33-34 weeks

33 weeks

It seems like so much has happened in the past couple weeks. Last week I finally had my 34 week ultrasound, which I expected to be my last. He measured around 6 lbs. this time! Nice progress, little man. The placenta is still sitting there, just where I left it last time. Cesarean still on! Apparently, just to make triple sure that I will definitely be placenta previa, I have yet another ultrasound scheduled for 36 weeks. This week, I had another appointment with my regular doctor and we were finally able to set the date: Baby Mostek is scheduled to arrive on December 11. For those wondering, yes, I did ask about 12-12-12, but it was not to be. That would have been awfully helpful in remembering his birthday every year, but I guess now I'll just have to plug it in the ol' iPhone and hope for the best. 

Baby Mostek face

I also had a consultation with an anesthesiologist. It was actually a really informative little chat, though I came out of it hearing what I expected: we'll try the spinal and see if it works. If not, it'll be general anesthesia. She was able to explain to me how the process works and the main challenges, and somehow that knowledge makes things easier. Basically all spinals are done by touch. They find the separation in a specific space between certain vertebrae and aim for that space. Most people are able to bend forward and create a larger separation space between those vertebrae--something that I can't do because of the rods. The rods run on both sides of my spine at that point, along with some fused bone in that space making the margin for error much smaller. This information doesn't change the outcome, but at least I know that I've done my homework. It sounds like a high possibility I'll have to be "poked" a few times before finding the spot, but I can deal with that. It would be very difficult for any doctor, so I respect that they are willing to try. In the end, both baby and I are looking healthy so these are manageable obstacles.

In much more fun news, this past weekend both of my college roommates were in town. We've always been very in sync with each other--to an almost freakish degree. It's kind of fantastic, and I love these girls like sisters. How long has it been since we all met? 14 years? That's right...14 years since our first band camp. We met in marching band at Iowa State, and all my favorite memories from college involve them. And now we're all pregnant together! I was the last to join the baby bandwagon (to no one's surprise). They're on their second pregnancy while I'm finishing my first. I think Nick hung in there like a champ for putting up with the three of us, and a huge shout out to Bob and Aaron for staying at home with the kiddos while their pregnant wives partied all weekend. Partied with Ben and Jerry, no less. And shopped for cute pregnancy clothes that wouldn't betray us in the later months as the belly grows. I'm way past cute pregnancy clothes now. I just hope for full coverage at this point.

As an homage to a photo we took before a band duct tape party, we recreated the pose. It was much more difficult this time around, but we figured it out eventually. Miss you both already!

Jes, Kristen and April: We still got it.

And the Countdown Begins

32 weeks! Looking back, the time seems like it's going quickly, but in the moment it feels like, "Are we there yet?"

A couple weeks ago we had a little baby shower/end-of-the-softball-season picnic. We enjoyed a day outside with friends and a barbecue. It's pretty much my favorite kind of day. I'm truly glad my friends indulged my wish for a more laid-back style shower. Being the center of attention is okay sometimes, but I get pretty uncomfortable when a whole event is planned around me. This way we were able to have guys and gals show up, and bring friends, family and pets for a day in the park. I didn't get a chance to hustle anyone with my mad cornhole skillz, but I'll have to save it for another day. Note: It's a lawn game, people. It just has a hilarious name. Sometimes people call it "bean bag toss," but those people would be wrong.  In any case, I have to thank our good friends John and Jenn who really made the party come together. You guys are the best!

Nick's favorite gift

The weekend before Halloween was pretty eventful! On Friday night, Nick played in the last softball game of the season. We've both played with the Ninjas for several seasons, and always ending up in second place. This year we won the championship! It was awesome to see Nick win with all our friends, but a little bittersweet that they did it the one season I didn't play. Nevertheless, the win was well deserved, and worth the absolutely hideous rubber-chicken t-shirts.

After the game, Nick and I went to a Halloween party. Conveniently, Nick was already dressed in his costume: a softball player. What was I? One giant softball. And I pulled it off convincingly. The party had a photo booth so Nick and I finally have a few photos that we're actually together. I swear, by our photo collection, you'd think we show up and leave events separately. I don't even know that we have adequate record that we travel together.

In baby news, we took our baby care classes over the past couple weekends. I admit, at first I was pretty disinterested in the infant care class for myself but figured we might as well see how it goes. I haven't really been seeking out tons of information on child care or reading all the books about all the new methods for behavior. I was surprised to find that the class was really helpful. I mean, changing a diaper isn't rocket science, but I was interested in hearing from the other couples. Nick was great, and I think it did help to ease the initial discomfort of dealing with an infant. The next weekend we had the birthing class which was (most likely) non-relevant information for us this time around. They covered some information about c-sections, so it wasn't a total bust.


We've also made a lot of nursery progress. Our friend (and decorator extraordinaire) Bea came over to help make sense of the space. We have a few key pieces, but so far it was just a room and some possible ideas. She was amazing at seeing what made sense and how to make the room cute and functional. I love that. I wish I had that design skill, but I am so grateful that she was willing to come and hang with me for an afternoon figuring it all out. We moved everything into the room from various places throughout the house (I call them "staging areas" rather than "disaster zones") so now baby Mostek actually has a room with all of his stuff. And we have the rest of our house back! Our furniture is white, and we can't paint the walls since we're still renting, so we're just adding color with bright and bold baby stuff. I really love it!

I'm starting to feel a bit closer to ready. I'm definitely anxious and excited to meet him, but still the overall "raising a child" idea is daunting. One day at a time, right? That's what I'm going with for now. I've been feeling pretty good overall, but the third trimester discomfort has definitely set in. I've had a few appointments and all looks on track, but still taking it VERY carefully so the placenta doesn't become an issue. I have one more ultrasound next Thursday to confirm the need for a c-section.

I'm hoping to meet with an anesthesiologist about my scoliosis next week as well. What I'm finding out from my research so far is that they really can't tell me definitively whether the epidural will work or not. I'll just have to try it and find out if I have "pockets" of feeling left in my abdomen. If so (meaning the epidural didn't fully take) I'll have to go under general anesthesia. So, it sounds like my ultimate answer is probably going to be "wait and see." My favorite. But if that's the answer, then I can deal with it and move on knowing I've been as proactive as I can be.

The next few weeks are so busy, both with baby stuff and just overall holiday festivities. He will probably be here in 4-5 weeks...holy moly.