Hit The Road Jack

Ah, 35 weeks and 4 days... and I have issued this baby his eviction notice. I know my mother would prefer I would go over...like weeks over...but I am really hoping this baby wants to come sooner rather than later. I think I have every single third trimester pregnancy symptom imaginable...vying for the top spot is RLS and reflux. Last night the reflux was really bad. I think it was because I had a big dinner quite late after I finished teaching....so I won't be doing that again. I ate something like 12 tums between midnight and 6 am to no avail. Even tried to sleep sitting up. In the end, I just gave up.
The baby is getting bigger, but I don't seem to be gaining any weight (which I don't mind)...I have only gained 14 kilos the whole pregnancy (roughly 30 lbs) and haven't gained anything in the past 2 weeks. Maybe it's because the baby is growing, but I am countering the weight gain by losing weight because my stomach is so small I can't fit any food in there! David swears I don't even look pregnant from the back. It's only when I turn side on.
My friend Bianca and I went shopping last week and I managed to get the rest of what we need. We ended up buying a cradle (picture posted) and it is all ready to go. The bear in the corner makes noise like a uterus (courtesy of Hunter's Nana).
On the subject of names...we are going with Hunter for now. But one of my student's mothers said "What if he doesn't look like a Hunter? Do you have any back up names?" and then I started freaking out because we don't. So now we are thinking of backup names just in case he looks nothing like a Hunter. I am thinking something like Muhammad Ali might do because wow this kid packs a punch!
But mostly he is sweet. I feel sorry for him almost as much as I feel sorry for myself. If I were squished into a little ball with no where to go, I'd be kicking and punching everything in my way, too!
My recital and confirmation hearing went well. The baby behaved himself during both much to my delight and I passed both. The panel said I had a best selling book on my hands that they would buy so I was very encouraged! I have told all of my supervisors that next time I suggest I should give a recital while 34 weeks pregnant they should slap my face and tell me NO!
Doctors appointment next week...stay tuned. Love from the three of us (and a budgie...only one though - sadly, Lucy died last week...and it seems Linus has never been happier...hmmmmm).

Beginning To See The Light

Happy 34 weeks to us! I have to keep reminding myself there is a light at the end of this uncomfortable, bloated tunnel. Some people like to call it childbirth. I like to call it mecca.
Important events in the last two weeks include (yes, I do realize it has been that long since I last posted something):
We have successfully moved house. The new house is great! I love it! Still working on the guest room and the nursery so no exclusive photo tours just yet. But I did post the view from our front porch. That blue bit under the sky is the ocean. The picture doesn't do it justice, but we have gorgeous ocean views and the ocean breeze is nice. We are about 5 km from the ocean now. I also threw in a picture of the glider chair and ottoman I won off eBay over the weekend. It is so comfy. Night time feedings here we come...
Nextly, a week ago I lost my job. My boss had to downsize due to the economic downturn so maternity leave has unexpectedly started early.
Next on the list, I am giving my second Masters Degree Concert on Thursday. I don't know why I thought it would be okay to plan, rehearse, and pull this off at 34 weeks pregnant...my lung capacity is extremely limited and kicks to the diaphragm make singing interesting. Plus, I sing the baby 5 songs every day and am doing one at the concert...every time I sing it the baby recognizes it and moves around. Cute for an at home thing, but not so conducive to degree recitals. A week from today I attend my one year confirmation hearing - this is where I have to defend my thesis as a halfway evaluation point.
Finally, as we were unpacking boxes a couple of weekends ago I came across an old ultrasound report that I hadn't read. It turns out that there was/is a sizable cyst on my left ovary that NO ONE BOTHERED TO TELL ME ABOUT. A little freaked out, I called and made an appointment with a doctor at the hospital...yes, I had to specify that I wanted a doctor and NOT a midwife (AKA evil women). The doctor said it is probably nothing to worry about because in the more recent ultrasound reports it appears to be shrinking, but there is nothing they can do now and they'll take another scan postpartum to check on it.
I am feeling pretty crappy lately. Bloated, swollen, increasingly worse heartburn, and the most horrible of it all Restless Leg Syndrome. The baby is doing fine. He wiggles and moves and likes to stick his extremities in my ribs and hip bones all the while reeking havoc on my bladder. Poor kid...has no where to go. I bet he'll be happy when he can stretch out!
If everybody could do one thing for me...send over a thought that this baby is as impatient as his mommy and let's make this an early birth!

Ease On Down The Road

Today I am 31 weeks and 4 days. I was hoping to have some professional pics to post as on Wednesday I had photoshoot done....there was an ad in the paper for a model 7-9 months pregnant and I got the job! So I got paid to have my pregnant shots done. Awesome! Haven't gotten them back yet so stay tuned. I am convinced that the baby knew he was being photographed...he just kept wriggling!! As soon as the photographer found a position that looked good and was about to take the picture, the baby would move and my belly would totally take on a different shape. HAHA! He is either a shy one or a diva.
Also had another appointment at the hospital on Tuesday. The midwives HATE me for some reason. I never feel like they are giving me enough information. This time it was "your blood pressure is low (88/50), go get some bloodwork done, see you in 4 weeks" and I was out the door on my way to pathology. In 4 weeks I will be 35 weeks along....not sure I feel 100% comfortable, but I guess they know what they're doing, right?
So, yes, I have low blood pressure. The biggest danger is that I could pass out at any time so I have to be really careful and stay hydrated. I did my glucose test and was tested again for anemia. I was such a brave girl getting my blood drawn. It didn't hurt at all and surprisingly I wasn't even nervous.
I am being plagued by pregnancy niggles...the worst offender is Restless Legs Syndrome (or HeeBeeJeeBees as my mom calls it). It comes on as soon as I get into bed and I pretty much can't sleep at all...between that and having to pee 4 times a night. I usually can get to sleep around 6 in the morning and can sleep until about 10 (if I can manage to work it in with my busy schedule), but otherwise what sleep. I still have horrible indigestion, leg cramps, back ache, breathlessness, and am stuck wearing a maternity belt most of the time because the little guy is right in front and pulling on my abdomen.
In other news, we are moving house tomorrow. I am really excited. There is tons more room....master bed, nursery, guest room, a study for David and a studio for me, plus a HUGE lounge room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, and internal laundry...double car garage as well. All 3 bedrooms have ceiling fans! The packing and cleaning is hard...but I am glad that David has 5 of his friends coming to do the heavy lifting tomorrow and Bianca my pregnant friend is coming to keep me company and help decorate.
We're counting down the days...3 weeks until my Gershwin recital and confirmation hearing, 6 weeks left of teaching, 7 weeks of work and 8 until I give birth. Then after that 4 weeks until my family gets here! It'll go quickly.