Yesterday was the first day of maternity leave! It’s so nice to not be at work although I’m not relaxing as much as I’d like to yet. So much to do in the house (taxes, cleaning, etc) Went to the doctor yesterday and it wasn’t as good as normal. Baby is great, heartbeat still strong at 140-150 bpm. My blood pressure was 120/90 when they first took it so I had to lay on my left side for about 5 – 10 minutes and it came down to normal (110/70) I did test positive for Strep B so I’ll have to have antibiotics in my IV while laboring. If necessary, they’ll give antibiotics to BT after she’s born. Doc says not to worry about it, it’s very common. I’m up to 27 lbs gained. This last week was all baby/uterus/sac.

Earlier this week BT’s great-grandmother (my Grandma) passed away. It was expected after a long battle with Alzheimers, so we’re glad she’s in a better place although we’ll miss her.

Visted the doctor today for my check-up. He did the Strep B culture and checked my cervix and I’m not dilated yet. It was quite painful as I am swollen in that area from the pressue of the baby. She is still head down and is so low, the doctor said I probably won’t make it to my due date. I won’t be super early but early enough. I don’t mind that one bit other than the fact that Dad will be in a middle of a tournament. I gained 4 lbs (25lbs total) so that was a bit of a shocker. Blood pressure and urine is still good. I go back next Thursday for the start of my weekly visits.

Other great news is that my maternity leave starts next Thursday! BT has been consistantly getting hiccups in utero. At first it was cute and now it’s starting to drive me crazy. It’s seveal times a day and since she is so low, it’s not comfortable down there. She still moves a lot, much to her father’s delight. He was showing Aunt Renee today how to make her move (by pushing on the belly.)

What a day yesterday! It was shower #3 and was hosted by Nonna. It was beautifully done and we had over 20 people come, including Grandma Crean and Aunt Gaile who made a surprise visit! I was floored when I saw them. BT made out like a queen with all of her gifts. Her wardrobe is set for the next 6-9 months. She got all kinds of toys and mom got many necessities (humidifier, diapers, bottles, high chair, etc.) Grandma, Aunt Gaile and I got home and organized what we could and I finished the rest this morning. Pictures are coming as I get them from Nonna.

Just got back from my bi-weekly visit to the doctor and everything is good as usual. I’ve gained 3 lbs so my total is 21lbs … I’ll take it! Bllod pressure was 110/72, nice and low. Her heartbeat is 148 bpm and she is definitely head down he said, for now. She’s been there for a while so I don’t think she’ll flip over. He said if she stays on the growth trend she’s been doing, she’ll be around 7 or 7.5 pounds. She’s been pretty consistant with her growth spurts as I get achy every few days to once a week.

We toured the birth center/hospital last night. It was pretty informative. It also made it all so much more real now as we get closer! Only 7 weeks left … it’s amazing to think how far we’ve come. The delivery will be at Sutter Roseville Family Birth Center and then we will be moved to the medical center next door for post-partum. We got to see the nursery and there was a newborn in there … it made me cry. We can’t wait to meet the little one!

Her movements have been quite consistant and stronger than usual. She’s constantly rolling around in there, much to Dad’s delight as he sees Mom’s stomach bulge in unusual places. She’s had the hiccups off and on today and it’s quite cute.