Our Baby Is Here!!

Surprise, Surprise, Surpise...

IT'S A GIRL!!!!
Lhana June Riggins
6lbs. 15oz

   We are in total shock and awe of our new baby girl! It was the most wonderful, indescribable feeling in the world to find out that our "it" baby was in fact a girl! I could not stop smiling and Don could hardly catch his breath! Ha! It was an AMAZING moment for both of us! I will never forget the look on Don's face and the warmth that I felt the moment we saw her! She is absolutely perfect! She came on February 22, two days before her due date. She is much smaller than I was expecting, but perfect none the less! I though for sure I was carrying a 10-pounder! I'll be  back to post how our delivery went as well as some more pictures of our precious little one!



Nothing is Working!

   I've eaten hot sauce, had sex, done squats, jumped up and down a few times and still nothing. Now that I have finished up with clinical and I can safely have this baby anytime now. I've been having painless contractions, possibly braxton hicks, every 20 minutes all yesterday and today. I am hoping they pick up and become more frequent and intense.

I went to the gym this morning. I walked on the treadmill and got on the eliptical. I had lots and lots of pressure and lots of false contractions, but now... nothing. I don't remember feeling this way with Rory. I was very calm and patient while awaiting for his arrival. But with this little do-dat, I can't stand it anymore! I have got to know what the sex of this baby is and I have got to have it by this weekend so that it doesn't conflict with my pre-planned schedule.

   Okay... well, not really. I'm being a bit irrational. But Lord, B2 can come anytime now is all I'm trying to say. All 3 of our bags are packed. Nursery is as ready as its going to be for now. Car seat is loaded, house is clean, clothes are washed, legs are shaved. God? Can you see this?

Contractions?? Where Are You?

   So I lost the majority of my mucous plug on Friday and had some bloody show as well. I've had little bits trickling out since and a few contractions here and there but nothing worth keeping up with. I am so anxious!! When is this baby coming?!?

39 Weeks... The end/beginning is near!

How Far Along: 39 Weeks

Size of Baby: a mini watermelon. 7+ lbs, 20 inches
Total Weight Gained/Lost: +27lbs
Maternity Clothes: What still fits
Movement: Still constant. Baby is more active now than ever!
Sleep: Terrible. I'm up every hour or two to use the bathroom or roll over. Also, Rory is in the process of sleeping in his underwear. So, some nights he calls in the middle of the night to either go to the bathroom or for me to change his soaking sheets! Its been rough!
What I miss: Sleeping throughout the night without any interuption.
Cravings: Chocolate again! Ugh!
Symptoms: Lots of strong braxton hicks. Some stinging down there with pressure. 
Highlights from this week: Today has been a great week, so I have two big highlights.

1.  I lost my mucous plug! It started last night and has been coming out steadily today @ 39 weeks. It has been blood tinged, thick, and slimey. TMI, huh? Hopefully this means labor is soon to arrive!

2. I have finished up with clincal until March 22 or so. Yippee!! I have doubled up clinical time the past couple of weeks and it has been so hard to study, spend time with family, and find time to rest. But its here! I did it. I will have 4-5 weeks to spend with just the baby (and to study of course). No 12 hr. shifts for a whole month!What a relief!

Dr.'s Appt. 38w5d

   I saw Dr. Dodson today and everything looked great. Baby is still head down, heartbeat in the upper 120's. I was 3cm dilated and only 50% effaced according to her. She stated that she didn't think I would make it until my next appointment so we shall see.

   I asked her to stir things up while she checked my cervix. She offered to strip my membranes, but I declined. B2 will make an appearance when he/she is fully ripened!! But...I sure hope its soon. REALLY SOON!

**Next Appointment...Feb. 21st!

38 Weeks...Only 2 Weeks Left!!

How Far Along: 38 Weeks

Size of Baby: A leek! 6.8lbs, 19.5 inches
Total Weight Gained/Lost: +25lbs
Maternity Clothes: Yes, and anything else that I can stretch over this watermelon. A moo moo would be nice

Movement: Yes! It feels and looks like this kid is diong barrell rolls in my stomach.

Sleep: Getting better. I have had a stuffy nose for a week or so that is finally clearing up. Lord, give me rest before this baby comes. I wake up 2-3 times to go pee.

What I miss: The gym

Cravings: Grapes and blueberries

Belly Button: out

Symptoms:  I am beginning to get exhausted now. Maybe tired is a better word. I just want to sit around, yawn, and watch movies all day. I still feel great, otherwise! No heartburn, no constipation, no swelling (except after a 12hr shift). I can't eat as big of a meal as I want to, there just isn't enough room. I am not making as many trips to bathroom as I feel I should be considering I have been forcing myself to drink 90oz.+ of water daily. Fluid Overload! I get sharp pains down there when I move too quickly or stretch too hard. I also have been getting some ligament pains in my lower abdomen during the night. But overall, nothing to complain about. Bring on the baby!

Highlights from this week: Hearing baby's heartbeat and learning that he/she is still headdown. My biggest fear is having a breech baby!!

Dr.'s Appointment! 37w4d

   I saw Dr. Helton today. Nothing new. He does not "check" for any progress or dilation until 38 weeks because he doesn't like to stir things up too early. Baby's is settled down low and headfirst which explains all the pressure. Heart rate was 128-129bpm. Still doing healthy!