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.

29.5 week ultrasound

Here he is (again)! He's definitely a lot bigger than last time, but I think his ultrasound pics look very much the same. He measured about 3 lbs. 10 oz. I think it was nap time, so no big performances, but it's always fun to get to see him. Still placenta previa, so the early December birthday is looking much more likely. The doctors still want to monitor my progress, so I have another ultrasound scheduled in 4 weeks. Getting so close now...

28-29 weeks

28 weeks

29 weeks

Well, here we are starting the third trimester. It's been a very busy couple weeks for Nick and I, so nursery progress has been put on temporary hold. Nick was in Paris last week for a work conference.  As exciting as that sounds, I don't think it was much of a vacation-type trip. He was able to spend a little time sightseeing, but it sounds like most of his time was consumed by work obligations. Personally I'd like to complete some of my work obligations in Paris, but generally speaking, graphic designers don't need to travel often. I blame the internets.

While he was away, I had a lot of time to get some work done myself. I took on quite a few freelance projects within the past couple months which could be viewed as perfect timing or really bad timing. The extra cash flow is lovely, but I admit my schedule has been approaching Crazy Town. Nevertheless, I think I've cleared that pile of work (only to be replaced by a new pile). It's just how I operate. I need to practice the word, "no." Kids fix that for you, right?

Baby is still incredibly active these days, and Nick has decided that he's training to become a fighter pilot (due to the comfort level he has with tumbling and flipping). I have two uncles that would be so proud, though I think we're counting some chickens here.

I had a doctor appointment last week and my next ultrasound is this week. The doctor's appointment was just routine. I had a lot of questions about the possibility of a c-section, and also wanted to broach the subject of my scoliosis. Since my original intention was always to have a natural birth (if possible), I hadn't really considered the complications with receiving an epidural. I always knew this could be a complicated process, but hadn't really done the research just yet. It's too early to speak definitively, but I've learned I may have to prepare myself for the possibility of general anesthesia for my c-section. This basically means that I'd have to be completely out for the birth. General anesthesia also affects the baby much more than the spinal or epidural, which means he will be under the effects of the anesthesia as well when he's born. I'm really bothered by this possibility, but unfortunately it's a situation I can't control. Nick is much more of a "cross that bridge when we get there" guy, but I'm not feeling very patient about this. I'm hoping if I'm a little proactive, I can possibly meet with the anesthesiologist early to find out whether they've dealt with a scoliosis surgery patient, and maybe get my old x-rays for them to review.

In any case, I have my next ultrasound this week to see if I'm still placenta previa. If yes, I may have one more check-up ultrasound before the doctors formally diagnose me as a placenta previa c-section candidate.

Whew! So many "ifs" right now, and I'm grateful that in the long run, baby and I are still perfectly healthy. It's really just the disappointment of possibly missing his first moments and that he'll also be under anesthesia when he's born that really bothers me.

More fuzzy ultrasound pics to come...stay tuned. :)

Ultrasound and Nursery

I'm now finishing my last week of the second trimester (27th week) and gearing up for the big finish. After my ultrasound at 25 weeks, I've been pretty motivated to get this party started (well get everything READY to get this party started). From my earlier 20-week ultrasound, they diagnosed me with placenta previa with a chance it would resolve itself within the next few weeks. As it turns out, that crazy placenta is fairly stubborn and is still covering the cervix. What does that mean? Well, for now it just means I'm not allowed to do much. I've been taking it easy since about 20 weeks, but now that Baby is a bit bigger (he's about 2.5 lbs.), I have to be really careful about my daily activities. I feel really good which makes it hard to take it easy, but the other extreme is bedrest. Um, how about no.

In the long term, placenta previa means a C-section birth. I'm slowly wrapping my head around that idea. I'm actually not really afraid of surgery, or the healing process. It's really more about the fact that it would be scheduled 2-3 weeks before my due date. Let me tell you, the difference between a December 30th baby and a December 12th-ish baby is huge when you haven't done much to get anything ready. Cripes! That's right around the corner! So, I've begun the nesting process. I don't feel like I'm really "nesting" in that sweet mom sense I've seen on tv. It feels more like "get $h!t done mode." (Sorry for the necessary profanity, Mom).

Aside from that, things are going well. All reports of baby health are great, and placenta previa poses no harm to the baby. The C-section is not a done deal just yet. I have another ultrasound in a couple weeks to see if it corrects itself. I'm not really feeling like that's probable at this point, but it is a possibility. In any case, Nick is excited about that tax break looking like a done deal for this year. :)

The main highlights of progress are:

1) Getting registered. We registered online, located here. Registering is a huge undertaking of overwhelming possibilities, and I'm glad we can check it off the to-do list.

2) Acquiring a few key components for the nursery. Nick put together a dresser this weekend, we have a crib, and I sorted all of the clothes and various items we've received so far into various age-appropriate totes. I doubt I'll be able to keep up this level of organization, but it can't hurt to start out that way.

3) Choosing a daycare. It ended up being the first one we visited, but I think we both feel good about it.

I'll have a few more photos to post in a few days. Thanks for reading!

23-24 weeks: Whirlwind Vacation

23 weeks

It's been a very busy and amazing week. Nick and I went home to Iowa and South Dakota to see and be seen. I think everyone got the memo that pregnant ladies like to eat. Consider this one well fed. I think Baby Mostek is a little disappointed to be going back to the same ol' menu now that we're back home.

Phase one: Ames, IA
We started our journey with family and friends in Ames with an ISU Cyclone football win against the Tulsa Hurricanes complete with tailgating and band nerd fanatics. I felt a huge sense of nostalgia for our college days even though so much has changed since Nick and I met there. Let's pretend it wasn't THAT long ago...

Our good friends Tony Hooper and Sandra Riedl were married on Labor Day weekend. Much to my own surprise, we actually stayed up past the grandparents of the bride and groom. In fact, we stayed until the lights were out. I can honestly say I laughed so hard that my face and belly hurt for a full day afterward. And, somehow pregnancy makes the "Church Lady" dance pretty easy to do (I added the thumbs). Who needs yoga after a night like that?

The Guys

 In Ames we stayed with Nick's brother, John and Kristyn Mostek and family. Our three beautiful and enthusiastic nieces made sure we were entertained during our stay, and it was amazing to see how much they've grown since last we saw them. Kristyn had a lot of great advice for me, and I'm convinced she's a bit of a Supermom. No sense in denying it, Kristyn. :)

Phase two: Brandon, South Dakota
The next stop in our Midwest tour was Nick's parent's place in Brandon. We also saw Nick's sister Krista and family, so more entertainment from our nieces and nephews! Krista and I are about 4 weeks apart in pregnancy, so it was fun to swap stories and share our woes. We went shopping to narrow down the search for baby stuff, and it was enormously helpful.

Nick's family are among the most generous people I know, and we scored big time on the baby stuff. I've never been a huge fan of the "oohs" and "aahhs" at baby showers when another cute outfit is unwrapped, but I'll admit, I let a few escape as we unwrapped our gifts.

On our way to the next destination, I stopped to see my Gramma. I think as I get older, I appreciate my Gramma more and more. We are very similar in many ways, and I hope to have the same toughness and gentleness she balances so well. She made us a nice little lunch complete with scones AND peach pie. I could kill for another piece of that peach pie.

Phase three: Dike, IA
Last stop, and certainly not least: my family. We stayed with my parents and the whole crew came to visit. My brother Mark and his family, my sister Sarah and niece Rileigh, and my Uncle Tim and Aunt Michelle all came by to see us. I finally met my new nephew Logan who is now two months old. Talk about cute: wowsa. We stayed up late playing pool and laughing at our own hilariousness. I taught my niece Rileigh to crochet, complete with bubble gum pink and blue yarn. I will be proud to wear that scarf anywhere if it makes it my way.

My Buddy Logan

Brody and new cousin-pet, Pearl

Aleshia brought some clothes for baby AND some maternity stuff for me which pretty much rocks my world. I wore one of the shirts today at work and my coworkers noticed and complimented right away. Why? Because it's fashionable AND it has pattern. If it's not a solid color, it's pretty obvious that I didn't pick it out. So thank you, Aleshia, for upgrading my fashion status 10 cool points.

And now a bit of mush. There wasn't a low point on this trip. Nick and I have such a great family and group of friends, the whole week was awesome and I'm so thankful for everything people did to make our day. But I must say that I was really most excited to see my mom. Being pregnant has had its highs and lows, and somehow it's been hardest to not be able to share things with her in person. It was so nice to finally have a chance to just sit and chat with her about things that are similar or different. She's a great mom, a fantastic grandmother, and I appreciate all she did for me during pregnancy and beyond. Of course I don't have any photos of her and me, but we'll save that for another day.

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And now, back home, back in the swing of things. I'm about 5 lbs. heavier (I wish I was kidding) than I was at the beginning of vacation, so Baby is making great progress. I have officially moved all sleeping to the recliner in the living room because sleeping on my side might cause me to saw off my own hip bone. Fantasy football is in full swing, as is the man-tantrums and trash talk such activities include. It's going to be a fine fall season. :)

Sensory Overload

This weekend Nick was finally able to feel baby Mostek move. I think we were both pretty excited to finally be at the point where we can share that feeling in some way. According to the weekly status of baby development, Baby has recently developed the capacity to taste, see and hear. I'm sure none of these senses are really refined, but he can react to each of these things in his own way.

Taste: I've been interested in his reactions to food for a couple weeks now. I think at first I was convinced he really liked the foods I'm eating because he always becomes really active. Now I'm finding that he moves for pretty much any and all food at all times. So I'm less convinced he actually likes what I eat and more convinced that he's STARVING most times and is just grateful there's food coming in. It's not that I'm not eating, but rather the precious space in my belly is transitioning to a residential space with no room for storage. Want more food? Move over, Baby. :)

Sight: We decided to test this sense by holding a flashlight to my belly to see if Baby Mostek would react. I read that they can see light and will often react and turn away from "bright" lights. He definitely moved as we shone the flashlight to different areas on my belly! That was pure entertainment. Nick was fascinated a while and then convinced we were just pestering our poor son. Somehow I didn't mind so much. Is it because I enjoy tormenting our child? Yes. But in my defense, Baby Mostek dishes up his own torment now and then, so I think it's fair.

During our little light experiment we also saw a visible kick in my belly. I hadn't seen that before! Well now it was on. So I poked the same spot we saw the kick and he responded in the same spot. Ha! Now I'm certain he's enjoying our reindeer games.

Sound: After a trip to the bookstore for a baby names book (progress!), Nick and I went to dinner and a movie. Yep, enjoying it while we can. We saw Bourne Legacy in our favorite theater and had a really great time. For those less familiar with the Bourne movies, they are huge 'splosion-filled testosterone fests. I enjoyed the movie, and it seemed Baby Mostek did too. When the movie would get loud with car chases and things blowing up everywhere, he started flipping and kicking. He was less active during the "plot" scenes and probably fell asleep.

I try to talk to him a bit more when it's just the two of us and things are quiet. I've found I have very few profound things to say on my commute to and from work, so he probably won't be any wiser for it. Well, unless he's a fantastic driver. In that case, I take full credit.