Second Shower - Wow!

We had our second baby shower yesterday at Thomas Conveyor, where Jeff works. I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive about the whole thing as I didn't know ANY of these people, but I had a truly terrific time. Not only were the people friendly and warm and inviting, they were just a lot of fun. I laughed and carried on as though I had known them forever, and it was really nice to see where Jeff works and to put faces to the names.

These people were so generous, I still have a hard time thinking of it without getting teary. They wanted to know what we still needed, and pretty much bought out the store. We got a crib mattress, a Diaper Genie, a Rainforest mobile for the crib, a bottle dryer, a bottle and food warmer, and so many other things. I was just astonished at the generosity of people, and although I am sure I've said this before, it is just so true. Here are a few pictures from the shower:

After the shower, Jeff and I took the gift cards and money we received, and we bought our travel system. It is a Graco, and is decorated with Winnie the Pooh. We also bought a diaper bag and some bottles and pacifiers, and it seems like we are all set. We're only missing one thing - the baby!

First Baby Shower and 9 - Month Belly Shot

Jeff and I had a shower today given by the girls with whom I work, and it was so much fun! They were all so generous, and even the men at work pitched in. This baby is already so spoiled! We had the cutest cake:

Unfortunately, all the other pictures we took didn't come out as well because of the lighting, but we had a wonderful time. Since this is also our 36th week, here is my final "Belly Shot"! The next time we post pictures, it will be of Bethie, as she will be here in 3 weeks at the very latest!

Getting Closer . . .

At the risk of being too detailed, I have to tell you that I lost the mucus plug that closes the cervix last night! What that means is that Bethie is getting ready to make her appearance. It could be in two days or in two weeks, but losing that plug is the first step. I've been predicting a February birth for awhile so I can't say that I am surprised, but to be fair, this is no guarantee that I am right. Some women lose their plugs and take a month to deliver. So, we really just have to wait and see.

To be prepared though, Jeff and I went shopping and bought nursing bras, tank tops, pajamas, and other things I will need while in the hospital. I feel MUCH better having my bag packed, even if it is going to get dusty waiting to get used! When we were shopping, Jeff could not resist the party dress in the picture. It is a 12-month size so Bethie will not be able to wear it for awhile, but I can see that "pink and frilly" has taken on a new meaning for my darling husband! I can't help but smile every time I see the dress.

Lactation, Tours, Private Rooms

Jeff and I took a lactation class earlier this week, and it was really interesting! I did not know how much is involved in breastfeeding, but I feel much more confident now that we've had the class. I wanted Jeff to go with me because I know that I'm going to freak out if I have trouble doing it, and I needed someone with me who could remind me of the tricks and tips to get the baby to nurse. :-) Jeff was, as always, wonderful. He took notes, he asked questions, and I think we both got a lot out of the class.

We also had a hospital tour, and I think we are both more comfortable now that we know where everything is. We got to see two brand-new babies in the nursery, which of course made me weepy, but Jeff just had a big smile on his face. There are labor and delivery rooms, and then at the other end of the hall are the mother/baby rooms. They are all private rooms - how lucky are we - and really quite nice. There is a nice, long couch that turns into a bed that Jeff can use, and as Jeff pointed out, a big TV. :-) He is planning on staying with us, so I am very glad there is a comfortable place for him to sleep, and for us to be together. I will be in the hospital at least for 3 days after the c-section, so I am also glad for a private room in case I get whiny!

I go back to the doctor on Wednesday, the 18th to schedule my c-section, so stay tuned!

Maternity Leave

I am officially on maternity leave. It's a few weeks earlier than I had planned, but given the pains that make walking so difficult, it was the best option. The doctor said that I might still have good days in which I would be able to work, but there was no guarantee that I would. Since the school cannot get a sub for me without my being on leave, I felt that it was not fair to them for me to come and go and leave them short-handed on the bad days.

On top of this, I have a head cold! It's really not that bad - just enough to make me whiny and miserable. I have been living on Robitussin and Tylenol, but it is starting to get better. That is the one truly great thing about being on leave. I didn't have to call in to work when the cold came. :-)

I go back to the doctor on the 18th of February, and hopefully we will schedule my c-section then.

In other happy news, Heather welcomed a baby boy on February 3rd! I do not have all the details yet, but he is healthy and happy, and so are Heather and her husband. Thank you again for all the prayers and good thoughts you sent her way during the last several months.

The Next Chapter . . .

Jeff and I spent the afternoon at the doctor's office yesterday. We had another sonogram, and then I had to be examined and hooked up to the baby monitors as I was sure I was in labor from the terrible pains I was having. They started in my lower abdomen, then radiated to my hips and my lower back. VERY long story short, it looks like I have an irritable uterus which contracts painfully whenever I walk around too much, or whenever the baby moves. They are not real contractions, but more like shooting pains that make me cry out. I was not dilated at all however, and Bethie was just fine.

Bethie is right on target at 18 inches long and 4 lbs 15 oz, and she is definitely a girl! As always, she has a good, strong heartbeat, and she is a very squirmy little thing. She is head down so her butt is by my belly button, and we can feel her little butt because it pokes out every time she moves. :-) I had to see a different doc yesterday as mine was at the hospital so we still don't have a date for the c-section, but at our next visit we should have one for sure. I think I am going to try and get through this week and next at work (although I left at 10 yesterday and did not go in today), and then call it good. I got some meds for the pain, but I don't want to take them if I don't REALLY have to, and if I work, I'm going to have to take the meds. Yesterday before we got to the doc, the pain was so bad I was getting delusional. That happens to me when I get a fever, too, and I was apparently asking the picture of the cowboys on the wall (real cowboys, not the football team) for some water. I could not understand why they wouldn't bring me some water, but they were not the least bit helpful! Anyway, that's the latest in the Great Pregnancy Drama. :-)