39 Weeks...Holy Hannah...

Whew- 39 weeks today! Now I think it's just humorous to see how big I can get...


And look at the latest 3D pics of our little chunker!!! He/she definitely put a lot more "meat" on since the last pics! Look at the cheeks and double chin! We love it!! Granted, he/she is squished pretty good in there, and is moving way down- hence the distorted top of the picture. The tech could only get the bottom 3/4's of his/her face!


Profile. Can't wait to squeeze those cheeks.

Health Update:
-Latest status from the OB appointment last Friday is 1cm dilated (whoop-e-dee-doo...), but 90% effaced, and Baby is at Station 0! So, things are happening! I thought for sure they were going to tell me NOTHING was happening.

-Since things still look great, they're basically letting us do whatever the heck we want to do. We decided to see if I go into labor on my own this week, and if I don't, we have an induction date set up for my due date, November 10th. We'll see what happens!

-I still prefer not to get induced, but I gotta go with my oncologist's wishes and not go over. There's no reason to go over at this point, and I really should get back on the chemo ASAP.

-Good thing is since I am 90% effaced, if I need to be induced, they will only have to do the Pitocin...not the several other meds that they sometimes have to do to get you going. So, it SHOULD be a quicker process, instead of taking days, like it sometimes can.


Here are some other pics from the Gopher football game on Halloween:

Kevin, Ryan, Joel and Greg dressed up as The Traveling Trophies. They were quite the hit- people were constantly stopping them and wanting to take pics! Ha.


Ryan as Floyd of Rosedale


The military people raising the flag


Kevin was The Governor's Victory Bell.


How can you not laugh when you see a guy in line for food with a bell on his head???


Joel was The Little Brown Jug, and Greg was Paul Bunyan's Axe. Hilarious!!

Well, if I make it til Friday, I'll keep you posted on that Dr. appointment. Otherwise, just watching and waiting!! Wish us luck and keep us and Baby in your prayers!! Greg's birthday is this Friday- maybe he'll have a new baby as his b-day gift???

38 Weeks! Oh, Baby!

Wow- every week that goes by, I just can't believe it! I'm 38 weeks today! Here are some maternity pictures that my good friend, Krista, took of us when I was 36 weeks.


Krista lives on a beautiful farm, so we were able to take these pics there. The fall colors were just perfect!




My big belly in all its glory!! :)





More belly pics: I thought it would be fun to compile them all together so you can see the transition. If you scroll through fast, it's like it's animated- ha.

Here I am at 37 weeks (above). I know I'm not that large of a pregnant woman, but I feel like my belly just can't stretch much more!!


36 weeks




35 weeks


34 weeks



32 weeks



28 weeks



25 weeks


23 weeks




20 weeks



16 weeks



14 weeks

Oh my gosh, I look at this last one and I look so skinny! Right now it's hard to believe I was ever that small- I just feel like a blimp! I'm a happy blimp, though. :)

Health Update:
-Overall feeling good. This past week is the first week I've started feeling pretty uncomfortable. Sleep's been getting difficult, and I can just tell my body is getting ready to have this baby. This discomfort is still NOTHING compared to chemo pain/discomfort though, so that helps me keep it in perspective!

-Greg and I went to a birthing/parenting class this past Friday and Saturday. I'm so glad we were able to get that in before the kid comes! We learned some good things. It's just nice to have more of an idea of what to expect when the big day comes. The class also left me feeling more nervous to give birth, but I know everybody has their own experience, and Greg and I just need to go with the flow with our own.

-It was funny in the birthing class- Greg and I had the nearest due date to the class (of course)!! There were a bunch of people there who were due in like, January, March, etc....so we couldn't help but chuckle. It was fun to see all of the different belly sizes. There was one girl who was due a week or so after me, and she looked like she was about 20 weeks pregnant- hardly any belly. Then there was a girl due in January who was like, twice as big as me!! It's interesting to see.

-Had my oncologist appointment last week- my levels all came back up beautifully! My WBC's are wonderful, and my hemoglobin was almost up to my baseline, but not quite. I can't say enough how nice it's been to be off the chemo for a bit.

-Since the chemo med I was on could cause heart anomalies (though rare), I had an echocardiogram last week to double-check my heart before I give birth. Still waiting for the results on that.

-My oncologist also helped to calm some of my fears about restarting chemo after Baby comes. I guess I knew it, but just needed to hear it again- these rounds will be SO MUCH easier. She said it is really rare to get nausea/vomiting from this med, and she said I will NOT go home after the infusion and feel like crap 5-6 hours later. That's all I needed to hear!

-Baby still passed all of his/her tests at my OB appointment last Friday! And, is continuing to look good-sized! They offered to set up an induction date for me, if I just wanted to have something planned in case I don't go on my own, but I declined. They said that's fine, since everything is looking so wonderfully. This week they'll see if I've started to dilate at all, and then we'll tentatively come up with a plan from there. I'm hoping I'll go into labor on my own in the next week, here.

-My final worry before Baby is born is getting my H1N1 vaccine. I REALLY want to get that, so Baby could have those antibodies when he/she is born, as well. As you know, the vaccines are SO hard to come by right now, so I'm not counting on it. It's frustrating because I'm in such a high-risk group and am a priority to get the vaccine, but there's lots of people who need it...so I'm on a waiting list, but would be very surprised if I actually get called. I could use a prayer or two that I'll be able to get this!!


Finally, Liam pics!!

What a big boy- he's almost 21 months! He is just such a goof and always brightens our day.


Cuddling with Dad on the couch, playing with one of his favorite toys, the remote. He LOVES electronics, gadgets, etc...anything with buttons! And he also loves cars. He loves to get into people's cars and pretend he's driving- he could play in a car for hours.


Goofball!!! Daddy and pregnant mommy Brenda in the background- I think she's 24-25 weeks or so?? Liam loves playing in his little brother or sister's new crib- ha! We can't wait for our little one to meet his/her cousin Liam!!

Well, who knows- next post could be of the Baby!!! If not, I'll keep you posted on Friday's OB appointment and what the plan is, if he/she doesn't come by then.
Greg, Baby and I thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers- wish us good luck!!

37 Weeks, and Poster's 10! :)

Wow- I am 37 weeks tomorrow! I just can't believe it! Above is another 3D ultrasound of Baby (actually taken last week, at 36 weeks). He/she is sucking on his/her wrist! I LOVE IT!!


Another angle of Baby.


And here I am at 36 weeks. Continuing to get huge! I am not complaining in the least, but things have been getting more interesting with Baby moving now. I feel like my stomach is just stretched to the max, so every move that Baby makes, the stretching I definitely feel!! Still love it, though.

Health Update:
-Had my 36 week appointment last Friday. Baby still passed all of his/her tests wonderfully!! I did contract a little more on the non-stress test, but I do all the time anyway...so who knows if it actually meant something or not.

-Biggest thing is I've made it past the 36-week mark that my oncologist wanted me to get to! YAY! What a relief. And, being at 37 weeks tomorrow, I'm at the point where if our baby were born now, he/she wouldn't be considered pre-term anymore. I honestly didn't think I'd make it this far. They kept talking about a pre-term, lower-birth weight baby...neither of which will be true!

-My OB actually offered to induce me this week! That caught me off guard. She asked if I was getting really uncomfortable and if I was just sick of being pregnant, but I told her absolutely not. I'm feeling great, and still would prefer to try and go into labor spontaneously on my own. She said that that's fine, so we'll just continue to wait and see!

-My OB also gave me some good reassurance that I needed...I told her I was still worried about some of my blood levels, though they should be back up a lot by now. I asked her at what levels they get concerned for a woman to be giving birth...and my lowest of low levels weren't even close to that! I also told her I was starting to get worried about giving birth, considering what my body has gone through these past few months with the chemo and whatnot...but she basically said I'm going to do just fine. I really needed to hear that. I guess it's all relative. I feel like my body has just been through the wringer some days, but I know there are lots of women out there in way worse pregnancy situations than mine. I can't say enough how lucky I feel that everything has been going wonderfully pregnancy-wise, considering everything else!

-Otherwise feeling really good! I still have off days, but who doesn't at 37 weeks of pregnancy? Again- it's been so nice having a break from the chemo. Pregnancy-wise, my only complaints are still my back and stretching stomach (though thank goodness no stretch marks- I know it would be much more painful if I had those!). I've actually been sleeping a little better, as well.

-I also have my oncologist appointment this week- it's been nice to not have one of those for 5 weeks! They will draw my levels one last time before Baby comes, and we'll go over the tentative plan for after Baby is born.

-Greg and I have our birthing/parenting classes this Friday and Saturday. Talk about last minute!! We didn't really have an option of doing them at another time though. Hopefully I'll make it through those! I guess if my water breaks in the middle of class, it will be a good learning experience for everyone- ha.



I'm sure all you parents out there can relate to this. Here's Greg putting the baby swing together. We are pretty much all set for Baby! As ready as we'll ever be, I guess! We have everything we need for now, hospital bags are packed, and we just can't wait to meet this amazing little person in my belly. I get teary-eyed just thinking about what a miracle he/she will be!! And already has been!


Hey, we still gotta put those cat pics in. I will preface these with stating, yes, we are dorks. I think most people reading this knew that, anyway.

Our kitty Poster turned 10 last week! 10 years old!! As you know, our cats are a big part of our family, so we HAD to celebrate. And yes, we are those people who dress up their pets. Ok, not really, but they had to get dressed up in ties for this occasion. :)
Above is Post licking his chops after enjoying his birthday cat food treat.


Poster opening his presents. He loves his new toys.


Both kitties all dressed up. Tiger, of course, benefitted from Poster's birthday, as well, since he also got treats and to play with the new toys.


Me and my Poster. This kitty has gotten me through a lot of rough times in life. He's so soft-hearted and I swear he knows when you need some extra TLC. I can't believe I've had him for 10 years already! Happy Birthday, Post!!

35 Weeks...Getting There!!

Here I am at 35 weeks! It's kind of harder to see my tummy as I had a baggy shirt on...but you get the idea.

Health Update:
-Had my Baby appointment yesterday with my last Level 2 ultrasound before he/she is born---and they determined he/she weighs 6lbs 14oz!! Holy crap!! It might not be completely accurate, as the tech told me these measurements get less accurate the bigger the baby gets, so it could be off by as much as a pound either way. But, they were still willing to bet the baby is for sure in the 6 pound range, which is fabulous. Average weight for a baby at 35 weeks is 5lbs 4oz. So, Baby continues to grow wonderfully and everything else still looked perfect on the ultrasound and non-stress test! If Baby keeps this up though and I go full-term...we're going to have a big baby!

-I've been feeling pretty good! I slowly feel my body getting back to "normal" after my last treatment. Still have some bad days but mostly good days. My only discomfort pregnancy-wise is my back. I can't sit up straight for a long period of time, my back starts to go nuts. But that's it. Otherwise I am wonderful. Any discomfort that's pregnancy-related and not chemo-related, I definitely welcome!

-I feel relieved that I was able to get the seasonal flu shot yesterday. My oncololgist initially wanted me to wait til after the baby is born, but when I was with my OB yesterday, she just about flipped out that I hadn't gotten it yet. Between being pregnant and having my immune system lowered, she said I NEEDED IT ASAP. She called and talked to my oncologist, who did OK it. I'm glad I was able to get it...getting the flu during these last weeks of pregnancy would not be cool.

-On a side note, I got stung by a bee for the first time ever in my life- nice timing!! I was fine, though nervous because I didn't know if I was allergic or not. So, all on one arm I have my bee sting (which has been itching like crazy), my flu shot, and my not-really- healing chemo infiltration- ha!!! What a mess. What can ya do??

-Otherwise, the plan is for me to POSSIBLY get induced at 39 weeks, if the conditions are right. My docs say that basically after next week, I'm free to go whenever! So, I may be going on lots of walks to hopefully get this labor going spontaneously! I would prefer not to be induced, but I'll do what I have to, especially if it's looking like the baby is on the bigger side!

FINALLY, here are pics of the baby's room! Yay! It's all ready!

We love it- it turned out just how Greg and I wanted it. Can't wait to get our little bundle in there!






And, I had my last baby shower thrown by my sis-in-law Brenda and Aunt Bobbi.

Here's the group of us- it was so good to see everyone!! It was a mix of my mom and dad's sides of the family, and Greg's family!


Cousin Amy and I


No, Greg's mom is not giving me the Heimlich...we played the game where people had to guess how big around my belly was! I think Kathy won.


The adorable monkeys


The yummy food..and look at all the monkeys around the table! Brenda worked so hard on all the details and everything was just amazing!


My Great Aunt Clara. She is amazing. She is 93 years old, and crocheted this beautiful baptismal outfit for the baby. How special!! There's even a matching bonnet and booties.


My aunts Dee Dee and Betty.


Cousin Laurie and I.


Liam had to come and crash the party for a while- hee hee! Isn't he getting big??


The wonderful hostesses, Bobbi and Brenda. Thanks so much you two, for all of your hard work! And thanks so much everyone for coming!! Once again- I was just overwhelmed by everyone's generosity. You've all help make it possible for us to get all ready for our little one.

And, one quick thing I wanted to write about this week:
Our local news channel, Kare 11, has been having little "Celebrate My Life" features on their 10:00 news on breast cancer survivors/patients for Breast Cancer Awareness month. I wish they were longer- they're literally just like, 15-second features, and I always want to hear more of the person's story. I have to admit I really haven't cried a lot during this whole saga, since I've just kind of been on autopilot mode...but I started bawling the other night watching one of these features because they showed a woman with pretty much my EXACT same situation. There was no narration- they just had music and pics of this survivor, but you could put it all together. I tried to find the video online to post, but I couldn't.

First, they showed a picture of her pregnant with her family. She's maybe only a couple years older than me. Then, they showed her, pregnant, getting what I'm assuming was her first chemotherapy treatment, as she still had her hair. I even knew what IV drug they were giving her- Adriamycin, because it's the same one that I had and looks like fruit punch. She was crying, and that's what got me crying, because it's still very fresh as to how horrifying that is, to be pumping this chemo into your body when you're pregnant. Even though they tell you over and over it's safe for the baby, getting my chemo rounds were definitely the most terrifying moments of my life.

Next, they showed her getting an ultrasound with a shot of her sweet little baby in utero...I'm sure she had about a million ultrasounds, just like I have.

Then- the best part- they show the woman, bald head and all, after she just gave birth to her adorable little baby boy. The woman had the biggest, brightest smile on her face that I've ever seen on someone- just so proud, holding her perfect little bundle.

Finally, they show her and her son, who is now about a year old- both looking perfectly healthy. Her hair has grown back and she looks great, and the best part- her little son is toddling around the kitchen with a big smile on his face, showing that he's doing just fine. I CAN'T WAIT for that to be me. I know Greg and I have a tough little one in my tummy, as well. This baby is going to make the fight (and already has made it) that much more worthwhile. Can't wait to meet you, little one!! :)