38 weeks with 8 days to go!

Zander is now 38 weeks and now ready for life outside the womb. His lungs and organs are all ready for his debut next Wednesday. We had our last doctor appointment yesterday and it was the quickest of them all. My ever swelling ankles aren't viewed to be too much of a problem since my blood pressure remains low. A new symptom I've acquired is a numbing right hand. My finger tips are consistently tingly and numb and if I use them too much by writing, straightening my hair, or cooking I get an achy shooting pain up my arm.... very weird. I'm praying this is not a symptom of carpal tunnel and will fade post partum.

On to other news, today was the first day of school. My plan was to work the three-day school week and call it good until December... well... my body had other plans. My right arm and hand slowed me down and frustrated me in the morning, my ankles and tired body did me in in the afternoon, and as I collapsed in my chair feeling exhausted, achy, and dizzy after school I realized I couldn't do this two more days. It was a difficult decision to make and it was very difficult to admit to myself I couldn't do my job. I have such wonderful co-workers and boss they were all so supportive, which made it an easier decision to make. So after a lot of tears, from myself which then made my grandma and Sue who came to help after school cry too, I called my doctor and began my maternity leave early.

So as I sit here with my feet up trying to bring down the swelling, with no master papers to work on, no lesson plans to create, and no Zander to take care of yet I am bored. I can't remember the last time I sat down and just watched TV and it makes me feel antsy. I know what all you mothers are thinking... just wait. I'm sure in 8 days I will regret complaining about feeling bored. So, I will now go occupy my hands and enjoy an ice cream sandwich! My latest craving.

37 weeks

Zander continues to grow as he hits the 37-week mark! He is now close to 7lbs and is as big as a watermelon! We had our final doctor visit with our Dr. (we do have one more but she will be gone on vacation so we will be seeing another doctor.) It was very surreal. He's still sitting breeched which means are scheduled c-section is becoming more and more likely. Everything else is progressing as it should and we are becoming more content with the way our little man will be arriving.

We completed our last labor and prenatal class! Brandon learned how to give a very relaxing hand massage and we learned more breathing techniques that may not be needed but will be useful next time. We also learned more about c-sections and things to expect. I feel the best part of the class was learning how Brandon and I can support eachother. Overall it was an excellent experience and I highly reccomend it to all expectant parents.

Other than that, we are busy getting everything ready for his arrival. Our shower is "supposed" to be installed tomorrow. However, this has been said many times over the last month so we will see. We never imagined that installing a new bathtub would be a summer long project but I guess that’s how home improvement projects go.

I am also very proud to announce I have completed my Master's degree! I am still waiting a final grade for my last class and my official diploma won’t arrive for atleast a few weeks but I am done, and I am very relieved! For the past year and a half, I have spent every Sunday -all Sunday writing a paper. Nevertheless, I am done, and just in time. I am very excited to have two free Sundays before Zander comes to meet Suzi at Starbucks and go for a walk with Brandon... yah!

 I have also been busy getting my classroom ready for a new school year. Luckily, I am teaching second grade again this year and am in the same room so I haven't had too much to do. Brandon has been a huge help especially with the heavy lifting and just as every year Suzi will be coming in to do her jobs and taking pictures of my kiddos on the first day. Trainings begin tomorrow and next week is the first day of school. I plan to work at least the first week, which will give me three days to get to know my new students. Then I'm off until December!

You know it's getting close when it's the same as the expiration date on milk!

Zander is the size of a watermelon, which is what I usually feel I look like I'm carrying around under my shirt.

T H E video

So I haven't decided if it was a good idea or a bad one, but my curiosity got the best of me and I googled and found a video of a C-section. I feel if I watch a few more times it may desensitize me a little..... or maybe not..... here's the link for those of you who are curious. I will be sure to keep you updated and maybe I can even get Brandon to view it when he gets home from work. So go ahead click, sit back and enjoy watching knowing it isn't you having to go through this in 21 days! However, I would suggest not eating popcorn while viewing this video.
www.mayoclinic.com/health/c-section/MM00531

36 weeks

With four weeks to go we had our last ultrasound appointment and another doctor’s appointment. The ultrasound revealed that our little guy is Frank Breeched. His positioning, low levels of amniotic fluid, and only having a few weeks to go before he's due we had to schedule a C-section. We were/are obviously disappointed. We had been planning for the last 9 months to have Zander naturally and to have to change our birth plan was upsetting. There are some exercises and stretches I am doing in hopes to get him to move on his own, but our doctor doesn't think it's very likely. After some whining and complaining, Brandon and I realized how silly we were being. Zander is healthy, I am healthy, and as long as that stays constant, it doesn't really matter how he is brought into this world. So as of right now Zander Charles will be born on September 7th 2011, and we are very excited! 22 days to go!

Zander's Current Position

Our Birthing and Prenatal Class Experience...

We had our first of two 6-hour labor and delivery class today and it was very informative. Lots of the information was review but there was also lots of new information provided too. We even viewed two vaginal birth videos and I did not start hyperventilating like I was very concerned about doing. Things are definitely becoming more real and I do realize I'm in for a lot of pain but I am very excited about the end result....Zander being in my arms. Here are some more highlights from our day:

- We learned many helpful positions to use in hopes to get me through contractions: my favorite is using the
   big bouncy ball.
- What to pack in our hospital bag; I still need to get a long robe, nursing bra, and jolly rancher suckers.
- Breathing and relaxation techniques that almost put Brandon and I both to sleep.
- There are three stages of labor; the first can last 8-14 hours!
- We were tested on what we learned; Brandon on his coaching and I on my breathing. Utilizing some of the
   different positions, we learned I had to grab a handful of ice, concentrate on my breathing as Brandon
   timed me for a minute and coached me through the pain. Now I am well aware this does not even begin to
   compare to the pain I will be feeling during delivery but after 30 seconds of holding a handful of ice
   my hand was throbbing and my entire arm began to ache. It was a great test of my ability to concentrate on
   my breathing.
- And the BEST part of the day was....

Brandon was the first volunteer to wear the pregnancy belly! Granted he only had to wear it for an hour and was sitting most of the time but he did admit after about 50 minutes he began to get VERY uncomfortable and almost claustrophobic. He has been very sympathetic and caring during my pregnancy but I think this has given him an entirely different perspective.

35 weeks

I am now 35 weeks, which means 5 weeks to go. Zander is continuing to gain weight, he may weigh around 5-6lbs, we will find out his exact weight Monday. He is too big to practice any of his wrestling moves now but continues to kick, move, and keep me up at night. His hearing is fully developed and is very perceptible to higher pitches. Other than that the rest of his growth will pertain to putting on the pounds.

Can you guess what this is?????

If you guessed my Zander belly, you would be correct! This is my current view. I have no idea when my feet disappeared but as you can see they are long gone!

34 down 6 to go

I am now 8 1/2 months prego and very excited to be nearing the end. As I briefly discussed last week I am beginning to feel the aches and pains of pregnancy. Brandon keeps reminding me during my "low" moments that most of the time I really enjoy being pregnant.... not sure if that makes me feel any better, but I guess it's his effort I should appreciate and he is certainly being very wonderful. I know it may be hard to imagine but I can be a little difficult and whinny and Brandon handles all of it with love and patience.

Okay, enough about me onto Zander. On Monday, we had our 34 weeks appointment and from where his strong heartbeat was located, it seems that he is head down! In addition, I am now only measuring one centimeter larger, which apparently doesn't matter but it made me smile. This week Zander can recognize familiar songs, which only encourages me to sing off key even more. I also must add that I have become quite clever and even make up lyrics to familiar songs about Zander. He enjoys it I'm sure. His favorite continues to be Michael Jackson; he kicks and moves as soon as he comes on. Zander is continuing to grow and put on weight, we will know his specifics the 15th. His movements are becoming stronger and more frequent throughout the day. I am sure he will sleep much more after his arrival.... right? Hey, it's my baby and I'll be naive if I want to.

Zander is now around the size of a honeydew

33 weeks

Zander is 33 weeks (8 months & 1 week). This week he will grow at least another inch and his brain continues to grow like crazy. Thank goodness the bones in his head won't fuse together until early adulthood which mean they are able to move and slightly overlap..... all to make his arrival a little less painful. He now spends his waking hours eyes wide open and continues to lose that wrinkled alien appearance.

So for some other updates.... I continue to feel very lucky I decided to be a teacher many years ago and have summers off because I do not see how it would ever be possible to work and feel the way I do. I feel pretty well except for being easily tired and at times short of breath. Other than that I feel pretty good, had a few emotional breakdowns last week with the house being a mess and missing Katie's (my best friend) wedding. Anyways... our home continues to be a work in progress. Painting in Brandon's man cave (Seahawks theme and turning out very cool), remodeling the entire bathroom (not by choice), and Zander's room is currently serving as storage of all bathroom and miscellaneous stuff. I do not do well with clutter or disorganization, but I am remaining calm and feeling lucky for our wonderful family who has been so amazing and supportive.

With 7 weeks until Zander's approximate due date I am getting very excited and anxious. I keep imagining upcoming Holidays, stroller outings, and rocking him in the new glider we got for the nursery. I feel like he's going to come early, seeing how he is on the heavier side of the average weight range and I continue to measure two centimeters big... but what do I know, I'm a first timer.

This week Zander weighs a little more than a pineapple.

8 Months

2 months to go and pregnancy is really starting to kick my butt. I feel very lucky to not have to get up and go to work every day. I am exhausted after simply making the bed. Sleeping has become very difficult between trying to get in a comfortable position, waking up in need for Tums or the bathroom and the frequent side, leg and foot cramps. Although I am constantly very uncomfortable I am trying to savor these last two months of enjoying alone time with Brandon and being so strongly connected to Zander at all times. It's a little bitter sweet, as much as I want him here I will never be able to protect and care for him the way I am now. I also know that life as Brandon and I know it will change drastically once our little man is here, and that is scary and exciting at the same time.

This week Zander begins to gain an average of 1/2 a pound a week. He's hopefully head down or will be making his trek to that position soon. Space is getting increasingly cramped as he continues to grow and gain weight. Other than gaining weight and growing a few inches, he's just about ready for his debut.

              Zander weighs about the same as a large jicama

This picture is not of our handsome boy, however it does
show how increasingly cramped his current home is getting.

We're at single digit count down

Today Zander is 31 weeks and weighing 4lbs! He has gained 2lbs since last month. We had a doctor’s appointment today and found out that he is sitting breached with his bottom down by my bladder, which means it was definitely his cute little foot we felt last night. Zander has all five senses working now, however he will not be smelling until he's outside the womb. I've been experiencing the legendary Braxton hick contractions lately, which is normal and a way of my body preparing for Zander's big arrival. We signed up for a labor and delivery class that begins next month. Everything continues to be going so quickly. I can't believe he may be here in 9 weeks! 

Zander giving the peace sign

                                                                      His cute feet

                                                                     Front of his face

                                      3D shot of the side of his adorable face,
                                      I think he already looks like his Daddy