Happy Friday, friends! Hopefully you all have something fun and exciting planned for the weekend. Joel and me? Well, I suppose we’ll be out and about, scrambling to make the most of our last days sans baby- shopping, eating out, going to a movie…you know, all those things we certainly won’t be able to do for awhile in just a mere couple of weeks. Two weeks. 12 days, to be exact. Just two weeks and our lives will be changed forever. Unless of course, our daughter is anything like me and decides to be difficult…
By the looks of things, Cassidy won’t be coming early (I know, I know- anything can happen, but….); I’ve made zero progress over the last 2 weeks. Zero. I’m trying not to get discouraged by this and living my life as I normally would; however, it’s hard when all I think about is baby-baby-baby 24/7.
It’s also hard because while I know I don’t necessarily look half bad, I feel like this:
A swollen, fat, grumpy mess. It also doesn’t help that my mood swings are more violent and erratic than ever (poor Joel….). HOWEVER, I am amazingly lucky to still be comfortable (for the most part), able to sleep well at night, energetic and in general, in great mental shape for being 38 (almost 39) weeks pregnant. Thank the Good Lord. I can honestly say that I’ve really enjoyed being pregnant (well, except for the 1st trimester) and I may even miss it a little.
We’ve just about got everything done- the bassinet is set up, clothes are washed and hung up, my freezer and pantry are stocked and ready to go, the car seat bases are set up in each of our cars…I’d say we’re ready for our little girl! Now we just need to get used to the idea that in 2 weeks, we’ll be parents. Though, I’m not sure there’s much that can be done to prepare for that. Is anybody really ever ready for something that huge?
So in these next two weeks as you go about your normal business, if you have a little spare time, I ask that you think of me, Jabba the Pregnant, and maybe send some good vibes or a quick prayer our way. Being first time parents is not only exciting, but a little scary and we’ll need all the help we can get! Also, any advice or tips you can offer is always, always appreciated! Thanks for taking the time to “listen” and thanks for being great readers! I’ll keep you posted!
Amy
Awww, sweet Amy. All I can say is hang in there. She will come soon. This time next year you will probably be in tears remembering the time you had her in your belly. The only advice I have is, aside from sleep, walk. Walking helped put me into labor. Something about it. Good luck and know that you are very much loved from your fans!
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Comment by Jess — January 13, 2012 @ 12:58 PM
I only have a daughter (19) but when she was born my mother was a lifesaver in helping me (she raised five of us) The one thing I suggest is keep a regular schedule and she’ll be sleeping through the night within a month’s time. Those 2 am feedings are a killer lol. Enjoy Cassidy when she comes cause they really do grow up so very fast! Good luck!
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Comment by Elizabeth — January 13, 2012 @ 1:01 PM
Girl, you know I’ve been praying for you all along. I’ll send an extra few out for you all, though. I can’t wait to see that cute baby girl!
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Comment by Kelsey — January 13, 2012 @ 1:06 PM
The day is approaching so quickly now! Thinking of you and hoping for a great delivery. I do miss being pregnant, so definitely know what you mean by that. And, I’m sure you do NOT look like Jabba! lol!!
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Comment by Nikki — January 13, 2012 @ 1:24 PM
Can’t wait to see pictures of your beautiful baby girl! You and Joel are going to be fabulous parents!
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Comment by Eva @ Eva Bakes — January 13, 2012 @ 1:27 PM
From a new mom myself, I wish you best on a healthy and fast labor! As for advice, if people ask to help, let them. Don’t think you have to get everything done and enjoy every little moment!
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Comment by Kim — January 13, 2012 @ 1:39 PM
Oh Amy! I totally understand how your’e feeling. I feel like I was 38 weeks pregnant just yesterday, but now my little sweetheart is 4 months old. These next few weeks are inevitably nerve-wracking, exciting, scary and full of anticipation! Zero progress is not necessarily a bad thing – I made zero progress for weeks, and then suddenly, BAM, it was baby time, lol! It’s hard not to worry, but oh so soon you will meet your perfect little girl, and these last few weeks will be just a distant memory
I don’t usually share my baby blog (as I write it mainly just for Livia and myself), but I’m posting the link of how I was feeling around 38 weeks if you’re interested in reading along. You are going to do awesome, and I’ll keep you in my prayers!!!
http://lovebabyj.blogspot.com/2011/08/dear-baby-i-couldnt-sleep-last-night.html
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Comment by Kristin Janzen — January 13, 2012 @ 1:45 PM
So exciting that it is getting so close!
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Comment by Jessica @Sunny Side Up — January 13, 2012 @ 1:52 PM
I have been following your blog. Love it and your theme song!!! When my first baby was born, advice given to me was, 1. Enjoy every moment of every stage whether good or bad. They grow very fast. 2. Nap when they do your housework, etc.. will wait. You feel so much better & able to cope when you are well rested. I pass this on to you. I absolutely LOVE being a wife & mother. What a blessing from God. I will be thinking of you and looking forward to seeing pictures of your new addition. My best. Sonya
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Comment by Sonya M Frymoyer — January 13, 2012 @ 2:10 PM
Amy, you’re so funny! I know the last couple weeks seem to DRAG because you are so ready to meet your little girl, but I promise, this is the last time things will ever drag in relation to her – her life will seem to FLY by! As we’re approaching having our second in a few months, I can tell you from our first to just not go too hard on yourself. Expect to make mistakes. Expect to not know everything. Even expect to get frustrated. But also expect it to be the best experience ever! Congratulations again!
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Comment by Mary — January 13, 2012 @ 2:12 PM
hang in there, the last little bit is tough ’cause you’re sooo uncomfortable and just ready to meet the baby already. It’ll be here before you know it, and then you’ll look back at your pre-baby life with fond nostalgia ha ha. Enjoy your time to yourself while you can! That’s my top advice (since you seem to have the rest covered, good work!) Good luck to you!
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Comment by Laura — January 13, 2012 @ 2:20 PM
You’re almost there! I have two weeks to go as well, but I am progressing (sorry!) so it can happen any day. Enjoy the last few days without a newborn…relax and enjoy some time to yourself. Congrats to you and Joel again! Can’t wait to see pictures when she arrives.
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Comment by Jenny — January 13, 2012 @ 2:37 PM
I’ll be sending happy thoughts, love and prayers your way for a speedy labor, delivery and recovery! (Our children will be about 6 months apart–so exciting!!)
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Comment by Jennifer — January 13, 2012 @ 2:44 PM
I felt exactly like you in my last two weeks of pregnancy. Down to the lack of progress. My daughter was due Jan 6… She came on Jan 3. You just never know so hang in there, girl!!! The end is near.
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Comment by Tara — January 13, 2012 @ 2:51 PM
I’ll echo everyone else’s advice and tell you to hang in there. My little girl was 5 days late in October and I was also feeling like Jabba the pregnant (LOVE that, by the way!) since I gained about 50 pounds and almost all of it was water. Labor was so much easier than I thought it would be and way less scary. If you go into it with an easy-going, whatever-happens-happens attitude, the experience is much better. Here’s hoping yours is easy and quick too! Lots of happy and calming thoughts coming your way!
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Comment by Stephanie — January 13, 2012 @ 3:07 PM
Amy, TOO funny! Jabba the Pregnant! That’s a pretty apt description for the “late phase pregnancy” feeling (as I recall…) You and Joel will make WONDERFUL parents — little Cassidy will have all the love she needs, and then some. Best advice I can give you? Sleep when the baby sleeps! Housework will wait. Prayers and hugs! ~ Kim
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Comment by Kimby — January 13, 2012 @ 3:07 PM
My advice is: You’ll be getting tons of advice from all sources, and some of it will contradict. Our pediatrician, my mom, his mom, my grandma, the lactation nurse, the neighbors, the church ladies – everyone had great, but different, advice. It stressed me out. Do what feels best to you and listen to your baby for clues – you’ll know what’s best for her better than anyone else because you know her the best! You and Joel are already great parents because you want the very best for her. Enjoy every second! Sending prayers for you and can’t wait to see pics! Hayley
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Comment by Hayley — January 13, 2012 @ 5:29 PM
Good luck! It’s something that will change your life forever, but in a good way. My best piece of advice would be to continue to work on your marriage as well as being a family. It’s hard work and baby does NOT bring you closer together. YOU do!
Also, I was never checked until 38 weeks and I was not dilated at all and not effaced at all. 5 days later my water broke and had my baby the next day. You never know!
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Comment by Kelly — January 13, 2012 @ 9:13 PM
My sweet baby boy was born on 11/7/11 (due 11/11/11). . .6lbs 8oz and 20in. I had gone to the doctor on 11/4/11, only to be told that I was “maybe a fintertip dilated,” and that he would see me the next week (my due date) to schedule my induction. So, I left the office frustrated. Everyone kept telling me that he would come when he was ready. That night, I had some spotting (which I had never had after any of my cervical checks), which continued into the next day. That kind of made me a little excited. We attended a wedding on Saturday. There was a long stretch between the wedding and reception. So, I convinced my hubby we should go to my favorite mall that we were SO close to. He called a friend to meet us there. They sat at the bar at California Pizza Kitchen and had a few beers while I walked the mall for two hours. I thought I should probably try to find a few Christmas gifts, knowing my Christmas shopping wouldn’t be the same this year. We enjoyed the reception, and someone at our table even told me to dance. She said dancing would cause my baby to be born. Sunday morning, I woke up at 5 am with contractions like I had never had before. I didn’t want to wake my husband up. Afterall, this baby wasn’t coming. We were to schedule my induction at my next appointment. My contractions were 10 minutes apart. At 10:30am, my husband woke up to me bouncing on the side of the bed. He asked me what was wrong, but I told him I was fine. Around 11:30, I thought I would take a hot bath (thinking that the water would take away the pain of the contractions. . .wrong). He came into the bathroom and asked if I would like to go to lunch with his family. I told him I didn’t think so. He told me he was going to go ahead and go. I then told him that he couldn’t leave me, as I had been having contractions every 10 minutes since 5 am. He said, “I thought this baby wasn’t coming early?” I told him that he might not, the contractions may stop. He then asked me what I wanted to do, and my response was that I wanted to get my laundry done. My contractions continued all day. I went from the recliner to the loveseat to bouncing on the edge of the couch to curled up in the fetal position to being on all fours rocking back and forth. Nothing gave me relief. I told my husband that these contractions better be making me dilate, or I was going to be really mad. He kept telling me that we should go to the hospital. I told him that my contractions had been 10 minutes apart all day, unchanged. We couldn’t go until they were 5 minutes apart. Let me add that we didn’t pack our hospital bags until that day. Nothing like waiting until the last minute. I asked my husband how I was going to get any sleep that night, and he asked how I thought I was going to work the next day (I am an RN). We decided to go to bed at 11:15pm. My whole pregnancy, I have had a fear of my water breaking in bed (I am sure you can see where this is going). So, I got up and got one of the hospital pads I had stored away just to use when I thought it was getting close. I put the pad down underneath me and crawled in bed for the long miserable night that I just knew I was going to have. I hadn’t even been in bed for a minute when I felt a pop and then was warm and wet. I told my husband to hurry up and pull the covers back because my water had just broken. He asked if I was sure. I told him I had just gone to the bathroom right before I laid down, so I was sure. Then, he said, “Does this mean we can go to the hospital now?” I told him yes. He was running around the house like a mad man. I told him to slow down, because we had time. So, he loaded the car and we got ready to have a baby. Once we got in the car, my contractions were every 3 minutes. We are an hour away from the hospital I chose to deliver at, so I started to panic. I didn’t want my husband to know, of course, but I kept thinking I had waited to long and I wasn’t going to get drugs. How would I make it through the delivery? I am going to die before I have my baby. It was pouring down rain, and at one point I had to tell my husband to slow down as he was driving 90 mph. We arrived at the hospital at 12:30am on 11/7/11. The wheelchair ride from ER to LD was the longest, bumpiest, most miserable ride ever! I had to go to triage first for them to check to make sure my water was truely broken. Once that was determined, then I had to have a sonogram to make sure baby was head down. Then, the nurse checked my progress, and told me I was a 3-4. I asked how soon I could get an epidural, and she told me I had to have a liter of fluid first. Oh my! Really? How long are you going to run it over? She promised me she would have it in in 5 minutes. I was sharing the triage room with a women who had 8 friends with her, half of whom were drunk. She wasn’t in labor and was mad at the nurse, because they were going to send her home. She was calling the nurse a few choice words. One of my contractions made me moan in pain, and she said, “Sounds like someone’s in pain over there. This ‘ol body was built for pain.” I wanted out of triage so badly. The nurse finally moved me to my room and started my IV. She called anesthesia as soon as she did. He showed up rather quickly, and I managed to hold still long enough through my contractions to get my epidural. The nurse checked me again at 2am after anesthesia left. She told me I was a 4-5, and the best thing for me to do was to sleep. My baby would probably be born in the morning, and my doctor would come during office hours to deliver him. So, she positioned me on my left side, and turned the fetal monitor down so that it wouldn’t keep me awake. My husband decided to go to the car to get our bags. He was gone for what seemed like forever, and I started to get worried that maybe something had happened to him in the parking lot. At 2:45 am, the nurse came in and stated that my baby’s heart rate had dropped. She put an oxygen mask on me and rolled me on my left side. At this point, my epidural was working full force and I couldn’t feel a thing. . .W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L! I was shaking uncontrollably, so she decided she should check my progress. I was complete!!! 45 minutes from a 4-5 to a 10 with my first baby. How does that happen? She told me she would call the doctor and get him there, especially because of the drop in my baby’s heart rate. She said my baby was probably just in shock from everything happening so fast. My husband finally came back. . .he had been to the cafeteria. He sat in the corner with his sandwich and tea while we waiting. My doctor got there around 3:15. Unfortunately, I couldn’t feel to push. He told me to wait until I felt pressure, but that he would stay at the hospital. At 4:05 am, I started pushing. The nurse would have to tell me when I was having a contraction. The doctor came in at 4:50. I pushed and pushed, but the baby wouldn’t go any farther than a +3 station. Then, his heart rate dropped to 46. The doctor was asking for them to get more help, that my baby may need resusitated after delivery. He told me that I had to get him out on the next push, and had the nurse get the vacuum out. I had an episiotomy, but my baby came right out. The cord was around his neck, and that’s why he couldn’t come down any farther. That’s why his heart rate had dropped. He came out screaming and pink, with great apgar scores at 5:17am. He was perfect. So, my labor was technically 24 hours. I did 21 of those 24 hours drug free. I didn’t even have to have pitocin. My contractions sustained themselves the entire time! My nurse told me that I should come to the hospital sooner if I have another baby. Even though I had 21 hours of being absolutely miserable, only had a half of an hour of sleep, knew I was going to have to recover from a minor surgical procedure, and every muscle in my body ached, he was SO worth it. Everyone tries to tell you how amazing being a mother is. You won’t believe how great it really is until your daughter arrives. Words cannot describe how big the love really is. And, the pain is gone the second that baby is placed in your arms. Nothing else matters. It’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. With that being said, I will be honest and say that I miss being pregnant. I love my little man and wouldn’t change a thing. However, I miss not having to share him with anyone else. I miss feeling his little kicks (or big jabs). Pregnancy is a miracle, too. So, after my long drawn out birth story, I want to tell you to cherish the last few days of pregnancy. Hold your belly tight, feel every move she makes. Take pictures of your belly. Your life is about to change for the better, and it will never be the same again. Good luck! I will be waiting to see pictures of Cassidy! Once she is born, cherish every moment and cuddle. Listen to that newborn cry. I promise that even the middle of the night feeding when you are so exhausted are wonderful. You look at their little face, and everything is ok. You miss them while they are sleeping in the bassinet right next to you. You miss them when they are just 4 feet from you in someone else’s arm. You want them with you 24/7. My baby boy is growing and changing everyday. He is healthy and happy, and I am so grateful for that. However, I am already missing the newborn stage. I know he is going to be so fun and cuter with each thing he learns. My heart is already thinking it needs another baby. It has to be wonderful to go through it all, and think you could do it again. So, don’t worry about not making any progress. When she is ready, she will make her debut. While it’s hard to hear that, it’s true. And, you will be so glad if she can come on her own. It will be much easier on your body. I know I am not an expert, but I feel like it was just yesterday that I was in your shoes. I know we don’t know each other, but from one momma to another, I am SO excited for you! I can’t wait for you to experience it all!
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Comment by Amanda — January 14, 2012 @ 12:49 AM
Oh yes….the last two weeks are the hardest ones…waiting, waiting, waiting!
My first child came was 10 days late and she actually just arrived because she was born by Caesarean. But actually when the baby arrives by time (my second child) it’s hard to stay in normal daily routine. It was hard for me at least…
But then the day comes…no matter if 10 days later than expected or some days earlier…you’re little darling will come! And yes that’s right, life will change completely after this day. Enjoy your time left being just a couple because after birth you will also be parents and in the beginning it’s hard to find time to be a couple again, but sure you will make that and I wish you and your little family all the best!
Penny
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Comment by Penny — January 14, 2012 @ 4:39 AM
Good luck and God bless! I’ll be keeping your family in my prayers.
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Comment by Hillary — January 14, 2012 @ 4:18 PM
I’ll be thinking of you-I know you are going to be so excited and happy when you have that little girl in your arms!
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Comment by Kayle (The Cooking Actress) — January 15, 2012 @ 8:45 AM
I’m pretty sure you don’t look like Jabba the pregnant!! Lol.
I hope all these messages make you feel better – you’re nearly at the end and you’ll have a wonderful little bundle of joy in your arms.
I’ve never commented before but I’d just like to say that I love your blog – I only found it about six months ago and had your whole blog history read in a weekend – I love your recipes, I’m trying to make my way through them one by one! And I love that you write your mistakes and troubles too, it makes us less than perfect cooks feel a little bit more normal!!
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Comment by Spanner — January 16, 2012 @ 7:08 AM
I’m thinking and praying for you!! I don’t think you look like Jabba the hut…it’s a funny mental picture, but I think you are adorable no matter what!! Rest up and savor these last moments between you and Joel…before you know it – your lives will forever be changed. Your precious little cupcake will be here before you know it!!!
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Comment by Krystal @ {Mrs. Regueiro's Plate} — January 16, 2012 @ 12:35 PM