Yup, the Waiting Game

I thought we'd be done with pregnancy posts, but why not share an update as we wait for bebe girl to decide when she wants to make her debut?

Her due date on Saturday the10th obviously came and went. Actually, it was a warm and fantastically beautiful day so we took to Totem Park in Sitka for some brisk walking (by Amy's standards). She's dropped a lot.

This location is where Andy and I took a walk in January and discussed being open to starting a family. Seemed fitting to return to the area on the very day we've focused on for most of this year.

Maternity leave started today and we spent a good while this morning at the hospital for an ultrasound, Non-Stress Test and bio-screening. Everything shows that bebe is still doing well inside and all is functioning as it still should. From the quick look at her face she seems to be sprouting some major lips! I think they'll take after Andy. We had very visible confirmation that she is still a she. And we were given the very loose estimate of weight at 8 lbs. 1 oz, plus or minus 19 ounces!!! What a margin of error!

I am 2 cm dilated, thinning and effacing without contractions kicking in. Let's get kicking, I say! The plan is to repeat this morning's routine again on Wednesday if nothing transpires.

As we just wait and wonder, we pick away at house cleaning and walking. The baby/guest room is nearly finished (but again, she'll stay upstairs with us for her early months).

The dresser can only fit in the closet. It is FULL!

Andy says it's a lot of toe-tapping and kinda stinks not having control, but we'll take her when she's good and ready. Thanks for your thoughts and inquiries!

*Amy

Gorneration @ 39 weeks

Final belly blog photos at 39 weeks (chubby face included)!

Bebe is moving around as I type. 9pm is her party hour. Like clockwork she gets ants in her pants, or amniotic fluid. Maybe she likes that hour because that's when Andy and I have been indulging in an episode of "Friday Night Lights" over Netflix. The football games in the show might serve as inspiration for an internal PE class.

Andy's been great with working on our to-do list. And in the midst of our list he managed to shoot another buck after Thanksgiving and get it processed this week in our garage. I hope bebe has been enjoying her salmon, halibut and fresh venison diet thanks to her daddy. We also bottled his homebrew beer which I expect to be one of my first adult beverages when the time is right.

Pretty much our plethora of snow has been washed away by warmth and rain. We could have any sort of weather (snow, rain, sleet, sun) what ever day she decides to arrive.

*Amy

A $2 Bet

At the start of our pregnant journey I said something about my belly button eventually turning into an "outie." Andy said it wouldn't happen to me. "Yeah right!" So the $2 bet was on. The bet stands until delivery day, but at nearly 39 weeks of pregnancy it's still hard to say what happened... I think Andy will technically win because it's not a full outie. Which is incredible to me given how big and far my belly has stuck out this entire time. He seems to know or guess really well on the 50/50 stuff, like gender. So we'll see how his guess holds in one week (the 7th) which is when he thinks bebe will decide to come....a little earlier than her due date.

Other bets I would have lost if we gambled more? Stretch marks. So far I don't have a one, which again, amazes me given that my belly has tracked bigger than average at all appointments. I'll give kudos and thanks to Burt's Bees Mama Bee's Belly Balm and Palmer stretch lotion. Also, I've never been "sick" with morning sickness, never had weird cravings, and according to Andy no mood swings. Overall it's been a lovely pregnancy.

I never expected to have such intense heartburn though. One day I drank heartburn soothing tea, chomped on some Tums AND took a max. strength Zantac (recommended by Doc.), only to have heartburn STILL afflict me that day! I get carpal tunnel pains on my right wrist/hand, and a wrist stabilizer worn while sleeping has really helped. Edema of my feet is ridiculous no matter how much water I suck down. The wedding rings were replaced in Sept. by my Claddagh ring from Ireland, but now my hands wear no jewelry. I can't wait to deflate to a smaller size and hopefully get back to some old shoes at some point!

Of course I'll miss the parts of pregnancy most women do....the baby movements, connecting to new life, letting your belly hang out, indulging in foods you wouldn't normally allow, and I'll really miss Andy's regular contact to my stomach, the kisses and little talks to the belly (of course I can't wait to see him with little girl in person). But at some point we can cuddle on the couch together again!

Andy says he'll miss rubbing belly but he won't miss restless nights of sleep (oh yeah, those have been no picnic). He'll miss watching me grow and says it's been interesting. He agrees that the pregnancy has been good overall. We both won't miss cardboard boxes. What kind of side effect is that? Well, when we've ordered or received packages for all we need to supply for bebe, it generates a lot of boxes from the mail. Thank goodness for the recycling center!

The baby/guest room is a disaster. Or, an organized mess which I understand. We've been waiting on a changing table and crib for awhile and they finally came on the barge this week! We don't need a crib right now as that will be downstairs in her room, but for awhile we'll have her upstairs with us in a co-sleeper. But it's hard to put together a room when major pieces of furniture are missing. So that will be a big task for us this weekend, our last without child probably. As you can see, I just have stuff hanging out and waiting to be dealt with, like bedding and a mattress!

One thing I'd recommend to all mamas-to-be is to check with insurance coverage for prenatal massages and chiropractic adjustments. What an amazing difference it makes for comfort! But almost more importantly, these weekly appointments give me something to look forward, some anticipation for relief from general aches and pains. The mental benefits for looking forward to and then enjoying those appointments added so much to this journey and I rarely thought, "when will this ever end?" Self-care is big time important.
But it is time to move on and bring little girl into the world. Just let me get a haircut and see "Breaking Dawn" in the theater before that very soon day arrives! And I better find $2 to give my husband.

*Amy

Full Term

Hurray! 37 weeks and feeling good about this marking of time. We reached full term during a very snowy Sitka day. We are no means new to snow but given that all last winter we never laid eyes on a shovel and never scraped off our cars, this week of luscious, wet snow brings back familiar wintry tasks and feelings.

Watching Andy shovel (since I can't!), wearing warm gear and taking in the breath-taking snowy scenery makes this winter so far a really great one.  Love it today as the rain will come again and wash it all away.

This past week we had our third and final ultrasound with bebe--just to confirm her position, which IS head-down. What developments in seeing a defined spine, close-up of her mouth practicing breathing by gulping amniotic fluid in and out. Just as we were starting to see her eyes, she flung her hand over her head blocking the view. The technician said it was very dramatic and Andy quipped, "she must get that from her mother." I don't know what he's talking about!  Once again, the photos we took home are no where near as neat as what we saw in real time.

We started the parental-to-be tradition of childbirth classes and have to say so far they're pretty fun! Our instructor is an OB nurse here but a certified midwife in her native Australia. Pretty great lady. And we have 2 doulas-in training attending. Among five other pregnancies in class we've got the closest due date. 

I've been feeling slight movements by my pelvis. Our doc., instructor and the doulas noticed bebe's  slight descent south. The beginning of the end (of pregnancy)! Andy's getting antsy.

*Amy

Gorneration @ 34 weeks

We're deviating from the traditional in terms of type of pumpkin carved and the arrangement of our 4-week belly update. Gotta have some fun on Halloween, right? We picked out a sweet lil' pumpkin from the patch.

For real, though, I couldn't resist already exploiting our poor unborn daughter.

All continues to be pretty peachy-keen in pregnancy world. My feet did swell big time over night in Anchorage giving me the charming characteristic of "cankles." But they've gotten a little better and there are no medical concerns since my blood pressure is rock solid and I gained just a couple of pounds in 3 weeks. The doctor did inform of some important news that really supports my desire for a natural birth. Sitka has never offered epidurals and despite a new doctor starting, it won't be until the New Year that epidurals will be offered here for the first time. So I won't be tempted away from the birth plan I'm hoping I can handle. The nurses are used to methods and strategies for pain-free deliveries and my doctor has been known in another town as "Dr. Midwife."

To add to the fun of our remaining child-less time is that both Andy and I are up for trial jury service. We've both deferred before given travels but now we gotta face the music. Personally, I wouldn't mind serving in a trial but there's never a convenient time for it, right? I consider all I have to do with work before maternity leave. So when we have to appear Andy plans to wear his uniform, and I'll stay by his side trying to look as if I'll go into labor any minute. That might get us excused!

We're definitely in the homestretch now.
*Amy

Oh! The Places You'll Go

I just returned home after more than 2 weeks working in Anchorage. For me, the time absolutely flew by and was very busy. More on the trip another blog post.

As I flew home last night, my last flight without a child to watch and take care of for a long time, I thought about all the places Guppy Gorn and I have already traveled to together. We averaged at least one trip (by plane, or one trip by ferry) every single month. For now, we're grounded on the island until delivery time.

Maybe our getting around will instill a sense of travel and adventure within her! That would be so neat. I tracked the places we flew to during the pregnancy (or flew to and then drove to) for a little something I could print and put in her baby book.

It will look similar to this: [click here: MAP.] Most of these places were spurred by work.

So now we can get settled and set up for the last SIX WEEKS! That's right, tomorrow (Sat. the 29th) is the six week mark before approx. due date. It's sure nice to have our little family back together again. Andy will have to talk to the belly an awful lot to make up for lost time. :)

*Amy

Mama AND Bebe @ 30 weeks

We've enjoyed week 30 with seeing bebe inside and out! On Monday I noticed small ripples across my belly as guppy gorn moved about--and then Andy could see her too! We can now feel and see her at the same time. That's been an awesome addition. Then on Tuesday we had an ultra sound.

The ultrasound was ordered by my doctor as my belly is really sticking out. She wanted to be sure we aren't giving birth, at this point, to a giantess. Despite being on an empty stomach, little girl was sure active during our visit with her! We had a great knuckle appearance, further confirmation of having a girl, flashes of the nostrils, big eyes looking at us, beating heart, and one funny action: at one time she not only had her hand tucked under her chin but the technician was fairly certain she switched to sucking her thumb for awhile!

We were told she has a very round head right now and extremely long legs--tracking ahead in development more than anything else. We kept hearing about the ample amount of amniotic fluid bebe has in her home, and that she is very photogenic. Which is kinda funny because despite the cool stuff we saw, the pictures printed aren't....the best, or clearest. So we chose the two better ones to post here. The profile shows one eye and a fist, and the other--when looked at upside down, (make sure to flip your computer, haha) shows the arch of her wee foot.

In her debrief at our appointment my Doctor said she is tracking size-wise at the 48th percentile. Which is basically perfect, medium-sized baby. With no weight gain to report in these last two weeks I was told we are "perfect baby, perfect patient." Thank goodness! Let's pray this keeps up. Oh, and the Doctor likes hearing long legs and what that means for delivery. As for the bigger belly in the first place? Just how I am, built and my stature. Stomach may be big but my weight, the baby and fluid are, again, perfectly on track.

I had a break through at the chiropractor this week. My massage therapist explained some general pains I was having were probably related to being out of whack and so I went for an adjustment. The doctor pointed out that my hips were completely unaligned. It was so obvious--AND explained why I was pushing forward like a torpedo. After her magic work on me, I could immediately feel and see a more balanced belly. Bebe had more room rather than getting pushed to one side. I felt ....younger? It was so freeing and I am very grateful. I'll keep up adjustments throughout the last month to maintain an aligned body for birth. After this improvement my main complaint right now is that all my nice slip on shoes are getting tighter to wear. Good thing I don't wear shoes while working in my home office!

Yeah, week 30 was pretty sweet all in all. Much to be thankful for. And tomorrow we welcome week 31.

*Amy

Bebe says Thank you!

Sitka showers are happening as we get to the windy, rainy, dramatic fall weather season. Last month in MN, I was part of showers of another sort. Baby showers for Guppy Gorn, as my sis-in-law wittily coined!

I planned a trip to MN on the spur of the moment and following my announced plans I was generously offered a couple of baby showers. I am so touched and had so much fun with amazing women, and some very sweet girls.  I know the Gorneration felt the love, and she'll certainly see the love when she arrives and has many wonderful clothes, helpful items, books and treasures to make her life awfully sweet (and helpful for her parents). We are so fortunate!

My friend Sara hosted a gathering of some college gals and family. I miss these girls! It was fun for all ages!

How can one not feel supported for big changes ahead when surrounded by strong, smart and beautiful friends? A heartfelt thank you to Sara and her mom, and a big Congrats to her too for expecting her second baby! Her due date is just 3 months after our bebe. We are a growing crew.

And then my dear mother and sis-in-law put on a family shower that put me into such laughter I began to over-heat! Thank you for all the special touches and hard work. Even my loving mother-in-law came all the way from mid-Wisconsin to join celebrating her future grand-daughter. I returned to Alaska feeling all sorts of good energy, love and happiness. It's good to be with family.

Our "guppy" is showered with love.

*Amy

6 Months (26 week photo)

Today is 3 months away from our due date! Hooo-weee! How did we mark 6 months into pregnancy? By going fishing! Andy's mom has been with us all week, and Mother Nature gave us a break from the regular rain for a lovely, sunny weekend perfect for going on the boat.

This photo was taken last week at 26-weeks along. Excuse the fact I'm wiped from working two jobs for 11-hours, and then gorging on a fondue dinner.

Bebe girl Gorn has been moving regularly of course and I'm so excited that Andy has started feeling her too. Just the other day it seemed a long shot that he could connect with her little movements, but I put his hand to the right place on my belly and that's when he said she gave him "ten"--two quick high-fives. Needless to say I was touched and thrilled by the moment.

Back aches are starting in some usual places. I'm looking forward, naturally, to my upcoming prenatal massage. Maternity clothes purchased just a month and a half ago are already considerably smaller. The

"how can I get any bigger"-pondering has entered my mind often. 

So back to the day of fishing. Andy's mom reeled in two halibut--her first! And I managed one myself; a bitty one of 17 pounds. It could have 50 lbs. based on how it felt to pull the fish up from the ocean floor. I think it was a good arm exercise for a 6-month pregnant woman!

Great day with Grandma Judy!

*Amy

Gorneration @ 22 weeks

We're 5.5 months into this thing! I guess the biggest addition or change to share over the last month, other than an ever-growing belly (and I seriously feel bigger than average for this stage of the pregnancy), is the sensation of little bebe movements. It started just about 1.5 weeks ago and I'm certain now that these little sci-fi feeling pulses are our little girl.

I've always been curious what it would feel like, how to expect, and then describe a baby moving. I'm not at the point that I can tell it was a kick, or see ripples across my belly, or for Andy to feel either. It's just little internal sensations that never happened before. It's something like painless pulses or muscle/organ spams in my lower abdomen. And they seriously make me giggle aloud! She usually does her little thing in the late afternoon or before bedtime. This morning, though, she's pulsing away--sometimes for just two quick pokings or a gurgly-feeling that can last a minute. She definitely gets my attention, and a few words from me, at these times.

I'm guilty of buying foods I NEVER would get. Like Oreos. Andy will match me oreo for oreo with milk after dinner (actually, he sets the amount of a "short stack" so we don't go overboard). He was starting to complain of sympathy weight but I reminded him of something called "self-control." Lucky for him he's back to a regular work-out routine now that the new Academy started up.

We picked up some used items around town for killer deals...like a Bob jogging stroller, portable playpin and vibrating chair. Another Trooper family passed on their car seat to us! I set up a free appointment to have it inspected and was given a thorough 411 on safety handling and installation. I think I passed the test (I seriously had to install it while he watched me). New respect for the awkward car seat game.

Despite introducing the Boppy body pillow to bed, lately my lower back and sides ache in the morning from side-sleeping. Thank goodness for insurance-covered prenatal massages! I'm loving that perk. And I'd like to give another shout-out...to Tums---getting heartburn here and there. Also, not so sure on this rumored "glowing complexion" during pregnancy. Maybe that's code for "oily" and I was misled for what to expect.

Got my next doctor check-in Monday and I plan to ask if size-wise and all that if we're still tracking for 12/10/11-ish. Andy leaves this Saturday morning for training in Georgia and we won't see one another until 9/1. He might have to use these pictures as reference for growth when we see one another after a long absence!

*Amy

Gender of next Gorneration Is....

Who Am I?

WHAT am I?

What am I doing?

We'll tell you after this next commercial break...
[dramatic music, flashing lights, drawn out pause, studio applause]

Yesterday we learned, with double confirmation, that the Gorneration is growing to include a FEMALE! Hurray for little girls! Kudos to Amy's Dad, Grandpa and future father-to-be, Andy, for staking their unwavering claim on a girl. You are some smart guys in my life (or the lucky side of a 50/50 chance)! 

And we were not prepared to learn the gender as quickly and easily as we did during the ultrasound. Within 2 seconds bebe showed us her bottom side as clear as could be! After digesting the revelation so quickly, we excitedly moved on to enjoy the rest of our HOUR AND A HALF-LONG ultrasound. It was the ultra-session with thorough measurements, examinations and watching our girl hang out in her world.

So what's she doing, above? Baby yoga of course! I like this scan even though it's a bit blurry because the straight lines above her body are her legs--completely flopped over top of her! We watched her grab her toes, yawn, hiccup, swing her little arms around and eventually flip over for pictures of her spine. We saw all 4 chambers of the heart beating and we were told "that's a nice umbilical cord." A comment or compliment (?) I never expected to hear in my life.

The double confirmation arrived after our student technician gave the controls over to her supervisor. She made a couple of last measurements and snapped a few more stills, and announced 'girl' all on her own too. Wow, naturally, that was a fun and special time for Andy and me. We're still smiling and chuckling about some of those movements we witnessed. 

Let the girl prep, and name selection, begin!

Gorneration @ 18 weeks

4.5 months into our pregnancy and I feel like (and look like) I'm really popping straight forward. My current pants are busting open, but I've bought a lot of time with the help of the Bella Band. However, even that isn't enough anymore!

Been feeling....normal and good...for awhile now. Woo-hoo, second trimester! We were borrowed a friend's doppler so we've checked in on the heartbeat a couple of times. Andy has a knack for finding bebe pretty quickly. He/she is always about 140-142.

Our dear friends, Joseph ad Jessica, coined the term "Gorneration" awhile ago, which we've really taken on as we expand the lineage. So it's been one of our fun names to use, as well as "bebe." Whenever we try talking to, or talk about, the "baby" we say "bebe" like we're French. Hopefully bebe will cooperate on Monday the 18th when we have the big ultrasound to find out the gender of the next Gorneration. Right now Andy and I are split on what we think we're having! We'll keep you posted on the next big bit of news if we have any to report from that day.

Tomorrow we leave for about 4 days to Seattle as our first non-work/non-holiday trip together since the honeymoon a year ago. Since we're actually closer to Seattle then Anchorage we figured it's time to get to know the place a little and have a little fun. Maybe it's our baby-moon! So we've got tickets for an Avett Brothers concert in Everett (Amy's super jazzed!) and a Mariners vs. Rangers ball game (Andy's super jazzed!). We're also going to hit up a maternity clothes store so Andy can stop hearing me talk about my tight pants and I'll get back to comfort via big elastic waistlines.

There is really nothing else to note with bebe right now because everything seems so normal aside from growing in size. So I'll end the update with a pic. of G3 from Sunday, halibut rod in hand.

First Trimester Recap

Today I am 16w3d along (I'm picking up on prego jargon--that means 16 weeks/3 days, or simply 4 months). Considering all I've read and all that can happen I can say that this pregnancy, so far, has been treating me very well.

(knock on wood) I have not had any morning sickness, but just some general nausea early on. I was always able to eat, even if that meant forcing toast first thing in the morning. I think those weird stomach feelings helped kick off caffeine early because coffee didn't even remotely interest. Now I'll have a cup of decaf here or there. Then, after the uncomfortable appetite I treaded thru in the mornings I jumped into LOVING breakfast! Huge breakfasts (for me) I'd get a cookin' while working in my office. Now I'm back to a more balanced load, but gosh, hash browns sound good anytime.

As for fatigue, I had a healthy dose of that especially around weeks 7-9. As soon as my play ended in mid-April I was couch or bedridden. All my energy was gone and Andy took care of me with fixing meals and helping out. After that time period I only needed naps once in awhile, but those nap needs came on sudden and intense, and I could sleep hard and be instantly refreshed after 20 minutes.

I'm fortunate that I began feeling back to my normal self by week 10 and 11 because I needed to travel for work, and especially work hard during the week of our conference in Dillingham. I felt like a champ during those long days. Thank you, baby, for helping me out!

I've had other normal, random afflictions like increased acne, an occasional headache (rare for me), the dreaded constipation, etc. Right now I'd say the hard thing for me is staying asleep and comfortable all night long. Last night I was wide awake for two hours. I know it's said that insomnia helps prepare for interrupted sleep later on, but then I need a nap later to make up for it, and I'd just rather soak up the sleep I can now. I'm training my body and slightly bigger belly to sleep on the better-for-baby left side, so that's part of the nighttime adjustments. One of these days I'll break down and crack out my boppy body pillow birthday gift!

I have a chiropractic consult tomorrow which will clear the way to have insurance cover prenatal massages! My first massage is already scheduled on July 11th and I'm so excited to soak up this perk.

Andy and I are also trying out talking aloud to baby as I know the ear bones are developing and he/she will begin hearing us better. It definitely takes a conscious effort to do that.

No cravings to date aside from eating certain foods a few days in a row awhile ago. One week I ate 3 lunches in a row from Subway because their warm subs sounded so good. Another week I went to the local coffeehouse 3 days in a row for a specific bagel with cream cheese combo. Hash browns still rule. Other than that, I'm acting normal. I think, anyway...maybe Andy has something different to offer!

Again, thanks to baby for being gentle and easy-going on me---so far!

*Amy

A Lemon, A Birthday and A Friend-ly Visit

Normally when you say "you've got a lemon" that's not very positive. My parents used to say when I was growing up that our station wagon was a lemon. It went to the car shop/garage a lot. But, for this week only having a lemon is pretty cool! That's the comparison size for the first baby Andy and I are expecting by 12/10/11! Yes, there's no going back--we are preparing (or, we will at some point!) for becoming parents just as our future baby is learning to make facial expressions this week---as the size of a lemon.

14.5 weeks along

We found out the life-changing and wonderful news on April's Fools day (about 5 weeks at that point) and kept the change to ourselves until a 10-week appt. when I got to see our little fishy. I'll share perspective soon about "how it's been" so far adjusting to pregnancy. Blog archives with excellent documentation and stories shared by my friends, Sara and Kati, more than a year ago have been really enjoyable for me to review and reference. (you're the experts ladies!)

So it was a special 31st birthday for me this Monday when both Andy & I went to the doctor for the 14-week appointment and heard baby's heartbeat! I nearly missed the moment as it took awhile for him to find it. I had to ask when it was found, at which time Andy and Doctor both said YES. Then I started listening really hard just before it disappeared. I'm such a novice. It won't be the last time for sure as one our friends in Sitka is locating her personal Doppler for us to borrow! The heartbeat was at.....140 beats. Which, according to insights shared to us by other parents in Sitka, and the old wives' tale that held true for my friend, Sara, it could be a boy. We'll find out next month and let you know!

As my co-worker said, it was a special birthday to spend with our entire family "to-be." :) We have been really blown away by the kindnesses and excitement shared by friends and family. Well wishes, lovely messages, thoughtful cards and even generous gifts for our news has really made this journey more real and special. Thank you!

I had a great weekend prior to my birthday with the visit of Liz. We both used to live in Nome and she just moved from there to Cordova. And guess what? She's pregnant too! Baby Guthier is due 1/2/12. So we indulged in comparing notes, discussing what to eat, how we feel and all that fun stuff since we're just 3 weeks apart.

We took those babies-to-be on board and cruised around with the Cajun Queen.

Blue-green water reflected in sunshine

Grilling Dinner Grub

Liz and I went to the Alaska Rapter Center, less than a mile from our house. It was amazing; I had never been to an animal rehabilitation center before. The presence and size of the eagles astounded us and pictures don't do justice.

Eagle and a football. Seems pretty American.

I call this one FedEx speedy!

What an eagle eye you have

Thank you for visiting us, Liz! I'll send you pictures soon.

Next up for baby? Joining the ranks of "navel orange" on Saturday. ha!

*Amy, plus lemon