The 5AM Blues...

I know you're thinking I'm crazy for blogging at 5AM and eating Captain Crunch Berries. I gave in to the insomnia and finally got up. For whatever reason after my normal 4AM trip to the bathroom, I couldn't go back to sleep. The anxiety continues I suppose. Today is my last day of work until March 23rd. Yes Mom and Woody...I have fullfilled my plan on schedule with the help of Riley and lots of determination. I'm wondering if I have passed on my need to have a "plan" to him. Not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. Jeremy pretty much goes with the flow and I have to know what is going on and plan for everything! Maybe he will be a happy medium of both. The last few weeks have been nothing but an emotional ride. Anxiety, excitement, fear..you name it, I've felt it. I think it's taking a toll on Jeremy now. Today is his birthday and with all the baby happenings he is full of different emotions too.

I'd like to think I've held it together pretty well during the pregnancy, but I would have to say this last month has been the hardest. All of the different emotions and feelings are completely unexpected. Some people have them the whole time, but thankfully I've been able to keep my sanity until now.

I will make my last "have-to" trip across the state line to Dalton this morning for the next 11 and a half weeks and I will have my last lunch with the girls today at Chili's before becoming a Mommy. I'm not going to miss the work portion I don't think too much, I will have my hands full, but I will miss the adult interaction I'm sure. And just how much HGTV will I be able to tolerate??

We can only hope that next year will be better and more delightful with our new addition to the family. It's been a rough year with my Mom's divorcce, my uncle passing, my other uncle being in the hospital for months (he is still there by the way), Powpaw Keller passing and just the normal stress of life and unneccessary events.

As the year closes today, I wish everyone a Happy New Year. I ask that you keep Jeremy and I in your thoughts and prayers the next few days as we near parenthood and the turning of a new chapter..The Unknown! I'm praying that things will take normal courses and we won't need to be induced on Sunday. If there is one dissappointment that will be it. I wanted more then anything to experience the excitement of going to the hospital and having to make all of those phone calls saying "He's on his way!!" But I know that if LeeAnn recommends the induction course, then it is for the best for Riley and me. Stupid old blood pressure! Hopefully the pills will work and we won't have to have the drip. Who knows??

Have a safe and Happy New Year....

Less then a week!!!

We are well on our way to becoming parents...I know I've said before that reality has set in, but honestly it is here and coming on us so fast!! We went to LeeAnn today, so thankful we made it while she was out of town. I am still dilated 1cm...for the second week. My blood pressure is still high, but no protein or salt in my urine. LeeAnn advised us that if Riley hasn't made his grand entrance by Sunday, we are going to be put in the hospital at 7PM.
She will give me medicine in a pill form to get things moving so that I can still eat and move around. If that doesn't get things going fast enough then Monday morning they will give me the drip. We're hoping he comes on his own before then, but if it is meant to be then it is meant to be. We appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers and hope you continue to do so for us as we start this journey.

3 weeks and counting

So...we have 3 weeks from tomorrow until our due date...will we make it?? Only time will tell. It's really hard to believe that the months have gone by so fast. The small things are becoming so apparent now. Just today, I was doing laundry and realized that the next time I have to buy detergent I'm going to be a Mommy. I'm trying to enjoy each day as it passes, but am becoming so anxious I can't stand it! I have serious nesting syndrome...I mopped the entire house between yesterday and today...Jeremy was so mad. I have tried to limit myself to keep from progressing the labor since Jeremy is out of town until Tuesday and LeeAnn is leaving, but I don't know how much longer I can go without just going on this cleaning rampage!!!!

Last Monday was my scheduled visit with LeeAnn. My blood pressure was still high and my protein levels elevated. So she sent me over to the hospital for monitoring. I had no idea what to think. We were there for a couple of hours and eventually my blood pressure started to lower. Riley was fine and made sure we knew he was there. We then went back to the hospital on Wednesday night. I'm embarrassed to say, but we thought my water was breaking. It turned out to be the outer layer of my water sac that was leaking. So, I spent up into the wee hours of the morning at the hospital walking and being checked for fluid. Better safe then sorry, but we learned I was dilated 1cm. YEAH!! Oh, and my blood pressure was fine and no protein when we were there!!

We had to go back to LeeAnn's on Friday for an ultrasound and to be put on the monitor again. Things were okay actually. My blood pressure was still good with no protein. I was so excited. LeeAnn okayed for me to continue to work until our next visit. We just floating from one visit to the next. The ultrasound showed that Riley has hair!! It was sticking out from his head...it was so awesome. The ultrasound tech said that his head was really in my pelvis...I guess that explains why I have been a little uncomfortable?? Just cross your fingers that he holds on until LeeAnn gets back from New York on the 28th.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers about my blood pressure and protein...I hope I can keep it under control. We have such awesome family and friends...we love you all and so will Riley!!!

The Clock Keeps Ticking....

We are approaching our 36th week of pregnancy and let me tell you...I can feel it. For the most part, I feel great. I'm having some blood pressure and fluid retention issues. I had an unplanned visit with LeeAnn this week due to a severe headache and swelling of my feet and hands for two days. She said that at this point she normally would recommend bed rest until delivery....not what I have in mind!! She did say that if we can make it through next week, then Riley can come into the world at home in Cleveland and not in Chattanooga.

I started crying and so we met in the middle and now I have until Monday to get a grasp on my blood pressure and drink all the water I can stand to filter out the excess protein and salt. My only thought is...I do not know how to control my blood pressure. Everyone says rest rest rest....OK. If I'm resting, my mind is going around and around with the things I could be doing not to mention my very frequent trips to the bathroom due to my water intake. I can't help but think this is somehow my fault that this has happened and now I'm risking time away from my baby because of silly old stress. If you know me at all, then you know I'm naturally a stressed out person and a worry wort. I'm supposed to be resting and taking it easy...but I'm worrying about getting this under control making it past Christmas for my delivery. Did I mention LeeAnn is going to New York on Christmas Eve and will back on the 28th??? Yes...very important that I don't go into labor before then.

So, I'm taking today off from work...luckily I already had a vacation day planned. I slept until 10:30!! I feel like I have wasted the whole day...but I'm actually enjoying it. Jeremy went ahead to the cabin last night. I convinced him to go...he'll be back Saturday instead of Sunday. We agreed to dinner Saturday night...my only outing for the weekend. Well, I'm sure the grocery store will be in my path somewhere. I promised him not to do too much while I'm home. I did say the laundry would get done and the filing cabinet cleaned out for the year. Other then that, if I take a notion to do something minor then I will.

I can't say enough about how great he has been through the pregnancy. He goes with me to my visits no matter how minor they are. It's been a challenge putting all the baby stuff together. Just the other day he swore the Pack-N-Play came out of the box broke. He had fastened the bottom before pulling the sides. I was supposed to be off of my feet, but I had to get up and show him how to start putting it together. He even reads to Riley at night! I love it! Jeremy is my best friend, but our relationship has matured so much during this experience. I wouldn't change a thing. So Riley, I hope that we make you proud to call us your parents.

Okay, so I've been a bit of a slacker posting this month. We've been pretty busy getting things together. We've had 2 of 3 Baby Shower's so far. Believe me...Riley has more then enough clothes to wear! We have been so blessed with all the great gifts at each shower. I worried that we wouldn't get all of the "essentials" to get started, but our family and friends have made is so easy for us.

We've also finished the nursery....ahead of schedule I might add. Well, ahead of my schedule. I had wanted everything finished by Thanksgiving and things have been finished since the 16th! Everything is neatly in place and waiting the arrival of it's owner. We're still going every 2 weeks to the doctor, which the weeks are going by so slow right now!

My total weight gain is 15 pounds so far. Although, I can still tie my own shoes and shave my legs!! We have 7 weeks left if we make it to our due date. My last day of work is December 31st..providing we make it that long. I hope so!! Riley is getting cramped in my stomach. There are times when one side of my stomach sticks out and then he moves and it evens back out. It's so funny to watch.

My anxiety levels are increased a bit getting so close to Riley's arrival. We're so excited too...Jeremy is beside himself with excitement waiting on his son. I'm gonna miss him calling me his beautiful pregnant wife. I can't even begin to explain how great he has been. If he shows half as much support in raising Riley, I think we'll do just fine.

I'm a little late in putting up the tree. Anyone that knows me can tell you that I put it up the first weekend in November and leave it up until well after the New Year. Jeremy put it together in the garage before he left to go hunting and Popa helped me get it in the house today. We almost didn't do the tree thinking we wouldn't get to take it down before Riley gets here, but I just couldn't help it. I will probably take it down earlier then I normally do just in case.

We don't go back to the doctor until December 1st so I'll let you know our progress. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we prepare for this journey.

Good things must come to an end...

Well, we finished our birthing classes tonight. It's sad to say, but I'm going to miss going and being around other people that are going through similar things that Jeremy and I are. Most people that have children can relate, but to be around people going through it at the same time is so much different. We got all kinds of goodies tonight! A diaper bag filled with formula, diapers, wipes, coupons...you name it....even a guide to giving a bath and what to take to the hospital. We did sign up for the car seat safety that is next Tuesday.

I am washing my third load of baby clothes!! They smell so good...I just want to roll in them. Jeremy and I cannot stay out of the nursery, it's almost ridiculous. Well, I just wanted to share that we were through with class and baby clothes are being washed. We see LeeAnn in a couple of days so hopefully I will have something interesting to report.

The months flew by when we were going once a month, but this every two weeks is going by so slow...I guess I should enjoy the next 9 weeks and try to relax. Yeah right! I keep myself up at night with anxious thoughts of what is to come and what all needs to be done.

The clock keeps a ticking...

We are slowly approaching the big change in our life. We will be at 31 weeks this week and for the first time...I really feel pregnant. What I mean is over the last 3 days, I have experienced kicks in the ribs, back aches and not being able to get comfortable in the bed! I have had days that I just felt "off" and tired, but these past fews days have been different. I'm still loving the pregnancy though. I just assume that Riley is running out of room and he doesn't mean to make Mommy feel uncomfortable.

Jeremy and I had some maternity pictures done a couple of weeks ago. Aunt Vicki graciously did them for us. It was a blast. The nursery is now complete with new paint and a new floor. It also has a very cute baby bed in place between the windows. I'm very proud of Jeremy. It only took us about an hour and half to get the bed and the drawer put together. I then put the rug that matches the theme in front of the bed and Jeremy just couldn't resist putting the lamp on the table and turning it on. We left it on all night. I also put Riley's Pottery Barn Chair together. Hercules even got excited over the new furnishings of the room.Things are falling into place and if we keep it up we will be ahead of schedule at completing the room. My goal was to be complete by the end of November so that all I had to do in December was wash baby clothes and rest.

We go back to the doctor on Thursday. We are now going every two weeks. The last time we went she said Riley was about 2 pounds or a little over and she also said his head was down. I was worried because I thought oh my gosh he is going to be early. Little did I know, this was normal and he could change positions still. Our final birthing class is tomorrow. Some people say that they are a waste of time, but I think differently. Sure, they can't tell you exactly what is going to happen during your labor, but they can give you an idea of the "process". It has been very helpful to Jeremy and me especially being first time parents. Jeremy has paid very close attention to what his role is and how he can help during those painful moments. I knew he was, but wasn't for sure until last night at 3AM when he was rubbing my back the way she demonstrated in class. I felt so loved and just his thoughtfulness made the aches subside to some degree.