Postpartum Checkup

I went to my obstetrician for my postpartum checkup. She checked my c-section incision and gave me the go-ahead to resume normal activity :) This is the day I've been waiting for! I will be starting my new diet and workout routine on June 1st. I'll be blogging it about it :) I can't wait to get back to my pre-pregnancy, pre-marriage body.

My body goals are as follows:

-overall size 4
-24 inch waist
-weigh less than 130 lbs


Stay tuned for updates!

Twitter Thoughts on Motherhood ...

"No one should demonize motherhood. No one should romanticize motherhood. It can liberate. It can enslave. Both are possible." @Anti_Intellect

"Happy Mother's Day!  #Motherhood is the most sacred profession. #HappyMothersDay" @DeepakChopra

"Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind.” - Howard W. Hunter" @GreatestQuotes

" ... Motherhood isn't biology it's 'Love-ology' " @CoryBooker

"Happy mothers day 2 all u wonderful mommies! Hope u get lots of wet kisses & funky art work & back yard peed-on flowers. #motherhood" @kimwilliamspais

"A disorganized, individualistic selfish "community," makes motherhood a burden." @SouljahBooks

Word of the Day: Bras

While waiting for my little bundle o'joy, I have been slowly acquiring little things that I need to help make a comfortable transition to motherhood. Along with baby books, convenient gadgets, and countless paint for the nursery, I found that I had to indulge in something I never would have given a second thought: new bras. I knew that my breasts would probably grow, but I still didn't make the mental connection: I had to buy more bras, because I could not wear my old ones any longer. I went up both a cup and a band size (Hubby is ecstatic; I'm only mildly enthused.) So I bought two regular bras (in a larger size) and two nursing bras. Along with the two regular bras, I've been wearing a few stretchy sports bras, because those are flexibly sized and still fit comfortably.

I will get some more bras once the little one gets here. For now though, I'm still reeling over the fact that I had to buy the 4 new bras. Bras are expensive! Thank goodness for all the gift cards I've gotten: those helped keep me from having to spend cash for my new gear.

Word of the Day: Dilation

I've been at 1 cm for the past week. So, it's now official: the baby has gotten too comfy. I figure that once the door is cracked, baby should be trying to bust her way out of here. Unfortunately, she didn't get that memo.

My poor sister-in-law made it to 41 weeks before her little bundle decided to exit. In fact, she's in labor now. My new nephew will be here in a few hours (hopefully!) While I would love to be absorbed in what's happening in my uterus, my mind continues to go to her and what she's going through. Praying for her & the little one's safety :)

A Letter to My Unborn Child

Dear  Munchkin,

Though I talk to you every day, I figured I'd write you a letter. I know you're not due until April 26th, but I just figured I'd let you know that I am ready for your arrival. You don't have to stay in there any longer. I don't know if you heard the doctor a couple of days ago, but she said that you are full term, so that means you can come on out! Don't stay in too long: you don't really want to be a May baby. Remember, we agreed that diamond is a great birthstone to have. Quite a few awesome people are born in April-early April, that is. I know your Aunty Jess is born on April 26th, but let her have her day to herself, ok? No need for you two to share a birthday. See if you can make your debut before your aunty turns 25 again LOL

Come on out: the weather has been pretty warm, and I have a bunch of adorable clothes for you to wear, a pretty bassinet for you to sleep in, and a nice baby tub so we can practice your beauty rituals :) I've got some great organic baby products for you, not to mention the fact that I'm using up all my perfumed stuff so that I can get on the unscented bandwagon once you arrive. Oh yeah, I found some great hypoallergenic detergent to wash your clothes in-all you have to do is arrive, so we can get you in your freshly washed clothes.

I've completed my birth plan along with reviewing it with my obstetrician, made photocopies of my preregistration forms, I even made copies of my license and insurance card, just so that I can keep all that stuff together. I lined up your pediatrician, and I'm making the call to my insurance tomorrow so that we will be ready for you as soon as you get here. I've been stretching, learning breathing exercises, and eating super-healthy, just so that I'll be in top condition when you decide to come on out.

I'm getting used to drinking lots of water, so whenever you want to nurse, I'll be ready. I got some Enfamil and glass bottles (easier to sterilize) so even if you get a little hungry inbetween feeding sessions, there will always be something for you to eat. I know you're awfully cramped in there: that would be why you constantly toss and turn, trying to find a comfortable spot. Your bassinet has lots of space for you to stretch your legs. Your crib will have a lot of space, too. As you can see, we got food, comfortable living conditions, and scenery: what more could you want?

I don't mind the stretch marks, achy back, constant eating, and lack of sleep: I figure these are all a part of the journey. But since all the major damage is done, I'm thinking that you don't need to stay in any more. You can join us on the outside now.


Love you always,

Your slightly impatient mother

Almost 37 weeks ...

To say that I'm ready to have this baby would be an understatement. Here's how I'm looking (this was taken two days ago, when I was 36 weeks and 4 days):

The faint smirk on my face was just for my husband's amusement LOL! We were at Babies R Us, trying to pick up some little odds and ends before the little one gets here. Now, we wait ...

But don't worry-I'll still be doing posts, because I have lots to talk about, as I think of all of the last-minute details I've handled in the past couple of weeks :)

Word of the Day: Striae

Striae is the fancy medical term for stretch marks. For a long time during the pregnancy, I had no stretch marks. However, in the past 6 weeks, I have quite a few marks across my stomach. I can't lie: I was so sad when I saw how much my skin had changed. I moisturized regularly, but still fell victim to these ugly marks across my abdomen. I try to keep it all in the proper perspective: my body is changing. My body is creating and nourishing a life: if I have a few scars, it's worthwhile. You can't change without a few growing pains and a some battle scars.

Word of the Day: Popsicles

I asked my OB if I could bring popsicles with me to the hospital. She said yes :) It beats the heck out of ice chips! 

Word of the Day: Leave

I am officially on maternity leave. I am far more relaxed, since I've been able to rest whenever I overdo it (and I overdo it a lot.) I still have SO much to do:painting the nursery, organizing and cleaning the baby's clothes, hosting the baby shower, buying more thank you cards, packing my bag for the hospital, completing all of my pre-registration stuff, applying for the leave sharing program at work, and the list goes on and on ... Thank goodness for this handy-dandy list on TheBump.com. When you register and input your due date, they organize to-do lists for you, from the beginning to the end of the pregnancy. I am so thankful for it: it's helping me to stay organized (which, as a pregnant lady, I need desperately LOL!)

I am ready for the baby to get here, but, according to the due date, I have 5 more weeks. Do I believe I'm going to be pregnant for 5 more weeks? No, actually, I don't. I think I'll be delivering this baby within the next 2-3 weeks. I could be wrong, of course-most first time mothers deliver late rather than early. This baby is very active and I think she'll be here early. I'll be keeping you all posted. Look for pictures later today/early tomorrow. I need some photos for Week 35.

Word of the Day: Swelling

Today, my feet are more swollen than they have been during the entire pregnancy. My shoes are all too tight and it actually hurts to walk. Thank goodness for flip flops: hurtin' feet are for the birds!

Word of the Day: Contractions

I've been having mini-contractions all day today. I've had several since I've been pregnant, but today I had more than normal. I really feel that my little one wiill be here before her due date, but hopefully not too soon.

If you aren't familiar with some of the ins and outs of pregnancy, then you may not know that most pregnant women get "practice" contractions, better known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions prepare your body for childbirth. These get more intense as your due date approaches. I'll be keeping an eye on it-one of these days, the contractions may be true labor, instead of just practice.

My Latest Video: All About Carbuncles (AKA Boils)

My video, all about my experience with boils, MRSA, and antibiotics to treat it. It's important to at least keep an eye on ANYTHING that happens with your body while you're pregnant. Little things (even something as small as a boil) could be a serious condition that needs treatment before your little one gets here.

Word of the Day: Headache

My headaches have become more frequent as I get closer to my due date. It isn't the worst that could happen-I previously had a kidney infection a few months ago, and that was an ordeal.

Other than Braxton-Hicks contractions, round ligament pain, clumsiness, forgetfulness, and now headaches, everything else is going well LOL!