baby food flavor guessing game. Together the moms made cake pop party favors and tons of food for a very lovely spread. It was a very special day. Thank you to the future grandmas for all of your hard work!
My beautiful sisters
Colleen and her little man Everett
Me and my main gal Meagan
Love these gals - Tina and Loren
The Grandma-to-be holding Lindsay's baby Brody
Dasha, Lindsay, Brody and I - CHS Girls
Lovely ladies- Jasmine, Shari, Jessica, Coco, & Lupe
My Wonderful Grandma
The awesome cake pops that the 'grandmas' made
Flower centerpiece that my mother-in-law bought for the shower
The food spread
Concentration Game Board
Jessica and I
All ready for the baby shower!
Almost 33 Weeks!
Idaho Steelheads Hockey
Any of you that know Cole well know that he is obsessed with hockey. It is his sport. We pay the $165 for the NHL Center Ice Package each year and when we plan vacations the destination frequently is planned with professional hockey games in mind. That being said, we don't have a professional team here in Boise obviously. So, we go to the Idaho Steelheads hockey games. We used to go to every game, but despite the downturn of the economy, the Steelheads have still chosen to jack up the prices in the bar area and in the arena. So, we don't get to go as frequently as we used to. We did get the opportunity to go this Friday though with Dasha and her boyfriend Cameron. One of my favorite things about going during this time of year is that right outside of the arena the Center on the Grove Christmas tree is lit up. We have started to make it a tradition to get our picture taken in front of it when going to a hockey game during the holiday season.
Friday was wonderful. We met up with Dasha and Cameron for dinner and drinks at Solid and then headed to the arena. During the game we discovered that I now have the ability to rest a drink on my ever growing stomach. We watched the first two periods down in the arena and then went up to the bar area for the last period. The Steelheads won in an overtime shootout. A great game to attend! Below are some of the pictures from the evening.
Friday was wonderful. We met up with Dasha and Cameron for dinner and drinks at Solid and then headed to the arena. During the game we discovered that I now have the ability to rest a drink on my ever growing stomach. We watched the first two periods down in the arena and then went up to the bar area for the last period. The Steelheads won in an overtime shootout. A great game to attend! Below are some of the pictures from the evening.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
10 Years And Counting...
December 5th was a very special day for Cole and I. We officially have been together for ten years now! My how time flies. Since we now have a wedding anniversary we won't be celebrating this day very often, but I did think this year was a special milestone to be recognized. Although we didn't do gifts or a fancy dinner due to saving money for Christmas and the baby, we did do something special that weekend.
Cole had to go up to Moscow for work and so I decided to go with him up to northern Idaho for some quality alone time. Although it was a quick trip it was very nice. We stopped first at a fruit stand outside of Grangeville. This family has their own orchards and so there are tons of fruit and also veggies. Not to mention my favorite, huckleberries! They have a patch of huckleberries right near their house/indoor stand and so there is huckleberry pie for sale, salad dressing, syrups, BBQ sauce, etc. You name it and they probably have it in huckleberry! After the fruit stand the next stop was 'the beagle house.' The beagle house is a bed and breakfast outside of a tiny little town. We were going to stay there but when Cole checked in the beginning of the week the house was already booked. It was still neat to see though. After that it was the rest of the way up to Moscow. Although we didn't do much in Moscow except for eat dinner and breakfast the next day before leaving, it was nice to get away. It was also nice to have quality conversation in the car without interruption from things like TV and computers. In the morning Cole and I went to The Breakfast Club for food. Lindsay recommended it and it was fabulous. I was able to get more of my fill of huckleberries through huckleberry zucchini bread and huckleberry stuffed pancakes. Both of which were divine! If I lived there I could see myself eating there frequently. After that it was back on the road back to Boise. A short but wonderful trip to celebrate a special day. Happy 10 Years My Love!!
Cole had to go up to Moscow for work and so I decided to go with him up to northern Idaho for some quality alone time. Although it was a quick trip it was very nice. We stopped first at a fruit stand outside of Grangeville. This family has their own orchards and so there are tons of fruit and also veggies. Not to mention my favorite, huckleberries! They have a patch of huckleberries right near their house/indoor stand and so there is huckleberry pie for sale, salad dressing, syrups, BBQ sauce, etc. You name it and they probably have it in huckleberry! After the fruit stand the next stop was 'the beagle house.' The beagle house is a bed and breakfast outside of a tiny little town. We were going to stay there but when Cole checked in the beginning of the week the house was already booked. It was still neat to see though. After that it was the rest of the way up to Moscow. Although we didn't do much in Moscow except for eat dinner and breakfast the next day before leaving, it was nice to get away. It was also nice to have quality conversation in the car without interruption from things like TV and computers. In the morning Cole and I went to The Breakfast Club for food. Lindsay recommended it and it was fabulous. I was able to get more of my fill of huckleberries through huckleberry zucchini bread and huckleberry stuffed pancakes. Both of which were divine! If I lived there I could see myself eating there frequently. After that it was back on the road back to Boise. A short but wonderful trip to celebrate a special day. Happy 10 Years My Love!!
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