Well we are into the final stretch, at 37 weeks Anabelle is officially considered full term and if born now would be fully developed. Things continue to go well here, last weekend John and I had Lamaze class. It was quite long Saturday 9-4, and then Sunday 9-2; but overall we found it to be pretty informative and helpful. This class was not your traditional Lamaze class, while they did give lots of info on the breathing and “natural” approach to childbirth; they also provided lots of info on pain medications and interventions that can be provided during childbirth. It was definitely a very comprehensive look at all of the options available to you, and therefore helpful. We also got a tour of the hospital, which happens to be about 3 blocks from our condo. The set up is very nice, with private rooms for labor/delivery and recovery. In my recovery room there is even a bed for John so he can stay with me and the baby. The baby can “room-in” which means that they sleep in the same room, and only go to the nursery for things like a bath, check-ups, or shots. Overall, I am very pleased with what the hospital stay is projected to be like.
After our class I came home and started to feel some false contractions or Braxton Hicks, I have to say I don’t like the term “false contractions” they are not false-they hurt. I’m not saying it was that bad and I know it will get much worse, but still they are painful. So I had these for a few days off and on. Then on Wednesday I had a doctor’s appointment and told her about how I had been feeling. She decided to take a look and discovered that I was already 70% effaced and 3 centimeters dilated. For those that don’t know; effacement is the thinning of the cervix-you have to get to 100%, dilatation is the opening of the cervix-you have to get to 10. So while this is a good start, I could be at 3 centimeters for quite a while. My next doctor’s appointment is Wednesday, so I will keep you posted.
This past Thursday we had Caring for Newborns class, which was pretty useless. Topics covered were, bathing a newborn, diapering, swaddling, and signs of illness. I assumed there would be more to it than common sense, but really it is all common sense. I guess it is always good to get a refresher and maybe it was a little useful for John, but I would have rather stayed home. Part 2 of the class this Thursday is a question and answer session with a pediatrician- I am hopeful that it will be more useful.
This Friday was my last day of work, while I am glad to have time off, it was sad to leave. The kids were adorable, of course; with lots of hugs, questions about the baby, patting my belly and “I’ll miss you’s”. I am hoping to stay off of work till the 1st of the year, and then work only part-time. Probably not at Loyola preschool anymore, they don’t really have part-time positions, so we’ll have to see what I end up doing. For the next 4 months I’ll be getting used to a different kind of job =)
In preparation for Anabelle, John installed the car seat today. It was strange driving around town today with a car seat. We kept looking at our car thinking it wasn’t ours. That task was one of the final things to be done, we are as ready as you can be.
This week I will hopefully enjoy some days sleeping in, and relaxing.
After our class I came home and started to feel some false contractions or Braxton Hicks, I have to say I don’t like the term “false contractions” they are not false-they hurt. I’m not saying it was that bad and I know it will get much worse, but still they are painful. So I had these for a few days off and on. Then on Wednesday I had a doctor’s appointment and told her about how I had been feeling. She decided to take a look and discovered that I was already 70% effaced and 3 centimeters dilated. For those that don’t know; effacement is the thinning of the cervix-you have to get to 100%, dilatation is the opening of the cervix-you have to get to 10. So while this is a good start, I could be at 3 centimeters for quite a while. My next doctor’s appointment is Wednesday, so I will keep you posted.
This past Thursday we had Caring for Newborns class, which was pretty useless. Topics covered were, bathing a newborn, diapering, swaddling, and signs of illness. I assumed there would be more to it than common sense, but really it is all common sense. I guess it is always good to get a refresher and maybe it was a little useful for John, but I would have rather stayed home. Part 2 of the class this Thursday is a question and answer session with a pediatrician- I am hopeful that it will be more useful.
This Friday was my last day of work, while I am glad to have time off, it was sad to leave. The kids were adorable, of course; with lots of hugs, questions about the baby, patting my belly and “I’ll miss you’s”. I am hoping to stay off of work till the 1st of the year, and then work only part-time. Probably not at Loyola preschool anymore, they don’t really have part-time positions, so we’ll have to see what I end up doing. For the next 4 months I’ll be getting used to a different kind of job =)
In preparation for Anabelle, John installed the car seat today. It was strange driving around town today with a car seat. We kept looking at our car thinking it wasn’t ours. That task was one of the final things to be done, we are as ready as you can be.
This week I will hopefully enjoy some days sleeping in, and relaxing.
6 comments:
Ack! She's almost here! Oh boy oh boy!
I can't believe she is going to be here any day! Aunt Marena can't wait (oh yes, I can refer to myself in 3rd person when I'm talking about Anabelle). I can't wait to meet her!
"three weeks to go!", MAYBE ;-)
Love, Mom and Dad
Those aren't "False" contractions, they're preparation contractions. excercising to get things in order and ready for everything to work together and in full strength! I'm praying everything goes smoothly and quickly--(not too quick!)
Your Aunt Laura
awesome!
as long as they don't keep you on your back, that's good. Make sure John is there to rub/message your lower back as you will need that!!
hopefully i'll see you both soon!
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