Monday, May 31, 2010

She's Here


I'll be working on my blog post for the week tomorrow (once we get home from the hospital), which will include our birth story. Stay tuned!




Thursday, May 27, 2010

Still waiting...

40 weeks and 3 days - very anxious!


So today is Thursday, making me 40 weeks and 3 days pregnant. I would of never thought that we'd be still waiting to meet our little princess!!!

Just for an update... Currently I'm 3 1/2 cm. dilated and 75% effaced... which apparently is pretty close I'm told. At this point, I'll believe it when I see it. The baby is very happy on the inside and has a lot of amniotic fluid and a healthy looking placenta. She's still moving around, which is a lot more visible from the outside.

We are scheduled for a "medically necessary" induction on Sunday with Dr. Ashby - our favorite - unless Baby Girl Schaab decides to come before then. Originally we thought I'd be induced on Friday, however, I guess it doesn't become medically necessary until Sunday - so SUNDAY it is. We don't know what time yet either, as the hospital will call patients starting at 6:30 a.m. telling them what time to come in. Dr. Ashby says though, once she schedules a medically necessary induction, they have to do it on that day... so Sunday might be it - however we'd welcome her anytime.

Since I started maternity leave on Monday I've been hanging out a lot with Mimi B and her buddies, including Wrigley and Uncle Caymus. Today I'm getting my nails done which is pretty exciting... and I'm going to continue to work on my online grad class to get ahead. Very exciting stuff! I never thought I'd be on leave without a baby!

I promise, once there's news that I'm in labor, we'll share.

As for now, no news is just that... no news.

40 weeks and 2 days

40 weeks and 2 days

Monday, May 24, 2010

VPW = Very Pregnant Woman

May 24, 2010

May 24, 2010

May 18, 2010

Happy Due Date...

Well, May 24th is here... however as of this morning, BGS is not.

People keep telling me how "ready" I look and how my belly has dropped, but apparently, Baby Girl Schaab isn't ready yet. After my appointment with Dr. Ashby on Wednesday, we determined that I'm still 2 centimeters dilated and now 70% effaced. The baby is measuring perfectly healthy and is still happy inside! Dr. Ashby assures me that she is just perfect - also in the head down position! Since today's my due date, I have an appointment with Dr. Ashby at 9:00 a.m. She'll do another internal exam and if there's no progress, she'll strip my membranes. Stripping my membranes you might ask? My mom things the definition is a little graphic (it's not that bad), so if you're interested, click here. Once you're on the article, details are on page 2.

As the definitions implies, this works for some women, not all. We'll schedule an induction for later in the week if this procedure doesn't make it happen. Mike and I are more than ready to meet our little girl and I'm getting super uncomfortable - especially with the heat! I'm also officially on maternity leave, so I'm no longer working! :) It's exciting to start my summer but even more exciting when the reason why I get to start early gets here!

The American Pregnancy Association has this to say about Week 40:

Your baby’s bones have become hard, with the exception of his/her skull. The bones in the skull need to remain soft and pliable for delivery so that they can overlap as they pass through the birth canal. Because a newborn’s skull is designed this way, your baby’s head may have a cone appearance for the first several days of life. Your baby will actually have two soft spots, or fontanelles, on his/her head which allow for an easier delivery. The front fontanelle will become hard between the eighth and fifteenth month of life. The back fontanelle becomes hard between the third and fourth month.

Your baby should be between 19 and 21 inches long and weigh anywhere from 6 ¾ to 10 pounds.

How far along? 40 weeks

Total weight gain: 28 pounds

Maternity Clothes: YES!!! Sundresses work the best since my belly hangs so low.

Sleep: Is so uncomfortable. My belly is so heavy and getting up in the middle of the night is a challenge... especially falling back asleep. Usually, I end up being wide awake at 4:30 a.m.

Best Moment this Week: Making a plan with Dr. Ashby if labor doesn't start by itself.

Movement: Her movements have slowed down somewhat painful... We're starting to see a lot more baby "parts" sticking out of my belly - I know she's cramped in there - we keep telling her she'll have more room to move around if she comes out!

Food Cravings: Culver's Frozen Custard

Gender: GIRL

Labor Signs:
Contractions. I'm also dilated to 2cm and I'm 70% effaced. We might of done a little bit of nesting yesterday as well.

Belly Button in or out? Flat - not popped out but flat.

What I miss: Sleeping comfortably.

Milestones: I've made it to 40 weeks.


What I'm looking forward to: THE BABY COMING! We can't WAIT to MEET HER!!! :)

Monday, May 17, 2010

7 days and counting...

New sweater and hat made with love by Mimi B! I think it fits my belly!

Well, this week has been an anxious one... paying attention to every contraction, weird feeling, etc.... still no baby. Everyone I run into asks when the baby's coming... I wish I knew! The best comment this week was from a random guy at Trader Joe's. He said, "what, are you going to the hospital tonight?" - I WISH! My belly is changing shapes every morning... Yes it's lower... my maternity shirts aren't covering my belly so much any more because it's pretty low. I know everyone's so excited for the baby to come... but she won't tell me when she's making an appearance! I'm pulling out all of the stops to induce labor... minus Castor Oil... won't do that. I even tried making labor inducing cookies this week... quite tasty but TOTALLY have a kick. The recipe's at the bottom if you're ever interested...

According to my iGoogle homepage, Baby Girl Schaab is about 21.5 inches (55cm) long from head to toe and weighs a little more than 7 pounds (3.2kg) However, the only productive thing Dr. Shaw told me is he thinks I have a BIG baby... belly measuring at 40 weeks as of last Wednesday... he guesses 8 pounds... only time will tell. Toenails and fingernails have grown to tips of toes and fingers. Muscles of Baby Girl Schaab's arms and legs are strong, and she's practicing lung movements. Her head has dropped into the Caroline's pelvis she's head-down, which allows me to breathe a little easier. Almost ready for birth, Baby Girl Schaab would do well if born now.

Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.
How far along? 39 weeks

Total weight gain: 27 pounds

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes... and my shirts are all shrinking! This belly is huge and dropping lower and lower every day I think! I'd rather be in PJ all the time!

Sleep: Is a challenge... I'm not sure how Mike stays asleep with all of my tossing and turning and getting up. I also am being woken up by contractions from time to time on top of going to the bathroom.

Best Moment this Week: Finding out that I passed my Type 75 test... which means after I finish this online class, I am officially finished! More time to spend with Baby Girl Schaab!!!

Movement: Her movements are somewhat painful... she LOVES to punch my pelvic bones... although I still do get the occasional kick or "roll" across my belly. We're starting to see a lot more baby "parts" sticking out of my belly - I know she's cramped in there.

Food Cravings: Doughnuts - however I haven't eaten any. I also had a taste for Mike's famous waffles... he made them for dinner last night - AMAZING.

Gender: GIRL

Labor Signs:
Contractions. Nothing consistent enough to be considered labor yet. I'm also dilated to 2cm and I'm 1 cm from being completely effaced. Mike and I did a little "nesting" yesterday as well. Dr. Shaw wouldn't check me this week so I have no idea on the progress of anything... Luckily I see Dr. Ashby on Wednesday!

Belly Button in or out? It's a close one....

What I miss: My pelvic bones not throbbing

Milestones: I bought a breast pump that I'm scared to open... it was very expensive and it looks scary. Luckily, I had a 20% off coupon. I also sterilized the pacifiers... so that's ready... We also are having a friend of mine from high school coming to the hospital to take some pictures of our new bundle of joy (thank you Facebook for reconnecting). She's just starting out and her pictures look fabulous... I can't wait! To check out some of her work, click here.


What I'm looking forward to: THE BABY COMING!!!

Labor Inducing Cookies...
didn't work for me, but they are tasty!

Give these spicy ginger cookies a try and pack your bags.

Monday, May 10, 2010

38 weeks - 14 days to go!

Check out that belly! It keeps dropping lower and lower... It was a pretty chill week for us... with some relaxing as well as Sportin' Wood's first softball game (which was a win!). We also celebrated Mike's 29th birthday with some pizza and some DQ blizzard cake here. It was a fabulous day! Mike also received what he's been wanting for the baby. Click here to see what he was so excited about! THANKS HANGOVER! The only difference is our baby will not be named Carlos - and I decided to against black as I didn't want it to get too hot for the baby!

We also stopped by and visited Amelia this weekend and was able to bond with her and chat with Meghan and Jim for a little bit! We are getting pretty anxious to meet our little girl... as is everyone around her. I read this morning that 95% of babies are born within 2 weeks of their due date... I really hope this little girl comes early! :) I also set up a photographer to come to the hospital to capture Baby Girl Schaab's first day (or second). Edith is a someone I went to Maine South with who is starting her photography business. I'm pretty excited about her helping us out! Check out her site here.

Happy Birthday Mary H.T.!


According to my iGoogle homepage, Baby Girl Schaab is about 21 inches (53.3cm) from head to toe and weighs about 6.8 pounds (3.1kg). Dr. Dillon is guessing that BGS weighs between 7 1/2 and 8 pounds! Most of BGS's downy hair, lanugo, and whitish coating, vernix, is disappearing. Your baby is getting its antibodies from you to protect against illness. Baby Girl Schaab's growth is slowing, but fat cells under skin get plumper for life outside the womb. Almost ready for birth, your baby would do well if born now.

The Bump says, at week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.
How far along? 38 weeks

Total weight gain: 26 pounds

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes... and some of those are getting iffy! This belly is huge and dropping lower and lower every day I think! I'd rather be in PJ all the time!

Sleep: Is a challenge... I'm not sure how Mike stays asleep with all of my tossing and turning and getting up. I also am being woken up by contractions from time to time on top of going to the bathroom.

Best Moment this Week: Finding out on Thursday that I am 2 cm dilated and 1 cm from being completely effaced. Dr. Dillon seems to think this little girl should be coming early.

Movement: Her movements are somewhat painful... she LOVES to punch my pelvic bones... although I still do get the occasional kick or "roll" across my belly.

Food Cravings: I think just my pomegranate blueberry juice.

Gender: GIRL

Labor Signs:
Contractions. Nothing consistent enough to be considered labor yet. I'm also dilated to 2cm and I'm 1 cm from being completely effaced. Mike and I did a little "nesting" yesterday as well. BRING ON THE BABY!

Belly Button in or out? When my belly's contracting, it gets pretty flat. It's still an "innie" however it's popping closer and closer to out. Still hoping that it won't completely pop.

What I miss: I'm not sure this week... It might just be sleeping comfortably.

Milestones: We bought a baby book on Friday and put it together this weekend. They shouldn't allow 9 month pregnant people in Hallmark alone... I was crying looking through my options... as well as at Mother's Day cards! I also celebrated my first mother's day. Mike bought me a beautiful necklace from Tiffany's (which I TOTALLY didn't expect) and both grandparents bought me a little something to celebrate my entrance into motherhood. We also took my mom and dad to The Capital Grill, and they gave me a little corsage!

What I'm looking forward to: THE BABY COMING!!!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Baby Girl Schaab is Full Term! 21 days until her due date!

Well this was a very busy week for the growing Schaab family. Our first home on Church street became no longer ours on Tuesday. We are officially moved in on Cuttriss with my parents, which actually is going quite well! Wrigley made the move with us, but Summer is on a puggle vacation at Aunt Kathy's since she doesn't get along with Caymus. Saying good bye (temporarily) was harder than I thought it would be, but we know the Clark family is taking good care of her and even training her to behave! Once we find a house of our own, she'll be back... Now on to the baby! We had a pretty exciting week this week. Baby Girl Schaab's future best friend was born on Friday morning. Amelia Rae was born at 5:39 a.m weighing in at 6 lbs. 10 oz. Mommy Meghan and Amelia are doing well. I was able to go and visit them at the hospital on Saturday. Baby Girl Schaab was kicking the whole time I held Amelia. She must of sensed her new friend!

Me & Amelia

Amelia Rae

Saturday was also a big day because the baby furniture was delivered from Lazar's. The men were so nice, helpful, and quick, and along with Mike's handy hard work, the nursery is now complete! You would never guess that we didn't paint this room, as it works perfect as a nursery. Check it out!

So the bassinet is actually in our room...

Okay, so the chair's not in the nursery yet, but we did order it on Saturday and it should be here in 7-10 business days!

So now all we need is the baby!

According to Baby Center, Baby Girl Schaab is now considered "full term," even though my due date is three weeks away. If you I into labor now, her lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. Your baby weighs about 6 1/2 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel . Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long ( I hope curly blonde). But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

The Bump says, at week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.


How far along?
37 weeks

Total weight gain: 26 pounds

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes... and some of those are getting iffy! This belly is huge and dropping lower!

Sleep: Is a challenge... I'm not sure how Mike stays asleep with all of my tossing and turning.

Best Moment this Week: Meeting Amelia Rae - Baby Girl Schaab's future BFF!

Movement: Starting to slow down... More of the baby nudging and shifting... then some random violent kicks! I think she's running out of room.

Food Cravings: Nothing is really sticking out... maybe frozen custard still...

Gender: GIRL

Labor Signs:
A LOT of Braxton Hicks contractions still. That's about it so far... Her head is still down per the ultrasound I had last Thursday.

Belly Button in or out? In - which is where I think it is staying - Mike says it's needs to pop out so the we know the baby is "cooked".

What I miss: My feet not hurting - they have been getting pretty swollen. The only silver lining is that Mike will give me a foot massage - and he's really good at them!

Milestones: The baby furniture is here! We are all set up for her to come! I love our nursery, even thought it's not coated in pink, which when we move, it will be. The moon and stars theme that was already in the room just worked out perfectly! I can't wait for a baby to be in there! Mike also finished putting together all of the baby gear - swing, bouncer, bassinet, etc. We also put all of the baby's books on the BEAUTIFUL bookshelf.

What I'm looking forward to: THE BABY COMING!!!