Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Pregnancy Update: 34.5 Weeks

I'll be 35 weeks pregnant on Friday, and tomorrow I have my Group B Strep test and first check for dilation/effacement.  I know it's silly and many say irrelevant, but I can't wait to see if I'm dilated yet! I was almost 5 centimeters dilated with Jackson without ever feeling a contraction, so I'm anxious to see if my body will prepare similarly for labor with Ella. 

This last week hasn't been the best ever.  I have had a nasty cough (and sinus or allergy issues) the last week and have wondered if it's possible to cough yourself into labor.  I even had to leave during the sermon on Sunday because I couldn't stop coughing, and it's interfered with sleeping too.  Thankfully my last bad coughing fit was Sunday, so I'm hoping the worst is behind me.

My emotions also got the best of me last Friday.  Blake and I'd had our second argument of the week and that combined with pregnancy hormones, general feeling of being overwhelmed/behind from all of our sickness and the impending arrival of our daughter (and need to get our son's new bedroom and daughter's nursery finished), and knowing that we had plans four nights in a row including two nights of hosting/cooking = uncontrollable sobbing and physical anxiety.  As I sobbed Friday morning Jackson must have thought I was laughing because he kept looking at me and laughing.  It was really sweet.  Blake came home for the day at lunch, and we were able to talk some and I was able to rest a little. I was also able to get out of the house alone for the first time all week.  Jackson had my cough and a gross runny nose and was grumpy last week (after being sick all last weekend with a fever virus), so we didn't get to have playgroup and I couldn't leave him in the nursery at the gym to exercise either.

Thankfully we had a really good weekend and had an extended break from parenting since Blake's mom and step-dad got Jackson on Saturday at 4:00 and kept him until lunch the next day.  It was wonderful to sleep until I woke up.  Then I attended a friend's baby shower, and Blake and Jackson had dinner with his dad and step-mom. I was able to have 2 & 1/2 hours home alone and made a lot of progress on Ella's room and clothes.  I feel much more calm and prepared now. 

I'm up about 27 pounds, having minimal back pain, experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, and feeling lots of movement from my sweet girl.  We've settled on her middle name--Kate, so the monogramming can begin.  My friends helped celebrate my sweet daughter week before last and threw a shower; I just invited my 8 closest friends in town, and it was fun to rejoice in the goodness of a new child and a daughter. Can't wait to meet her!

p.s. I'm thankful that Jackson had so much fun with his cousins, aunts, and Grandma today.  It did my heart good to see him so happy and cheerful most of the day after all of this sickness and grumpiness.

4 comments:

Laura Anne said...

What a sucky time you've all had! Hoping it's all over now, and glad Jackson has such lovely grandparents to allow you guys to have a wee break. It sounds like it was much needed.

Ella Kate - sounds lovely!

Mrs. Match said...

awww yuck. Being sick while pregnant sucks! Glad to hear you seem to be on the mend.

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

Sounds like one thing built on the next and the next and the next until it all came toppling down. I hate that state of being and can totally relate to the overwhelmed feelings. So glad that a little time with Blake and to yourself, without the need to parent, seemed to help you along. You're looking great!

lisacng said...

Glad you got much needed breaks that week. Totally know what you mean about the hormones compounding every thing else, just makes life so crazy! Wow, 5cm dilated w/o even feeling a contraction! You look great in the photo holding Jackson. You arms are so cut :). I commend you for still making it to the gym, as I have not gone in about 2 weeks. Just excuse after excuse.