I went for a doctor visit today and was so disappointed with the way things turned out...

A few things I wanted addressed at the visit

1) red blotchy areas on both my legs (not itchy no where else on my body same pattern no matter what time of day since late October)

2) severe pain in my pelvis for several months and getting worse (feels like a muscle thing constant ache trouble with moving into and out of certain positions)

3) I wanted a flu shot.

Visit goes as usual, pee in a cup and all over myself in the process, weight, blood pressure. She then proceeds to tell me that I have gained as much weight as they would like to see me gain and I should not gain anymore for the rest of my pregnancy (how am I supposed to not gain another pound through the holidays???)

She goes on to say that she is becoming very concerned about how high my blood pressure is (it was 144/94) she starts talking about pre-eclampsia and risks to me and the baby. At the last visit my BP was 138/87 and the doctor was not concerned but if it continues to climb like this it could mean trouble.

She looks at my legs and tells me it isn't something she's seen before and she doesn't think it is related to the pregnancy (then there is a whole bunch of nonsense questions like "are you taking any new medications" "using new soap" " new laundry detergent" "lotions" "history of skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis" I tell her no, no and no. She says "well, I don't know what it could be, let me know if it gets worse or if you start with a fever. Its most likely an allergy to something you've come into contact with."

Apparently the pain in my pelvis is to be expected and I need to buy a maternity support belt that has suspenders to help distribute the weight of my belly.

And the flu shots they got were not the kind you can give to pregnant woman because one of the chemicals included in the vaccine contains high amounts of mercury.

I go back in 2 weeks.

So now I'm all freaked out. I don't want to develop pre-eclampsia. I'm worried about the baby. And what the hell is wrong with my legs?!?!?!

Ahhh we've been slacking with the totsites page among other things ... 2 weeks since we last updated but as you all know things are getting pretty crazy around here!

We had another baby shower! Yup more baby stuff! We are still unpacking and putting thingssooo much to everyone away. Between the two showers we received an unbelievable amount of stuff. Car seats, bedding, diapers, clothes, bottles, books, toys the list goes on!!! Thank you involved and as you know we really appreciate everything all of you have done to help us get ready for the baby. Mostly everything we registered for at Babies "R" Us has been gifted to us and that is amazing!

You rock!!

Lamaze class is officially over. In the last class we learned about oral health in a newborn and how to massage and brush the baby's gums. The woman giving the talk passed some pictures around of what happens to babies who sleep with a bottle in their mouth...Needless to say, we won't be doing that thank you very much... I never realized teeth could grow in with cavities...YUCKY!!! Then there was a police officer who came in to talk about car seat safety and how to properly install your car seats. Kevin took a stab at it and was able to fit the infant seat perfectly in his truck but the other seat was too big for my car... So we called our police department to see about getting an appointment to have it checked and fit but the officer never returned the call. Must have been busy fighting Ashburnham crime... Anyway...

Last week I also went to a breastfeeding class. It was really helpful and I actually did learn a lot. I think both Kevin and I have been like human sponges just literally absorbing as much as we can so we can be as ready as possible. 

Back to the OB tomorrow for a Group B Strep test and I will actually have to shave my legs for this one...

Check out the newest pictures!

We went back to the OB yesterday. Kevin is on vacation so he was able to come. We saw Dr. D'Amore and I thought for sure she was going to be all over me about my weight so I was dreading the visit.

She actually said that all my numbers were good ! Even my blood pressure which I thought was a bit high (138/80). Apparently its ok for your blood to be slightly elevated and without other symptoms (headaches, blurred vision, severe swelling, etc) she was not concerned about pre-eclampsia. My urine was normal and I've gained 3 lbs since my last visit 2 weeks ago. Dr. D'Amore also measured my belly and felt the babies position (its head down!!) and we got to listen to the heartbeat which Kevin hasn't heard since early September! Doc seemed happy with the way things were going but told me to watch my salt intake just in case...

I go back in 2 weeks for another appointment and at that visit they are going to check me for Group B Strep which can be dangerous to the baby during delivery. I guess it is a culture of the woo woo so I'll actually need to shave my legs for that visit, lol...

33 weeks today and we have successfully completed 8 months!! Supposedly we have 7 weeks to go but a baby is considered full term at 36 weeks soooo it could be sooner!!!

First off, we wanted to say HAPPY HALLOWEEN everyone!! Hope you and yours have a frightfully good day! We are off to a Halloween party tonight at Sheryl and Steve's (I'm hoping I get to see baby Evan!!) I had a really hard time trying to come up with a costume idea but I've made a decision I am quite pleased with and after trying it on last night Kevin agrees it is quite scary...Stay tuned for pictures!

OK, back to business...32 weeks along now!! 8 weeks to go (if you've been paying attention then you know that means 8 weeks till Christmas...)

Lana and Kelly threw a baby shower last weekend and it was great!! Thank you to everyone involved!! I had a good time and now we are a little more prepared (which means a little less stressed) for Baby. We received a bunch of great gifts and it would be impossible to list them all but what we can tell you is the nursery looks awesome and for 2 people who know little to nothing about this whole parenting thing we can't wait to try out some of the doo dads we got and play dress up!! By the way if you took pictures the day of, please send them to me so I can add them to the site. Thanks!

While Kelly was in town she and the rest of Kevin's family came to Ashburnham for lunch on Sunday and we celebrated Paula's birthday (for real) with pizza and cake. Kelly finally was able to see our house from the inside and with every ones help we worked on putting the nursery bedding together. She'll be back for Christmas just in time to meet her niece or nephew (hopefully).

Another baby shower is coming that my mom, Audrey and I planned so hopefully we have as good a turn out. There are still quite a few things on my registry that we'll need to be baby ready (though I doubt we will ever be truly prepared...)

Anyway, we continue with our Lamaze classes. Kevin was off last Monday so instead of meeting me there half way through the class he had the pleasure of joining me for the entire thing and about 10 minutes into it he was ready to come home (we did end up leaving early) we think 2.5 hours of constant lecture is waaayyy too much but hey, we could be wrong...we've never done this before... We go back to Lamaze on Monday and since Kevin is on vacation for the next 2 weeks he will have the pleasure of joining me right through the last class on the November 10th.

I also attended a breastfeeding support group my hospital sponsors that meets the last Wednesday of each month (this was the last meeting until January because of the holidays). It was nice there were about 5 moms there with their babies and toddlers. The youngest was 15 days old (completely natural delivery!! ) and the oldest was 2 (by the way, there is no chance I'll be nursing 2 years...) I was able to ask them questions about their experiences in the delivery room at the hospital, about their delivery support partners, their pediatricians, their babies eating patterns, and all sorts of boob related stuff...The kids were playing on blankets on the floor and everyone was very talkative and friendly. I will definitely go again, next time as a mom !!

We have finally elected a doctor for the baby so we're happy about that. Evidently when I go into delivery the hospital staff will ask who the pediatrician is then contact the baby's doctor who will come for a visit and check out the little baby. It was really hard to choose but I've been asking around and got really good feedback about an office in the next town that is actually a family practice so we'll probably all end up there. The doctors (all women) are also OB's so if we decide on more children (and it will be better planned next time of course) they can do it all for us from beginning to end which would be nice.

We are seeing Dr. Damore this coming Tuesday (I'm assuming Kevin will come since he is off work). She is the OB that stresses me out about my weight so I'll be eating very (very) carefully over the next few days...And keeping my fingers crossed for no more than 2 lbs gained since the last visit. October is over so we just have to get through all of November and some of December and we'll be done with at least THIS part of things. All in all, I guess I haven't minded being pregnant too much and from what Kevin tells me, I've been an angel .

Check out the new pictures while you are here!! And PUT YOUR GUESS IN THE POOL WHILE YOU STILL CAN http://www.expectnet.com/games/Boydsbaby !!!!

Just a quick update. I had a visit with the OB yesterday. Everything is going well. I'm up a total of 30 pounds which is good but they are telling me I should not gain more than 40 for the entire pregnancy (that gives me another 1 pound weekly). I'm in my 31st week with only about 62 days to go. I am still hoping this child decides its not too comfy in there and ventures out early. I have outgrown my 1st batch of maternity jeans (not a good feeling) but on the upside of this I found a great place to get new and used maternity and children's clothes! So I went shopping which always makes me feel better. I'm tired at work and moving slow. I'm sleeping pretty good although I am getting up more often during the night to go potty. Very few, if any, stretch marks which makes me insanely happy. I'll take some more pictures soon to post.

I'm fat, short of breath, and my back is killing me! I'm getting tired of being pregnant so on one hand we're almost there but on the other I can't believe we still have 10 weeks to go. (By the way that means 10 weeks till Christmas...)

Since the last journal entry:

*I have officially moved to the day shift at work which is working out nicely. Kevin and I are up together to say good morning and we are together every night (even if I'm sleeping on the couch by 9). 

*I took my 1 hour glucose tolerance test and passed with flying colors which means I have not developed gestational diabetes.

*I had another OB appointment and finally met the last OB in the practice (the office schedules you to see each one so on delivery day you have a familiar face to help you get the baby out) I like all 3 but prefer the 2 guys (the woman OB is always on my case about my weight...I'm pregnant...does she really expect me not to gain anything?!?!) According to Dr. Blake, from my most recent visit, I am exactly where I should be with a total gain of 28 lbs (God I hate it so much...I think my cellulite has developed cellulite). My blood pressure is good 124/78 and they also checked my urine, measured my belly and listened to the baby's heartbeat. Everything was great. I am now scheduled to see them every 2 weeks instead of monthly. This will really make time fly.

*We started Lamaze classes at the hospital. So far we've had 2. I usually go alone and Kevin meets me after work still in his uniform (he is so cute in his browns). Class lasts 2 1/2 hours (6-8:30pm)...its really long. We have textbooks and get handouts each week. We're still not sure all this is necessary but we at least want to be educated about the way the hospital does stuff. So far we're very happy with our choice in hospitals. Seems like the hospital and staff are right on board with our birth plan. The other couples in the class are a little sketchy but thats by my standards of course. Its everyones 1st baby and due dates range from late November to Christmas. The nurse who teaches class is nice but long winded and my favorite part is the relaxation and breathing at the end but it makes the 15 minute drive home pretty tough since my eyelids are half closed!

*My mom came for a visit while my dad was moose hunting in Northern Maine. We had a good time. She wore me out. We hit some yard sales, did some shopping, went apple picking, took the dogs for a walk, went on a picnic and she took a few pictures which are in the album if you want to see them. She is now flopping to the "its a boy" team...She really has no idea. She has to let me know by November 9th!

All in all, time is flying and we can't wait!!

I just added a new belly picture today. 28 weeks and feeling huge already

Only 12 weeks to go...Crazy to think we are that close to being parents.

We spent the weekend in Maine with my parents which was nice since we don't get to see them that often. Mom and I worked on addressing envelopes for one of my 2 baby showers and we went shopping!! There was plenty to eat and lots of baby talk. My mom is still undecided about the sex of the baby but I think she may be leaning towards the "Its a girl" team. Its kinda fun not knowing what the baby is but at other times it really drives me insane.

If you still haven't submitted YOUR guess what are you waiting for?? Christmas? Go to the Fun Facts section and follow the link! Whoever gets closest gets a prize (YES!! A REAL PRIZE) and who doesn't love prizes?!?!?

I start childbirth classes on Monday 10/6/08 and go back to the OB Tuesday 10/7/08. I think things are going to start going really fast now. I believe after Tuesdays appointment I'll be going to the OB every 2 weeks instead monthly. By the time I'm through with the birthing and breastfeeding classes I'll only have 6 weeks left and with Halloween and Thanksgiving right around the corner (sorry folks but its reality) Christmas will be here before we know it and so won't the baby.

Monday night, I was on the couch (typical these days) reading a book about pregnancy (also typical) when out of the corner of my eye I saw something odd...my stomach moved. I could feel the baby moving around a lot which it does when I am lounging but I actually saw it.I yelled to Kevin who was just getting out of the shower "KEVIN COME QUICK...THE BABY!!" He comes running out in his towel thinking God only knows what but realizing there was no emergency when he found me in the exact place and position he had left me. I told him to sit together we watched the baby dancing around in my belly. Things are getting stranger and stranger around here...

As of today...we are offically now in the third trimester, and last!!