41 Weeks Pregnant

Boy has this week had its ups and downs! I think maybe the pregnancy hormones (YES I AM STILL PREGNANT) may have something to do with it. Or maybe it's the constant wondering "will today be the day?" Or the texts, e-mails, phone calls "DID YOU HAVE THE BABY YET!?" (Don't worry, you will know when it happens!) Or maybe it was hearing that I may not have the exact birth I want. Needless to say poor Mark has come home to a crying wife more this week than he's used to. The moments are fleeting and I quickly recover, but I have found myself extra emotional as this pregnancy comes to an end. (It has to come to an end right?)

41 week belly

I'm currently 41 weeks pregnant and am now being monitored much more often. Yesterday I had a NST (non-stress test) where they monitor baby's heartbeat for 30 minutes. He was active and constantly in 130's, 140's (spiked to 160 when doctor came in). Today we had an ultra sound to check fluid levels and breathing. He passed in 5 minutes (they give them up to 30). We even got some cute glimpses of fingers and toes!

Cici is ready to protect him already :

It's funny because his birth is something we've been anticipating and expecting for MONTHS, but on our walk today Mark and I realized seeing his "due date" come and go, has left us unprepared once again. It's like we had been prepping and prepping for this big event, and when it didn't happen.... we thought it was over! But, I have to keep reminding myself he is going to come and soon! If he's not out by Thursday I am going to be induced. I know many people are induced (many choose to be) but I am nervous about it, simply because it wasn't the way I saw it happening. I am hoping for a water birth, as natural as possible, with the majority of laboring to be done at home. But, perhaps baby is teaching me to expect the unexpected and to prepare myself BEFORE labor happens, so that when curve balls are thrown I am more prepared. Or maybe he's just having way too much fun punching me from the inside... Who knows!

Regardless, in 4 (or less!) days, Mark and I are going to get to hold our little boy in our arms. I know this could be some of the LONGEST 4 days of my life, so I'm trying to come up with little projects that keep me busy. Today I made three little burp cloths :) I've pinned quite a few projects that I hope to get started tomorrow and continue throughout the week. And I'm hoping that MAYBE, just maybe, because I've got all these plans made, he's going to say "SURPRISE!" and come tonight (or tomorrow) :) It's all a game in patience, but the day will come. And to all those out there wondering WHEN.... don't worry, We will let you know :)

Burp cloth

Overdue

Baby has decided he is quiteeee comfortable. And that at 40 weeks 3 days he is very much enjoying himself! I have told him there is a LOT more space on the outside, but he continues to push around in his small little bubble.

Trying as much as I can to not stress out about it, really 3 days "late" is not that bad. Due dates are just a rough estimate, but I want him to come out before we have to induce! IF he decides he doesn't want to come out, we will be induced a week from Friday. Which would make him a June baby. I've been thinking I'm having a May baby, but maybe he's trying to keep me on my toes and keep me flexible so I'm ready when he comes out :)

Tree in our front yard

That being said I've been off work since last week and it's been MARVELOUS. I've been much less stressed, am able to sleep in on all those nights that I am up for several hours because of discomfort, and am enjoying walking in the beautiful Minnesota spring time! Cici has also appreciated the extra attention before she no longer gets any :(

Park near our house

Blackhawk Park 

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

My mom arrived on Sunday, our due date, and that has been nice to have her here and spend time with her before the baby comes. We have gotten to continue to spoil the only grandkid Henry, and be amazed that only 4 months ago HE was in a belly too!

I got some funny looks at the airport!

40 Weeks Pregnant..Holding a baby

He loves when Auntie dresses him

Yea, he wore more clothes in 1 day withe me
than in an average week :)

Loves Ame

This is what he normally wears lol

So until my baby decides he is ready to come out I'll keep trying to keep myself distracted: cooking, walking (sometimes in the rain!) hanging out with mom, and resting. Regardless.. he will be here next week and that is CRAZY to think about! Can't believe how excited Mark and I are to meet him and to see his sweet little face!

Cici was not happy with our springtime rain walk

We got soaked!

Last Update before Baby?

I write that with a question, because WHO KNOWS when he will decide to show his cute little face. I KNOW it will be cute because my students keep telling me so. "When's that baby coming? 1 week... I bet he will be just SOO cute", "That cute little baby is just pushing his way out of you!" "I can't wait to meet your cute little baby boy!" Needless to say my growing belly is keeping teachers and students alike wondering if I will be at school the next day. Every day I come in I hear "you are still here!" But as Mark likes to remind me, he's not due for another week and a half.

38 weeks pregnant

Shocked by my belly

This time has been kind of hard for me because I am starting to have some labor symptoms, cramping, contractions, nausea, etc.... but they come and go, and no baby :) I'm sure when the time is right he will come, but I am quite on the edge of my seat with all these "false" labors. I'll be interested to see what my doctors plan is this Thursday at my appointment because I will be 39 weeks on Saturday, and I know that she doesn't like baby's to go much over a week over due date, so we'll see what plans she has in mind. She has informed me she will be writing me a letter to give to HR that will put me on leave a week early (HOORAY!) So this is my last week at school. I feel ready, good about it and after Friday's celebration of my kids books (a huge first grade project!) I feel as though we've done most of the important stuff for the year!

For now Mark and I are just enjoying our last moments together. I feel as though the nursery is as done as it is going to be (Aside from a little thing my mom is making for the wall). We got our glider put together, our cute little hamper and a parent gave me a little fox hanging for the wall. All his clothes are packed in the hospital bag and we've got the noise machine and dehumidifier all set up and ready!

Glider and new hamper.

Alphabet wall

Fox hanging

Nesting project wreath-GO DEACS!

Tulips and wild flowers growing on front porch

Last weekend we enjoyed some time with family here (minus my brother who was working :( ) But we had a BBQ at Anne's and they finally got to meet Henry. Marcella loved him, even if she wasn't really sure of how to take care of him. Max was soo excited to see me (it had been a few weeks) He kept hugging me and kissing me and looking at my huge belly. Finally he said " That baby in there is going to be cute! He's a good guy." Yes Max he is a good guy :)

We were dressed alike

This week trying to take it easy at work, and just enjoy my students for one last week, and teaching first grade for one last week. Thinking baby will come sometime next week when I finally relax, but WHO KNOWS! :)