Maybe it's the hormones??

I apologize in advance for this post, but this has been driving me crazy!! I had a doctors appointment and the doctor went ahead and scheduled an induction. She did this because I've been having contractions for a while now with no change, there's little liquid in there, I have a favorable cervix, and I'm now 75% effaced. The induction is scheduled 4 days before my due date. She said I was measuring on schedule, the baby's heart beat sounded great, and he was measuring good. If my doctor suggested it, then I trust her. I'm ok with this process. Apparently some people are not ok with this. This is what I have to say to you, I didn't tell you how to have your baby please don't tell me how to have mine. The last thing I need is somebody telling me what I should be doing and what the "best" thing to do is. What I need now more than ever is love, support, and encouragement. I don't mean to come across as knowing what I am talking about, because yes I know I have never been pregnant before.  But please let me do what I want to do without being judged. If you disagree with my decision, thats fine with me but that dorsnt make my decision wrong. I am exhausted as it is, I don't have the energy to keep defending my decision without hurting somebody's feelings. If this a glimpse into the future on what is to come advice wise, I'm looking forward to it....(insert sarcasm here).

Nursery Before and After

Doctor's Appointment

I had a doctor's appointment today that went really well. I am just about 2 cm dilated, and 50% effaced. I am so excited! My doctor said that she thought I would have the baby by 40 weeks, and if not we will schedule an induction for 41-42 weeks. I have had contractions here and there. My stomach gets really tight, and I have some cramping/pinching. Nothing to painful for me to have to go into the hospital. 

Kenny has a friend at work who's due date was March 8th, and they had their baby yesterday, how exciting!!

It's hard to believe that Max can be here anytime now. We are so excited to meet him!

38 weeks

How far along? 38 weeks

Due Date: March 5, 2013

Total weight gain: 14 lbs

Baby is the size of a: pumpkin

Maternity clothes? sweats and tshirts are my choices, but if I have to go somewhere nice I put maternity clothes on
Stretch marks? none that I didn't have before

Sleep: sometimes, but its so uncomfortable  

Miss Anything? coffee!!
Best moment of the week: learning that I'm 2cm dilated

Movement:  yep 

Diet: I snack all day long, no big meals.

Food cravings: salty stuff

 Anything making you queasy or sick: depends, not a lot lately though.

Gender: baby boy!

Labor Signs: having contractions here and there, cramping and my belly is getting really hard.

 Symptoms: swollen

Belly Button in or out? it's out there and sensitive

Wedding rings on or off? on real tight

Happy or Moody most of the time: happy!

Looking forward to: finally meeting out little guy!!!

Update

I've been feeling pretty good lately, and alot of that stems from the excitement of meeting our little Max.  I am a little swollen and I can't get my rings off my fingers, hopefully that's not a problem later. I pee every time I stand up, and the joints in my fingers hurt so much so to bend them most of the time takes a great amount of effort. I cant even open my jar of pickles by myself anymore. I have been a little sick here and there, mainly exhausted, but mostly I have become accustomed to not being able to breath out of my nose, and snot running down the back of my throat. TMI probably, but here is the truth. I'm pretty lucky that this is the worse of my problems while being pregnant and I will take it. I have been blessed with a pregnancy that makes me consider wanting to have more children. They say God only gives you what you can handle, I am so happy he took my very low tolerance of pain into consideration. I hope that this carries over into labor and delivery.

37 weeks

How far along? 37 weeks

Due Date: March 5, 2013

Total weight gain: 13 lbs

Baby is the size of a: leek (whatever that is)

Maternity clothes? just shirts, wearing mostly kenny's clothes and if I am home I am in pajamas!
Stretch marks? not yet

Sleep: I am getting some sleep but waking up to pee or to roll over because I am uncomfortable.  

Miss Anything? my energy level....I am exhausted!
Best moment of the week: spending Valentine's Day with my two favorite men!

Movement:   yes and lots of it. He loves my ribs especially. 

Diet: I snack all day long, no big meals.

Food cravings: chocolate which is weird because I normally do not eat a lot of chocolate. Good thing Valentines Day candy will be on sale starting tomorrow! (Or bad thing)

 Anything making you queasy or sick: depends, not alot lately thoug.

Gender: baby boy!

Labor Signs: cramping and my stomach gets tight alot at night. I don't know if it is labor signs or caused by stress. Either way I wouldn't mind a few labor signs. I am ready to have this sucker!

 Symptoms: swollen

Belly Button in or out? way out there

Wedding rings on or off? on and cutting my circulation off

Happy or Moody most of the time: happy!

Looking forward to: finally meeting out little guy!!!

Maternity Photos

We had maternity pictures taken a couple of weeks ago and it was so much fun. An awesome photographer Gretchen Gilkey took them (You should look her up on Facebook! Gretchen Gilkey Photos. If I wasn't technically challenged I would post a link, I'm sorry). Here are some of my favorites. She is also coming to take newborn pictures for us, can't wait for those! We are so thankful!

Update

I had a doctor's appointment today. My B Strep test was negative and I am not dilated at all. It was kind of a disappointment about the dilation, I would have liked to been at least one or two, but what can you do. He is just not ready yet. 

I have been super exhausted lately, even a trip to the next room can be tiring sometimes. Sometimes I get burst of energy, but I think it's usually because I know I have to get something done. All in all, I would be much happier if I didn't have to work and I could take my sweet time all day. I am not so lucky. 

I don't know what I am looking forward to the most. Meeting Max myself, or to watch Kenny meet Max for the first time. I am really excited to see how Kenny react.

THREE WEEKS TO GO!!!! WHOOHOO!!!

(I am actually expecting waiting a little longer but, three is keeping me happy right now.)

36 weeks

How far along? 36 weeks

Due Date: March 5, 2013

Total weight gain: 12 lbs

Baby is the size of a: coconut

Maternity clothes? have I mentioned that I hate maternity clothes?
Stretch marks? not yet

Sleep: I am sick and tired of being sick and tired! 

Miss Anything? I miss not having to pee every time I stand up. 
Best moment of the week:getting our little man's nursery finished

Movement:  lots of moovin and groovin

Diet: I've actually had less of an appetite, I am not sure why. 

Food cravings: chewing on ice still

 Anything making you queasy or sick: changes daily 

Gender: baby boy!

Labor Signs: I've had lots of cramping lately, and little thunderstorms.

 Symptoms: swollen, and head aches 

Belly Button in or out? way out there

Wedding rings on or off? on and cutting my circulation off

Happy or Moody most of the time: happy!

Looking forward to: spending Valentine's Day with my two favorite men

35 weeks

How far along? 35 weeks

Due Date: March 5, 2013

Total weight gain: 12 lbs

Baby is the size of a: Honeydew Melon

Maternity clothes? maternity shirts, but mainly wearing Kenny's clothes
Stretch marks? not yet

Sleep: here and there

Miss Anything? being able to stand up and walk without being tired
Best moment of the week: taking maternity pictures

Movement: he is kicking the crap out of me and he has a great time shoving his butt up into my ribs

Diet: whatever I can manage to eat.

Food cravings: oreos, ice, and french fries. 

 Anything making you queasy or sick: anything that I cook makes me sick. 

Gender: baby boy!

Labor Signs: none really.

 Symptoms: swollen, back aches, and exhausted

Belly Button in or out? outtie

Wedding rings on or off?on, but wish I would have taken them off, they are stuck and hurting my finger...boo! :(

Happy or Moody most of the time: happy!

Looking forward to:  putting in the carseat!

Amshoff/Kron/Bischoff Shower

Kim, Jordan, Rachel, Pam and Cayla (among others) gave us a wonderful shower. Everything was amazing and so creative. They had papers for everybody to write a sweet letter to Max, and instead of a card everybody brought a book signed by them. My cousin Rachel made me play a game were I tried baby food and everybody had to guess whether I would get it right or wrong. Let's just say I am glad I had the baby shower before hers, because revenge is sweet ;) The food was delicious, the games were so much fun, and the presents were awesome. It was an awesome day, I love spending time with family. 

Franklin Shower

Julie and Janice gave us a wonderful shower. It was lots of fun, with so much creativity. They had diapers to write on so when we wake up at 4 am to change a diaper we will be able to smile at all of the wonderful artwork. The cupcakes were delicious, I know this because I had 4, and we are so grateful for all of the presents. Here are a couple of pictures from that day.