It was pretty standard. Everything checked out normally, and I'm up by 3 lbs from last time. I had hoped that I had only gained 2, so now, I need to start watching it. I mean, I guess for eating at the Lady and Sons on Saturday, 3 lbs isn't that bad. Best fried chicken ever.
I'm measuring normally, and Stella's heart rate was at 144. My blood pressure was 120/70 - very good. My feet were a little swollen, but the nurse practitioner wasn't concerned since I had been at work all morning before. I do have one update: normally, I'd be going in for my Strep B test next time, but since I tested positive for it twice back in September, I don't have to have the test. I'm positive for it, so they'll just treat me once I go into labor. I was a little freaked out by this, but she said it's completely normal and it happens to a lot of people.
I go back in 2 weeks on the 7th, and I'll see Dr. Helmken then. I also scheduled my next appointment after that on the 14th since I'll be going in weekly. They'll do my 36 weeks ultrasound then, and here's the kicker: I'm supposed to see Dr. Helmken from now on, but she'll be "on vacation" then. I told Derek that I will bet money that I'll go into labor that week. I figure it's the week of St. Patrick's Day (Savannah's biggest and most rowdy holiday) paired with my doctor being on vacation means that I'll end up with some doctor I don't know and have difficulty navigating through Savannah to just get to the hospital, or, in other words, a typical Ratcliff catastrophe - haha. Weew - that's a mouthful, but you get my point. I'm convinced it'll be the perfect storm for a chaotic labor.
Anyway, on the 14th, I'm scheduled to see Beverly (the nurse practitioner) again in Dr. Helmken's place. Overall, I feel okay. Some new symptoms have appeared (just today!): my hands are starting to tingle and burn. I even felt like my wrists locked up and were useless for a few minutes. In addition to the new hand-tingle-problem, my hips have been horribly painful, and my lower back hurts SO bad. My feet still swell a lot, and I definitely waddle these days. I can feel myself waddling as I make the long trek down the hall to the restroom every 20 minutes at work. I am sleeping okay right now, so I do have that going for me.
Stella moves a lot right now, but sadly, it seems that she's still not head down. Her head is near my belly button where it has been for a little while now. I wish she'd just get with it and go head down! She has three weeks to get it together - otherwise, they'll schedule me for a flipping. I read that's not very comfortable, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes. I'd prefer to avoid the whole C-section thing since the recovery takes a while longer, and I want to get back to running ASAP.
And speaking of which, I'm going to start exercising much more regularly now, regardless of the pain/cramping/issues. I think I need to start really getting myself ready for labor, and I think walking every morning is a good way to do that. I also want to make sure I don't get too far up in the weight range. I'm now at +28 lbs, and I don't want to go crossing that 35 lb mark, making it much harder to get back to running and my pre-pregnancy size. If you can't tell, I really, really, really miss running :(
Now, regarding the visit from our moms: It went great! I was really excited to see all of the clothes and supplies we got at our shower, and, of course, to see our moms :). We went shopping on Sunday at the Carter's outlet in Hilton Head, and Stella got some super cute outfits. We went ahead and purchased her coming home outfit - so cute! - and some other cute little items. My mom bought her some super cute shoes and socks, and my mother-in-law got her a really cute dress and outfit. I can tell they're both really excited for her to get here, and they're both predicting a March baby, not an April one. Maybe it's just wishful thinking on their parts :)
We took our moms to the Lady and Sons (as has already been mentioned) and to downtown Savannah. We also took them to the infamous Squat-N-Gobble in Bluffton (it was on Jay Leno for having one of the worst restaurant names in America). We spent a lot of time preparing the nursery. We washed ALL of Stella's clothes and diapers and organized her drawers. It was really nice to see them both, and I hope they had a good time. I'm really looking forward to them visiting when Miss Stella makes her appearance. I know the help will be priceless.
This morning, Derek said the cutest thing. He said, "I think we really got some cute stuff for Stella this weekend." Now, he and I were running around Carter's looking at different options for her coming home outfit, and it was SO cute to see him making suggestions and saying things were cute. He found this adorable little romper-type-thing (not sure what you call them) that had a crab on the butt. I thought it was too appropriate :) It's just so cute to see him getting excited about her arrival :)
Tomorrow, we have our Basic Breastfeeding class, and it's our last class - finally! We have our maternity photos this weekend with my dear friend Liza. She and I worked out the details, and we're going to do some in our house, some at Hilton Head beach, and some at Forsyth Park in Savannah. I figure we should take advantage of living in such a beautiful area. I'm really excited about it, and I know Liza will do a great job. :)
Oh, and my office has arranged a baby shower for me - ya'll are too sweet! :) - on March 11. I'm looking forward to that as well, and I think it will be fun to have lunch with my office and SCAD friends at J. Christopher's! I really appreciate everything they're doing for me, and I'm so glad I work with such a caring and sweet group of people :)
Oh, and how about that new fruit - a honeydew! I believe it. I feel like I'm smuggling a bowling ball these days. Anyway, I need to get to grading. I was offered another class - yay! - starting March 8. This place is keeping me busy!
