33 weeks, July 2 (Aunty Bobby's Birthday!)

This week our baby is about the size of a Durian! Durian is so stinky and disgusting smelling, I remember being repulsed by it in Malaysia. However, a durian is big so Im proud of our little girl! Average size of babes at 33 weeks is 4.2-5.8 lbs, and about 17-19 inches. We have an ultrasound next Tuesday, Im looking forward to finding out more accurately what she weighs.
This Momma is doing well. The pain that I had in my lower abdomen and belly button area has completely subsided, so I am much more comfortable. It has been exceptionally hot lately, and the heat tends to exacerbate my swelling which is uncomfortable and tends to zap my energy, but otherwise, I feel great. I feel the baby a lot more now, she is definitely getting bigger and stronger.
My weight gain has plateaued, I feel healthy and well.

Our dear friends, Stephanie and Mike had their baby girl, Gigi Ember this week, June 29th. She is so beautiful, and healthy; I am so happy for them! I felt honoured to visit her just 2 days after she was born! Im looking forward to our turn. I have been nervous and scared, but I feel like I can do this.

Our renovations are still going, the process has turned out longer than we expected and more complicated. We had a nasty installer walk out on us this week, he didnt like us- we apparently asked too many questions. Luckily we didnt pay him and he completed a room, which looks beautiful (however, he used the wrong adhesive glue under the hardwood - which we were questioning and it may be a huge problem for us in the future; maybe not though too).  Despite the money, the situation was frustrating and upsetting as he yelled at me, his body language was aggressive and he was extremely unprofessional. We are glad that he is gone though, and we dont owe him anything. Thankfully, another installer (referred by Steph :) ) will be in next week to help us out with finishing the hardwood floor, and baseboards. The tiling should be complete by early next week (possibly this weekend). We are considering extending the hardwood upstairs to the bonus room and also possibly installing new carpet in the bedrooms, hallway and stairs (Home depot has a special right now, $198 for installation regardless of size). I want our house to be more liveable, and clean but at the same time, while we're doing this we may as well do it all while we're at it.
During the renovations Dennis & I are living in the basement; which is fine because it is much cooler down there anyways, and more comfortable. We may look at purchasing an air-conditioner, as our house has been 25-30 degrees.

Dennis & I start Birth and Babies classes next week, July 8th with Alberta Health Services. Initially we registered for the class with our due date being August 15 but since our babe is coming early we are at a bit of a disadvantage regarding the content and timeline of information. There are supposed to be 4 classes before babe is born, and 4 thereafter.

We also have our maternity photos coming up, on Saturday! I will be 34 weeks and 1 day. Im glad I waited for the maternity photos (I was supposed to have them 2 weeks ago). I feel like Ive popped more, but I dont think Im huge either.

Thanks again for following along!

Im getting nervous, only 3 more week! xo

Our nursery is complete, but feels incomplete.

My Dutalier glider, rocker, recliner has finally arrived, after 4 months! We were quoted 6-8 weeks so I am  not impressed with West Coast Kids (dont shop there!). Our crib also took 3 months and that too was quoted maximum 8 week wait. Anyway, the chair is awesome and Im glad to have it. 

32 Glorious weeks, June 24

This week our baby is about the size of squash, our babe is bigger than this! :) 

Everything is going well, however, recently I have had a lot of pain and pressure in my belly. The pain that I experience is in my lower abdomen, mainly in afternoon and evenings. Some of the pain that I have is broad ligament pain. It feels like my abs are stretching apart. My stomach feels hard to the touch. When I try to sit up from lying down, it hurts. In addition, I have an umbilical hernia, the area around my belly button is very tender and sensitive to touch. Ive been doing so well until now, and this is minor for me and manageable.  

I had an appointment with Dr Caddy, our OBGYN at the South Health Campus this morning. She confirmed, our babe will be born via cesarian section on Monday July 27th around 7:45am. It's interesting, I had a premonition about July 27th being a special day, and wanting her to be born on this day, for no particular reason. Dr Caddy announced and had July 27 written and scheduled for me; babe and I will be 37 weeks. Everything will go according to plan, unless I have a bleed. It is common, and typical for women with a complete previa to bleed during their pregnancies. I haven't had any bleeding, but it more likely for me to have a major bleed the longer I am pregnant. A sentinel bleed is a risk later in pregnancy, as a precaution, I cannot travel, and need to be within hospital access at all times. 

Dr Caddy requested that I make an appointment for a more in-depth gestational diabetes test, as baby is measuring big, 100% percentile, and about 4.5 lbs at 30 weeks (2 weeks ago). As well, due to the pain that Ive been experiencing, Dr Caddy wants me to have additional blood work done to make sure that nothing is wrong (she doesnt think its anything serious). I have a lab appointment on Friday for these tests. The diabetes test will be 2 hours, I need to fast for 8 hours prior, when I arrive I will drink a concentrated sugar drink and wait in the lab for 2 hours for blood work to see how my body responds. The first gestational diabetes test I had came back normal (even low), and the radiologist thinks that there isnt an issue because my blood work was previously fine and our family tends to have large babies. 

Due to Daddy nesting instincts, we are having renovations done in the house. It's much more dirty and dusty than I imagined. It's been hard to live in our home while the renovations are happening. Last week we had demolition guys in to remove all of the tile on our main level, the house was incredibly dusty. I cleaned a lot, it almost felt liveable, however, the tilers are in this week and every day the house is a dust bowl. The weather has been gorgeous so I have been able to spend a lot of time outside. Tiling will continue on for the rest of the week and weekend.  Dennis & I will go and spend a night or two at Aunty Bobby's. Meanwhile we've been sleeping downstairs in the basement, and have had limited access to our kitchen, appliances and bathrooms. Everything looks great so far, and all of the contractors are doing a great job. However, we had a bit of a problem with screws poking through from the shower install into the babies room (see photos below); the plumber is so nice, I dont want to mention it to him. 
Next week our hardwood and baseboards will be installed, thereafter we can start to clean up and live in our home more normally; I have already scheduled carpet cleaning, and will be booking duct cleaning once the renovations are complete.

Fathers day was this past Sunday, June 19th. A great day to celebrate wonderful men and fathers. I have a wonderful Dad, for which Im so grateful! Our baby girl will have a great Dad too. Im excited to see Dennis as a Daddy, I know he will be involved and engaged with our daughter. Photos below of Dennis' Daddy Day gifts. 

OBGYN appointment, confirmed delivery date, July 27 2015!

Daddy Dennis' Fathers day Gifts

Happy Father's Day, Dad! 

New helmet and bike seat.

Renovation roughage! :(

31 weeks, and 5 days. June 18.

This week our baby girl is about the size of a pineapple (a large one!). 

Momma feels great, healthy and happy! However, our home is a construction site, the destruction makes me feel uncomfortable and anxious at times. I am trying to clean up as much as possible but it is impossible to live in our home normally until the construction (flooring is complete), 2-3 weeks. This week was the dirtiest of all, we had all of the tile in the house demolished. I had to be out of the house for 2, 12 hour days. It wasnt too bad though! I treated myself to breakfast both days, hung out with Steph, Trinity and Aunty Bobby and met up with Dennis for dinner after work. Last night our baby girl experienced her second concert, Ed Sheeran, thanks to Stephanie; it was great! 
Next week new tile will be installed on the main level as well as in 3 bathrooms, 2 upstairs and one on the main level. The only useable bathroom we have right now is in the basement, Dennis & I have been living down there. The rest of the house has been too dusty anyways. 
The following week hardwood floors will be installed on the main level. Everything is going well so far! 
I feel our baby several times through the day. Swelling has been a continual problem in my hands, especially my right hand due to the carpal tunnel as well; it can be painful but mainly uncomfortable and annoying. My feet also swell, increasingly later in the day. 
 I havent had any appointments this week, my next appointment with be with Dr Caddy, our OBGYN at the South Health Center, on June 24th. At that appointment I think we will book our cesarean section, for the 3rd week in July, our girl will be 37 weeks. 

30 weeks, 5 days pregnant. June 11. Ultrasound

This week our baby is about as long as a cucumber about 15-17 inches long, and approximate weight for a 30 week babe is around 2.5-3.8 lbs. 
We had an ultrasound this week, on June 9th to check on the previa. The previa is still very much covering my cervix, hasnt moved at all. In fact it may have increased to 6cm rather than 5.5cm as before. The radiologist suggested to scheduled a cesarian but to come back before delivery to ensure that there in fact is still a previa. I have another ultrasound scheduled for July 7. I am grateful for all of these opportunities to see, and check on our baby before we get to hold her. Baby is doing extremely well! She weights about 4.25 lbs, which is off the charts; the doctor was concerned about gestational diabetes. He confirmed my previous blood test and was assured that all is normal. I informed him that our family has big babies, he said that explains it! Maternally all of my families babies are 9-10 lbs at birth. Im glad that she is nice and plump, and has extra weight on her as our delivery will be 3 weeks early. All of her other growth measurements are within the 97th percentile, which is great! Dennis is proud! The lovely ultrasound tech mentioned how great I look, and how small I am. She said "where are you hiding this 4 lb baby!? I do this every day and youre really small." Her comment was reassuring, that Im not in fact massive. She also commented on how cute our baby is. I thinks he's pretty adorable too. She was sucking on her hand and touching her toes. The ultrasound tech pointed out, and was shocked about how much hair our baby has! You can even see it on the top of her head in the ultrasound picture, which apparently is really uncommon. Her name means fair haired warrior, or hero which is fitting! She's been a fighter from day one, as a cell, and an embryo, we've come so far!
Regarding symptoms, I am doing really well and am healthy, however, swelling and circulation has been a problem. It has been really hot, 30 degree weather which has exacerbated my swollen hands and feet. I wear my carpal tunnel wrist brace every night which seems to help, but my fingers are numb and swollen a lot of the time. Some of my shoes dont fit and it hurts to walk or be on my feet a lot. Its kind of ugly, uncomfortable and painful. 
Daddy Dennis has taken on his own form of nesting. He has been super motivated to renovate and landscape. I have wanted this work done for years so I am happy about it, and fully encourage the changes! He's been digging up old trees and bushes, planting new trees and tidying up the yard. We have also taken on a large renovation which will start next week. Our tile is all being demolished, starting next Monday or Tuesday. New tile is being installed on the main level, as well as the 2 bathrooms upstairs, including a custom tile shower. We chose and purchased the tile yesterday, I love it! Hardwood is going in on the main level in the living room and the dining room, where there was carpet. I am enthusiastic to continue the hardwood upstairs but Dennis wants to keep the job to the main level and the 2 upstairs bathrooms. 

First time parking in a Momma parking spot! These signs used to infuriate me!

 Look at her sweet face! 

 This past weekend we met dear friends, Lacy and Cody (34 weeks preg) at the lovely Saskatoon Berry farm for breakfast! It is so gorgeous there, I cant believe I havent been! We will defiantly be returning.

29 weeks, 4 days. June 3 (Aunty Ky's Birthday!)

This week our baby is the size of an acorn squash, about 2.5-3.8 pounds, and around 15-17 inches!
I am feeling her size that's for sure, as she gets cramped in my belly. 
Everything is going really well! The carpal tunnel which I have been experiencing, mainly in my right hand and wrist has subsided a bit. I got a carpal tunnel specific support brace which I have been wearing at night. I thought that it would be a waste of money but it has been a sleep-saver for me! I was crying last week and saying, "I cant do this every night" as I was awake all through the night, up and down in pain. Im not experiencing that at all anymore. I still have pressure and swelling but not near as much pain. Ive noticed additional swelling in my left hand now that Im wearing the brace on my right, but Im not going to buy another brace for $50 a piece, and its bearable on my left side. 
Dennis & I have officially cancelled our classes with Healthy Birth Choices. Im sad to not be a part of the healthy, natural birthing parenting group. It was a cool feeling to be a part of the group, and community of new families with the same intentions. 
We have upcoming prenatal and postnatal classes with Birth and Babies, through Alberta Health Services, starting the beginning of July. 

Dennis found information last week pertaining to previa and prevalence related to IVF: http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/02/23/us-ivf-moms-idUSTRE61M5LR20100223; previa and other complications are more common with IVF pregnancies. Interesting, hey?!
Dennis has been, seemingly more engaged and invested as a Daddy. I think that the pregnancy is more serious now and real for him, he's taken on a bit of a protective Daddy and husband role. It feels good to have him by my side in such a caring way; even though I feel totally fine. :) 

Our midwives have confirmed pelvic rest is now necessary, and travel is a no-no. Must be within city limits until this babe comes in case of a major bleed. 

This past weekend we went out and purchased a stroller and car seat that we have been eying for months. We are happy and feel confident with our choices. I also picked up a used car seat base, and adapter for our City Mini GT Stroller. I had a bit of a panicky moment when we purchased and checked out the car seat in our vehicle; I felt scared and excited.
See below for pics of our gear.

I have started packing my hospital bag.

Here are examples of the items we have: 

Uppababy Vista Stroller, it comes with a lovely bassinet.
Dennis chose this, I concur. 

City Mini GT Stroller

Peg Perego Car Seat

28 weeks and 6 days. May 29th. Big news, big placenta.

This week our baby is approximately the size of an Eggplant, about 13.6-15 inches in length. Average weight for babes at 28 weeks is 1.5-2.5 pounds. Our babe is ahead of the game, at almost 3 pounds!
We had 3 telling, important appointments this week, first being our 4th ultrasound. The ultrasound was on May 26th to see where the placenta is and if it had moved, and to check on babe. Gratefully Grandma was able to attend the appointment and see our little girl for the first time. She was very active and photogenic. We got a lot of great glimpses of her pretty little face. We found out that she is about 3 pounds and in the 75th percentile (meaning that she's bigger than 75 babes, and smaller than 24 out of 100 approximately. After the ultrasound we met with the radiologist who informed us that the placenta has not moved at all, it is completely covering my cervix by 5 cm and would need to move a total of 7cm (over and away from the cervix) in order to consider a vaginal delivery. 
May 27th I met with our OBGYN, Dr Caddy at the South Health Campus for the first time. I am very impressed with her and the services available at the South Health Campus. They have a dietician, social worker, lactation consultant and psychologist available who work with families. I have made a request to see the lactation consultant to discuss concerns that I have regarding breast feeding without going into labour as this can be more problematic and unnatural. Dr Caddy clarified that I will need to have a scheduled cesarian at 37 weeks. They prefer to deliver babies at the beginning of the 37th week to decrease risk of an emergency bleed. They used to deliver at 36 weeks. I would be more comfortable waiting until 38 weeks but we will do what needs to be done. Our baby will be born at the South Health Campus the week of July 27th. This is disappointing for us, but we are dealing with the situation well. Dennis has been a great support. We have many professionals involved, whom I feel comfortable and confident with. I wanted as few interventions as possible, and a natural birth after dealing with infertility and IVF. Dr Caddy discussed many risks, most common being bleeding. Many women with a previa have bleeding through their pregnancy with can result in preterm labour or a much earlier emergency cesarian. I havent experienced any bleeding, but that doesnt mean that I wont. Women can go their whole pregnancy without a bleed, with a major bleed or with several bleeds. If I experiencing any bleeding I need to phone 911 immediately. I need to be within hospital range at all times for the next 9 weeks; no long walks, no travelling or flying. I need to be "homebound" basically. As one gets closer to term the risk of bleeding, and having a major bleed is much more likely and concerning. In addition to the previa my placenta is anterior; during surgery they will need to cut into and through the placenta to get baby out. There are a lot of risks associated with cutting the placenta, as it will continue to bleed. I may need to receive a blood transfusion. If bleeding does not stop the worst case scenario would be a hysterectomy. This frightens me and would be devastating.  
May 28th I met with one of our Midwives, Alisha. She discussed with me their continued involvement, one of our midwives (Alisha or Caroline) will be present in the OR, and will receive our baby immediately after the surgery. It is a priority for me and for them for baby to be skin to skin immediately. If for some reason I can't receive her right away Dennis can. Dr Caddy knows, and has a lot of respect for Caroline. I feel confident and reassured that they will be there with us. Our midwives will continue to follow us and care for myself and babe postpartum. It is shocking to me, OB/GYN's don't follow moms or babies after at all. I am so grateful for the midwives continued involvement and support. They will be helpful in breastfeeding and postpartum care. 
My blood pressure, baby's heart beat, and my size is all normal, I am measuring at 29 weeks. Alisha commended me and told me how proud she is of me for dealing with this situation so well. It was nice to hear that from her. I feel confident that our family is and will be well. Our baby has a bit of a head start in life, and is in optimal health. Alisha felt our baby, her head is down and her bum is up, which is the same position she was in the last 2 ultrasounds. We have another ultrasound appointment on June 9th to check on the previa again. The radiologist and OBGYN are confident that the previa will not move, and said that it would be a miracle if it does. I will meet with the Midwives every 2 weeks; our next appointment with the OBGYN is in 4 weeks due to our involvement with the midwives, as well. 

Dennis & I discussed discontinuing the classes that we are taking with Healthy Birth Choices. The classes focus on a natural labour and delivery. Alisha agrees that we should discontinue. We are registered and will continue with our plans to attend the Birth and Babies classes with Alberta Health Services, starting July 8th. The first 3 classes are related to labour, however the remaining 7 classes are on parenting and breastfeeding. When we registered we provided the babies scheduled due date, so that you attend classes prior to having baby and postpartum. Apparently its a great opportunity and venue to meet parents and establish friendships with other new parents.

I have been feeling our baby a lot! She is moving and kicking often. It's cool and reassuring to feel her, but weird and powerful. 

Grandma and Grandpa were in Calgary for the past week, for Trinity's Graduation. We had a lovely week together! The weather was gorgeous. Mom and I walked daily, often with Aunty Bobby. Dad had several bike rides downtown with Trinity, Dennis & Aunty Bobby! 

Within the past 2 weeks I have experienced swelling in my feet and hands. My most uncomfortable symptom so far has been swelling in my hands in the morning. A lot of women get carpal tunnel during pregnancy specifically. There isnt much, or anything that can be done about it. I wake up early in the morning, 5am approximately with pain and numbness in my hands. It is the worst in the morning, I wake up in excruciating pain through the night. It helps for me to stand up but when I lie back down it comes on again. Feels like I have 10 elastic bands tied her around my wrist tightly. I can't close my fist, it's especially bad on my right side. I asked about this on my Summer 2015 IVF Babes group, many other women are experiencing this as well. I mentioned this to our midwife, she said that it is very normal and not much can be done about it. It's due to all of the additional blood volume, which pools in the extremities. 

I also now have back pain and aches. I am not complaining! I am in love with being pregnant and carrying this precious little girl! My appetite seems to have tamed down. Im no longer hungry through the day and sometimes forget to eat lunch. 

27 weeks, 5 days. May 22nd

This week our baby girl is the size of a rutabaga, about 1.5-2.5 lbs and around 13.6-15 inches. 

Grandma and Grandpa are here visiting this week for cousin Trinity's Graduation, they will be here until May 27! We travelled out together from BC on Wednesday. Its nice to be back with Daddy Dennis, in our home.
The weather has been beautiful and everything is going well! 

I feel great!

Still no cravings and my appetite is more manageable now. 

I have a hard time remembering to take my iron supplements (Im anemic and should take liquid iron daily). 

I have been experiencing night sweats, due to hormones fluctuating. I am more emotional but still doing fine. My fingers and ankles (and belly) are more swollen. I have had to take all of my rings off. I should have taken them off earlier as it was challenging and scary to get my rings off my swollen fingers. I feel bare without my wedding rings. 

I feel the baby a lot! I can feel her getting bigger and stronger. I feel her the most when I lie down in the evening. Its a bit creepy sometimes, but I love it, its like a mini whale in my belly flopping and tossing around. :)