Wednesday, April 27, 2011

37 weeks pregnant and I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Today I had my 37 week check-up.  I've lost a pound since last week.  Probably since I had the stomach flu over the weekend.  The stomach and pregnancy are not a fun combo.  Every time I would have a stomach cramp I would get a contraction. 
Everything checked out great.  The baby's heart beat was strong, my blood pressure was good, and my weight was fine too.  The doctor checked my progress and I'm still dilated to 1 cm, but now I'm 50 % effaced.  That's good news!  I have another appointment a week from tomorrow.
3-4 weeks ago it felt like I would never be this close to my due date.  Pregnancy is funny like that.  It always seems like the due date is forever away, and then all of a sudden it's just around the corner.  I guess that's how most highly anticipated events are. 
I'm finally starting to make progress on the nursery.  Sam fixed the changing table and moved it into Eliza's room.  I've washed and folded all of the blankets and clothes.  Now I just need to organize everything and put it all away.  I'm close to having it done.  Another couple of hours and it will be ready.  I should probably pack a hospital bag and get the car seat set up too.

We've recently heard that Sam's grandpa is not doing well.  He has congestive heart failure.  Since I heard that grandpa was back in the hospital and not expected to recover and in light of the upcoming arrival of our new baby, it's made me reflect on the miracle of life and the Plan of Salvation that our loving Heavenly Father has blessed us with.  I'm sure that most of the people who read my blog know that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes referred to as the Mormon church.  I believe with all my heart that this life is only one stop on our eternal journey.  I love the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I know that it is because of our Savior, Jesus Christ's everlasting atonement that my baby that is coming shortly, as well as my other children will be mine and Sam's forever.  I also know that Grandpa Knecht, whenever he is done with this life, will be greeted by his eternal love Grandma Knecht.  No other doctrine makes me more aware of our Heavenly Father and Savior's love for me than knowing that my Savior died for me and was resurrected so that I could return to live with Him and my family united in eternity.  What a beautiful blessing. 

If you're reading this blog and you don't know about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or you have questions about what we believe please feel free to leave me any questions you may have or check out the website: http://www.lds.org/.  

Thursday, April 21, 2011

36 down, 4 more to go.

Today I am officially 36 weeks pregnant.  The last 4 weeks are usually the hardest for me.  I've been experiencing all of the normal aches and pains of pregnancy, but now all of those things seemed to be magnified. 
I had another doctor's appointment today.  Everything looked really good.  Blood pressure, weight, baby's heart beat, amniotic fluid levels, they were all normal.  My doctor checked to see if I had dilated at all and I am still anterior (baby's high up, cervix not effaced) and only dilated to 1 cm.  Even though I've been having a lot of contrations/Braxton Hicks, I know from past experience not to expect my body to be fast at thinning and opening.  I fully expect to go to my due date.
Little by little I'm trying to get things ready around the house.  I've started gathering things for my hospital bag.  I have not started anything in the nursery.  I need to sort and wash clothes, organize the nursery, and clean things around the house.
I'm really looking forward to Eliza's arrival.  I can't wait to see what she looks like, what personality type she'll be, and how she'll fit into our family.  I'm really excited and curious to see how the boys will respond to having a new baby in our family.  What an exciting time!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Pregnancy Update

Today I am 34 weeks along.  Yay!  Only 6 weeks left.  I had a doctor's appointment today and everything checked out great.  The doctor was happy with my blood pressure and my weight.  I've only gained 13 pounds since the beginning.  I haven't even really started to retain water.  Sometimes if I have some busy days back to back and I forget to stay well hydrated, then in the evening I'll notice that I've retained a little water.  As long as I take it easy the next day and drink a lot of water then it all goes away and I'm back to normal. 
Lately I've been having a lot of contractions.  Most nights I have contractions off and on for about 2 hours or so.  Nothing too crazy, but enough that it can sometimes be a little uncomfortable.  I also have them during the day when I'm doing house work, walking up the stairs, and after bending over to help the boys.
My doctor asked if I wanted to be checked to see if my body had started to dilate, but I didn't want her to.  She said that at this point if I went into labor she wouldn't try to stop me from delivering.  I didn't want to be checked because #1. it's really uncomfortable, #2. I think I would be disappointed if I wasn't dilated, #3. I think I would worry too much if I was dilated.  (I know that sounds crazy and contradicting, but I'm pregnant, I have every right to have crazy feelings.)  It's better if I just let things take course on their own, and don't stress.  I don't really think I'll be going into labor anytime soon.  I'm sure that I'll probably go into labor sometime the week of May 15th.
I'm preparing for the labor and delivery a little differently this time.  I've read the "HypnoBirthing" book, and "Hypnosis for a joyful pregnancy and pain-free labor and delivery".  I've been practicing hypnosis with a couple of my own hypnosis scripts and some from the Hypnobabies program.  I'm hoping to have a shorter labor this time around.  Both of my labors with the boys were about 20 hours.  I'm hoping that by being able to relax and hypnotize myself that I'll allow my body to open and thin more easily and quickly.  With both of the boys' labors I labored without any interventions or pain meds for about 10 hours.  I'd be really happy with having a 10 hour labor.  I totally feel like I could do it naturally if it were 10 hours or less.
I'm really looking forward to the arrival of this little girl.  We've decided to name her Eliza Jean.  I don't really have anything ready for her yet.  My parents and little sister are coming tomorrow, and I'm hoping to get a few things done with the help of my wonderful mom and sister.

Here's a picture that I took today of my pregnant belly.  Do I look ready to pop?  I don't really feel ready to pop, at least not yet.

I think I'll probably keep you posted if anything big changes.  My next Dr.'s appt. is in 2 weeks.  After that I'll be going to the Dr.'s every week.