Went to the doctor today and I am currently 4cm and 50% effaced. My midwife went ahead and stripped my membranes (very painfully) which resulted in my mucus plug coming out when I got home! Hopefully this means labor is coming soon. The back pain has been intense recently, and although I have a lot of braxton hicks, there are no real contractions with pain. I never thought I would pray for painful contractions.
Although we haven't reached the 40 week mark yet and our due date, the waiting has already been brutal. I got so restless the other day and nesting kicked in majorly. The day ended with a re-arranged living room (don't worry, I used furniture sliders!) and a clean house. The ONLY room I didn't clean was the girls' room. Trying to get them to keep a clean room has been a difficult process that we're still working on. They don't make their bed, leave clothes all over the floor, books and toys everywhere. It drives me nuts but I want to teach them to clean up after themselves.
Recently, Grace has been acting out at school. Pinching, slapping, licking food on other kids' lunch plates... her teacher has been really great at communicating her concerns and we're praying on how to get a handle on it all. We know that the transition of Justice coming into the world is a trigger and pray that it returns to normal after he arrives. It's not like her, and maybe there is some influence from other kids in the class, but we know that she's going through some emotions she doesn't know how to express. I'm worried, as a Mom, that maybe we're putting too much pressure on her. "When Justice comes, you need to set a good example..." and other lines we've said over the past months. It's our fault for not emphasizing the importance SHE has to us as our firstborn, and I pray that she realizes that we still treasure her and won't love her any less once he is here. These are some of the things you don't realize are so difficult, until you're in the situation yourself. Been praying a lot for the Lord's guidance in this.
As we wait anxiously for Justice to come, we're excited for this next chapter in our lives. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness has no end!!!
Friday, April 10, 2015
Saturday, March 28, 2015
2 weeks to go... or less!
38 WEEKS! The whole pregnancy has gone by pretty quickly, but the last couple weeks have been dragging! Since the girls were both late, I am praying that Justice isn't late as well. Today at my appointment, I mentioned that I felt selfish for hoping he comes out soon. The midwife told me it wasn't selfish at all and gave me the go ahead to try whatever I wanted to get labor started. Alrighty then, let's get it started! Grace was 6 days late and a couple of the last notable things we did prior to her labor starting, was eating teppanyaki and playing a game of monopoly. It has become a tradition that we will be doing again tomorrow evening. I am inviting my friend Maria to join in, because she's due a few days before me and we're both itching to hold our babies in our arms!
My official last day of work before I go on maternity leave is April 3rd... I wonder if I'll make it? Partially hoping I don't. But at the same time, I'm dreading leaving my wonderful co-workers.... they bring so much joy and laughter to my life along with the stresses that work brings. I can't believe that May 1st, I will have been there for 3 years. That really went by fast! Life goes by fast when you're having fun!
Bags are packed, carseat and stroller are ready, plan is set for taking care of the girls... come on, Justice. We're ready for you!
My official last day of work before I go on maternity leave is April 3rd... I wonder if I'll make it? Partially hoping I don't. But at the same time, I'm dreading leaving my wonderful co-workers.... they bring so much joy and laughter to my life along with the stresses that work brings. I can't believe that May 1st, I will have been there for 3 years. That really went by fast! Life goes by fast when you're having fun!
Bags are packed, carseat and stroller are ready, plan is set for taking care of the girls... come on, Justice. We're ready for you!
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
37 week update
We welcomed the 37th week of pregnancy with an eventful weekend!
My doctor's appointment this last Friday was quick and normal... they prefer not to check the cervix and dilation until it's either my due date or past my due date. It makes sense, you could be dilated for a while with no signs of labor, so why even fret about it? And apparently, since this is my 3rd pregnancy, I won't "drop" until it's time to deliver... really? Shaun will notice if I look a little lower... so we'll see how that goes. The pressure is definitely becoming more evident as each day passes.
As far as "things" go... we are READY! I've done so much laundry washing the blankets, sheets, burp cloths, clothes recently... it's amazing. I normally detest doing laundry. Funny how having a baby can change things. =) The co-sleeper, pack and play and bouncer have been set up... scored a used bumbo and tray off a facebook community page for only $15... diapers and wipes are on subscription from Amazon... and the diaper and hospital bags are packed and ready to go. We just need contractions to kick in!
Friday-Sunday, Shaun and I were fortunate to go to a marriage retreat sponsored by the Air National Guard. All expenses paid for the weekend at the beautiful Hilton Double Tree Hotel in Waikiki. The sessions were great! We learned a lot about communication between spouse and family in the military, "hot spot" triggers and how to address them with each other, fidelity while deployed, sex, and other great tools and tips for keeping your marriage healthy. We even got a quick lesson from a massage therapist! She pointed out a couple pressure points to help labor along once it starts... woohoo! There was a "Romantic Dinner" night with candlelight, photobooth and dancing to our wedding songs... and needless to say, great sleep in great hotel beds. =)
My doctor's appointment this last Friday was quick and normal... they prefer not to check the cervix and dilation until it's either my due date or past my due date. It makes sense, you could be dilated for a while with no signs of labor, so why even fret about it? And apparently, since this is my 3rd pregnancy, I won't "drop" until it's time to deliver... really? Shaun will notice if I look a little lower... so we'll see how that goes. The pressure is definitely becoming more evident as each day passes.
37 weeks
Friday-Sunday, Shaun and I were fortunate to go to a marriage retreat sponsored by the Air National Guard. All expenses paid for the weekend at the beautiful Hilton Double Tree Hotel in Waikiki. The sessions were great! We learned a lot about communication between spouse and family in the military, "hot spot" triggers and how to address them with each other, fidelity while deployed, sex, and other great tools and tips for keeping your marriage healthy. We even got a quick lesson from a massage therapist! She pointed out a couple pressure points to help labor along once it starts... woohoo! There was a "Romantic Dinner" night with candlelight, photobooth and dancing to our wedding songs... and needless to say, great sleep in great hotel beds. =)
As I prepare to deliver Justice and bring another life into this world... my prayer is that we would be great parents to this son we've been anticipating and praying for. People tell me having a boy is so different, easier than girls, and to be prepared. What do they mean? Be prepared for what?! I know it'll be different so I guess we just need to wait and see what it'll be like. Will he be mellow or active? Loud or quiet? Kind or rowdy? I especially pray that Grace and Faith adapt and transition smoothly. AND I pray that Justice comes sooner than later. =)
Until the next update...
Friday, March 20, 2015
Pressure, Pain, Pangs
Last week's doctor's appointment went well and there wasn't much to report except that I have gained a total of about 11 lbs so far (from my first weigh-in). Doctor didn't do anything different during the appointment, but checked my uterus measurement and asked if I wanted the Tdap (which I declined, we'll get into that later). I did however, finally get around to filling out the admission form for the hospital I plan to deliver at. The doctor's office had the forms so it was convenient to just fill it out there instead of go down to admissions next door.
Lately this past week, Justice has been sitting low on my pelvic area and causing pressure, pain and pangs! He will kick and move and jab and roll... and they all cause some sort of discomfort in one way or another. Oh the joys. I don't remember the girls doing this to me as much as he is. Everyone says it's because he's the boy and it doesn't stop when he's born. ;0) At least I know that he's growing healthy and roasting in the belly!
Since I'm now 36 weeks and 5 days along... I've already started saying he's only a few weeks away from being born. It is so hard to believe that it's so soon! Since I'm working full time during this pregnancy and haven't done this since I was pregnant with Grace 6 years ago, I really feel like the time has passed quickly. Every day that I come in to work is another day closer to Justice being born. I do have to say that I do not feel prepared as far as setting things up at home, and getting everything I need. We don't even have diapers, wipes or burp cloths! Which reminds me, I didn't update on my baby shower! That will be an entry in itself full of pictures. Back to my rant... I decided that since we have Amazon Prime, I would try out their subscription service for the diapers and wipes. When I price matched between Costco (where we would normally get them from) and online at Amazon, price points were cheaper on Amazon. So we'll see how it works out and if the timing of the deliveries work with our needs. I really wanted to go organic, or use the adorable Honest Company diapers, but shipping to Hawaii is crazy on top of the cost of their products! I'm grateful that Costco at least sells the Honest Company brand shampoo and body wash - it smells like Orange Dream. Delicious.
I have another doctor's appointment today and will be sure to update a little sooner than a week later like last time! Will need to get into the groove of updating the blog regularly so I can keep track of the littlest one's progress.
Shaun and I will be staying the weekend in Waikiki from tonight until Sunday afternoon for the Air National Guard's Strong Bonds Marriage Retreat. Blessed to have a short baby staycation free of charge for us, while concentrating on our marriage - which is the core of our family (aside from our personal relationships with the Lord). The girls are staying with my Mom and family, and they are stoked to say the least. =)
Until my next update.... aloha!
Lately this past week, Justice has been sitting low on my pelvic area and causing pressure, pain and pangs! He will kick and move and jab and roll... and they all cause some sort of discomfort in one way or another. Oh the joys. I don't remember the girls doing this to me as much as he is. Everyone says it's because he's the boy and it doesn't stop when he's born. ;0) At least I know that he's growing healthy and roasting in the belly!
Since I'm now 36 weeks and 5 days along... I've already started saying he's only a few weeks away from being born. It is so hard to believe that it's so soon! Since I'm working full time during this pregnancy and haven't done this since I was pregnant with Grace 6 years ago, I really feel like the time has passed quickly. Every day that I come in to work is another day closer to Justice being born. I do have to say that I do not feel prepared as far as setting things up at home, and getting everything I need. We don't even have diapers, wipes or burp cloths! Which reminds me, I didn't update on my baby shower! That will be an entry in itself full of pictures. Back to my rant... I decided that since we have Amazon Prime, I would try out their subscription service for the diapers and wipes. When I price matched between Costco (where we would normally get them from) and online at Amazon, price points were cheaper on Amazon. So we'll see how it works out and if the timing of the deliveries work with our needs. I really wanted to go organic, or use the adorable Honest Company diapers, but shipping to Hawaii is crazy on top of the cost of their products! I'm grateful that Costco at least sells the Honest Company brand shampoo and body wash - it smells like Orange Dream. Delicious.
I have another doctor's appointment today and will be sure to update a little sooner than a week later like last time! Will need to get into the groove of updating the blog regularly so I can keep track of the littlest one's progress.
Shaun and I will be staying the weekend in Waikiki from tonight until Sunday afternoon for the Air National Guard's Strong Bonds Marriage Retreat. Blessed to have a short baby staycation free of charge for us, while concentrating on our marriage - which is the core of our family (aside from our personal relationships with the Lord). The girls are staying with my Mom and family, and they are stoked to say the least. =)
Until my next update.... aloha!
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
35 week update!
Well, my attempt to update regularly has not been so productive. Things have been happening so quickly, time is passing like a flash and we are only 4.5 weeks out from meeting baby Justice! A couple Sundays ago, I even had people come up to me and say, "I didn't even know you were pregnant!" and were extra shocked to find out how soon I was due... I guess my attempt to wear regular clothes and look normal was working... up until recently. Definitely been feeling the extra weight and heaviness of the baby bump. Nights have been getting harder to get through with a straight shot of sleeping, and the bladder constantly insists I stop at the bathroom. I have however, started to gain some weight which is good since I lost so much in the beginning. A couple appointments ago, I weighed the same as I did in August!
Here are some bump pictures to catch up....
21 - 23 - 25 weeks
26 weeks
29 weeks
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35 weeks
I am now 35.5 weeks along, and tomorrow will mark the one-month count down exactly. Here's a picture I took today...
35.5 weeks
People have been passing down so many clothes and other baby items... we are so blessed! We were even over and abovely blessed by a brand new Stokke Scoot stroller. The family that gifted it to us somehow got a replacement for theirs and didn't need it, so they passed the blessing on to us. What an amazing Father we have! With the over abundance of clothes, I've been able to go through them and bless several other families I've found in need through a community page on facebook.
While the clock ticks down and we get ready for his arrival, I'm nervous, anxious, excited and partially worried that I won't want to come back to work full time. Please pray that we get the child care situation figured out. There's a good chance my loving Mother will not be available to watch him, so that leaves us to find someone who we trust, is reliable, and is in our budget (which isn't much)... we really need the Lord's guidance to find someone suitable who understands our parenting style and especially someone who loves the Lord as we do.
Will update later this week with more pictures and news... I see my doctor on Friday and will be taking my stress test, and then I'm excited for my baby shower on Saturday!
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