38 Week Check Up

I had a much better doctor visit today. This doctor didn't open the door and drop his black bag full of pitocin, induction and epidurals in my lap. He checked and I am 1 centimeter dilated and 50% effaced which means I could go into labor tonight or in a couple weeks:) The end is such a sit and wait game. They gave me a copy of the on call list and my favorite doctor is on call the 4th, 12th and the 16th so think happy delivery thoughts on those days. My mom and aunt's birthday is the 12th so I am hoping for that day. I'll keep everyone posted!

Yard Work

We have spent most of the weekend out in our yard. We had some new sod put down, bought some new plants and re-arranged our patio. Russ had a great idea to nail hooks into the fence to hang some of Sams' toys on to get them off the new grass. I am all about organization and I love it when he has a great idea like that.

Of course Sam was right in the middle of all our work helping out. He loves to water the plants and help Russ pot the plants. He also loves to dig in the dirt and rub it in his hair, on his chest and put piles of it all over the yard!

I have felt great this weekend and had a lot of energy. I am much better organized since my scare the other night. The next time I start with those contraction I won't be running around wondering where the camera is. I am ready to go:)



Notice the toys hung up on the fence in the background...

Enlarge to see Sam covered in a fine layer of dirt...

37 Week Check-Up

The doctor, who I had never seen before, opened the door and said:

Dr: So do you want to talk about inducing labor?

Me: Uh, no. I am 37 weeks pregnant.

Dr: Aren't you ready to get that baby out of you? I am sure you want your body back.

Me: Uh, no. They will come when they are good and ready. I actually enjoy being pregnant.

Dr: Bet you can't wait to get that epidural.

And it continued on from there. He had not even bothered to read my chart or look at my birth plan. Oh, I hope he is not on call when I go into labor. The two of use would have an interesting time together.

I had some pretty significant contractions last night which surprised me. It has prompted me to really get my act together and get organized. Sam was 3 days late but this little one could very well come early.

I love these last weeks of pregnancy. With quarters so cramped you can see all of the limbs so strong now swimming around- kicking and pushing on my ribs. I will miss the movement after they are born. There is nothing like it and I will remember every detail forever. What an amazing 37 weeks we have had together. I can't wait to hold you in my arms.

Sweet Boy

Sam is a very sweet boy. He doesn't torment our cats for the most part and is a real cuddler with mama. He is also a sleepyhead. He sleeps in to 8 or 8:30 every day and a lot of times is awake but still in his crib just taking his time waking up. He is in no hurry to get up. I have visions of a teenage Sam sleeping to one o'clock in the afternoon...

As I carried him down the stairs this morning with his head rested on my shoulder still waking up, he pulled his head back to get a good look at me. He smiled, held my face in his hands and gave me the sweetest kiss. At this age I am usually chasing him down for kisses. I can't think of a better way to start my day...

Ready to Pop!

We had a really great time away last night. We relaxed by the pool- although I will admit I wimped out and did not put on my suit or go in. When you see these pictures you might understand why. It was packed so we sat poolside with some tropical drinks. I had punch off of the kids menu while Russ had a couple Mai Tai's. We napped, had a delicious dinner at an Emeril restaurant and were in bed by 10. Boy how things have changed!

And here may be one of the last pictures in the belly installment series...

Off We Go...

Russ and I decided to squeeze in a night away before the baby is born because we won't be going anywhere for some time after that! We are going to a local hotel and have a great dinner planned. I am even going to sit by the pool and go swimming in all my pregnant glory. I did buy a cover up so not to scare the other hotel guests away. Pa Pa and Mum Mum are coming over to stay at our place with Sam- they are very excited to do an overnight with him. We will take some picture because I just realized it is time for my monthly belly update picture. The months have flown by- one more to go...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday to Stella and Thomas who turn 4 today:)

Birthday Fun...

Sam had such a great time at Stella and Thomas' birthday party. He wasn't sure of the bounce houses at first but he warmed up to the idea quickly as you will see. He also got to spend some time with our old nanny Miss Kelly. He was so happy to see her and really had a good time playing with her. Thanks you Miss Kelly and Russ for running after Sam for over an hour and a half since I couldn't keep up. Great party Amy:) I think we will be going back soon.

No fear...



Down the slide with Stella and Miss Kelly...

Splash Pad

We were planning on going to Sea World today but decided it would be too much for me. Between being big and slow the temperature was forecasted to reach near 90 degrees- not ideal for someone 9 months pregnant. We have a membership at our local zoo and decided to take Sam to the splash pad there. He also fed some animals and rode the train with Russ. He had a great time.

It is interesting to catch glimpses of yourself in your child. I caught a glimpse of myself in Sam today. I could relate to his hestitation so well. Russ was trying so hard to make him feel comfortable in the water but I knew what he needed. He needed to sit on my lap and take it all in. I knew when he was ready, not a second before, he would get down and start to play.





Sam made a new friend...

4 AM Blogging: Part II

I guess this can become a regular column here at Life with Sam until I deliver and then when I am up with our newborn. We are all doing well after a crazy week with work related stuff with me. It took a toll on me and I feel a little burned out from the old work grind. I am ready to bow out of work in the next few weeks and be mom full time. That is what I really love- it feels so natural. I remember really enjoying being at home with Sam after the initial fog of sleppless nights lifted. I can called my friend Amy when I was off and telling her I think being at home with my child is where I should be. I started cooking great meals and started to think about scrapbooking or doing something crafty- but then I went back to work and that all changed. I was surprised at how given the opportunity I was pretty domestic. Going back and leaving Sam was so hard.

Today we have Amy's twins' birthday party at a place that is full of bounce houses. I think Sam will love it. He has just started jumping and loves to bounce on our bed and in his crib. This sounds right up his alley. Her twins are turning 4 which is unbelievable. I remember each of their birthday parties like they were yesterday.

Below is a picture of Sam with my Uncle Rich from Rochester,NY. My aunt and uncle brought Sam a ton of cars and trucks which he loves...

Off to organize something:)

36 weeks today... 4 weeks to go.

4 AM Blogging

My last weeks of pregnancy are usually sleep deprived. Some of it has to do with not being able to sleep comfortably- the other part has to do with strong nesting urges in the middle of the night. This morning I am up for a variety of reasons.

I treated myself to a pedicure last night and came home to Sam who was throwing up- a lot. He was really sick and it has me worried so that is probably why I am up right now. Russ said it came on out of nowhere and Sam spent most of the night on my chest whimpering and drifting in and out of sleep. He hasn't thrown up in a few hours and he is asleep in his crib so I hope he is feeling better by morning. The worry over your sick child is so strong it still surprises me.

This weekend we are going to finish up the few remaining things we want to do before #2 arrives. Russ is going to put the bassinette together and I am going to pack my bag for the hospital. I have been feeling some pretty strong contractions off and on and I want to be prepared. I don't want to fill these last weeks with too many tasks. I want to spend the time enjoying these last weeks of feeling the baby move and spending time with Sam. What a great pregnancy this has been and I am so anxious to meet our new family member.

35 weeks today... 5 weeks to go.

FYI

My desire to have a drug free labor again does not make me:

1. Crazy
2. Have the desire to be "superwoman" in the delivery room
3. Feel like I have something to prove

I know I am big and I know I am "big all over". I know what you mean by that. No need to tell me. Really...

Yes, I am pregnant again.

I am aware I have a 20 month old son and he will have to adjust to the new baby. I know the baby will wake up in the middle of the night and I will be sleep deprived. I know I may have "my hands full". I am completely up for the challenge. That is why I am pregnant again.


I do appreciate all of this input from strangers.

Thankful

My friend at work who is pregnant and 3 weeks behind me was put on bedrest yesterday. She had some complications but it seems everything is ok now. Suddenly my back pain and reflux don't seem like such a big deal. I woke up this morning less annoyed with having to get up and go to work because at least I am able to go. I am feeling great with 6 weeks to go. I am thankful I have easy pregnancies and carry my babies to full term or past full term. I will be keeping her in my thoughts and hoping her baby boy waits a bit longer to enter the world.