36 weeks....Only 28 days (technically) to go!!

So, as of today I am 36 weeks. I'm officially off of bed rest, but the doctor wrote a note for me to go back to work on Monday.

As of this morning I am officially 2 cm, as excited I was to hear this was as disappointed as I was to hear the following statement: You can go in 4 hrs, 4 days, or 4 weeks. The good news following that was that he felt I was making good progress and will be able to more than likely avoid an induction.

They feel that the baby is a good size, and would be safe for him to be born anytime after now. Apparently there is a bigger difference in a 35 week baby as compared to a 36 week baby. Per the doctor, I can go back to normal activity....what I really wanted to do was finish getting a few things that I feel I will NEED and don't have.....but my car is at the dealership today, therefore, I am home bound still!

At the MFM appointment, this past Tuesday, Tofurkey's heart rate was at 150 bpm and he was weighing in at approximately 6lb 5oz and is current in the 51 percentile.

We have officially ended our birthing classes, they weren't really bad at all, and it was great to run into an old HS friend in the class. What a small, small world it is! Here is a picture of Josh learning how to push:

And here is a sneak preview from our maternity shoot, taken at 35 weeks, with Virginia...she did a great job and we had so much fun working with her! (http://www.virginiahartman.com/).

We will keep you updated. Love to all!!

Welcome to 35 Weeks......

and BED REST!!! So, after a long night of what I thought was a really bad decision of a late dinner consisting of Chinese leftovers, I have been placed on a 1 week bed rest order. I had been having an extreme amount of pressure all day yesterday and throughout the night, so I called into work this morning and left a message on the OBGYN's voicemail. Needless to say, after my first internal exam, I'm not quite 1cm dilated, but I'm more than 0cm dilated...OH, and his head is literally, right there. So, you'll be finding me in odd positions trying to keep little Tofurkey in the oven for at least one more week. Per the doctor this morning, once a patient goes into labor after 36 weeks, they won't try to stop it from happening.
I'll be fine....no worries!!!
Here is what babycenter.com has to say about being 35 weeks:

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

34 Week Update

Well, this past Tuesday I visited the MFM. Per the sonogram, Tofurkey weighed approximately 5lb 1oz and measuring at 35w4d. Currently he is estimated to be born somewhere between 8lb and 9lbs. Yikes!!! I'm now seeing her one a weekly basis until I deliver. Today I went to the OBGYN, and he said everything is looking good: blood pressure was 118/80, no issues with the urine, and his heartbeat sounded really good. In 2 weeks starts my weekly & internal exams with him. For those of you who have been wondering, as of today, I have gained 15lbs this pregnancy; other than being exhausted, I feel great. He is definitely head down....Thank G-d! We started our birthing classes, and Josh is learning a lot....it has been a little rough watching the videos. From Babycenter.com, here is what is going on at 34 weeks:

How your baby's growing:Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.See what your baby looks like this week.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development. How your life's changing: By this week, fatigue has probably set in again, though maybe not with the same coma-like intensity of your first trimester. Your tiredness is perfectly understandable, given the physical strain you're under and the restless nights of frequent pee breaks and tossing and turning, while trying to get comfortable. Now's the time to slow down and save up your energy for labor day (and beyond). If you've been sitting or lying down for a long time, don't jump up too quickly. Blood can pool in your feet and legs, causing a temporary drop in your blood pressure when you get up that can make you feel dizzy.

Many of you have asked about updates on my sister. Well, from what I can tell, she has good days and bad days. Her headaches are still there, but she is able to take something for them now. Per her follow-up appointment things look good, and hopefully soon she will feel good. Thanks for keeping her in your thoughts!

xoxoxo to everyone!!!!

33 Weeks and a fruit change!

OK, well actually 32 weeks & 6 days, but since tomorrow is Yom Kippur I have to either do my post a day early or a day late; I chose a day early. Here's an update: S.A.L. is literally sucking the life out of me! No worries, he is doing wonderfully, I on the other hand 'eh'. My hemoglobin level is really low, not transfusion low but probably infusion low. My hematologist would like for me to have a treatment via IV, but he won't do anything unless my OBGYN writes the prescription for it. We'll see what happens. Here is the most recent bump picture of me. Not many people seem to believe that I'm 8 months pregnant. I've NEVER had so many people tell me 'you're so small'. Hello, where have all these people been my life?!?!

Per the last visit with the MFM, Tofurkey was weighing in at 3lbs 7oz, and I'm weighing in at.....yeah right, I would never put that in print!!! And here is my new fruit:

Weeks 33-36 (Month 8): HoneydewAverage size: 17.2-18.7 in, 4.2-5.8 lbBaby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.

Obsession Confession

OK, so my new current obsession is very similar to an old confession. I'm currently obsessed with finding the right diaper bag. This runs simultaneously with my obsession of purses/hand bags. I know the root of this obsession is years of being overweight and the only thing I was able to shop for/purchase (that my normal size friends could) were shoes and handbags. Justifiable, yet very expensive! So, for my shower an anonymous gift give gave me a very gorgeous Juicy diaper bag (see pic below).

Yet, how would one think that I could only own one? Especially since the first one is black? Since we know that S.A.L. is a boy, I've decided that I will also need one in a neutral tone and blue/green.

This bag is the Ju Ju Be - All Drip Drops Diaper Bag. It's cute, a combination of my favorite colors and reminds me of a Hawaiian shirt (something that was commonly worn by my father).

This one is very, very earth-friendly! It is marketed as the 'better version of the Fleurville Mothership'. It is slightly smaller than the Mothership, and is made of recycled plastic bottle fabric. This is the Fleurville Chocolate Bottle Flower Re-Run Messenger Diaper Bag.

I found these 2 great bags, along with free shipping, at: http://www.littledudesanddivas.com/diaper-bags.html.

I haven't made the final purchase yet, so for now they remain in my shopping cart on their website.

The only thing additional thing I am now looking for in addition to the above is a backpack style diaper bag that Josh will carry as well. I know, I know....I'm a little obsessive compulsive about a simple diaper bag when I should be more worried about what type of formula to use (no I won't be breastfeeding, so therefore I am formula feeding), but this is an easier obsession for now.

A special PSA.....Voter Registration Deadline

OK People.....Our country is in some serious trouble, and we need some serious change. The only way you can make an impact is by voting. If you are not registered to vote the dealine is tomorrow, Monday, October 6th at 5pm. www.registertovote.org