Thoughts and Feelings – This was a really tough week. In summary, I need to chill out! I am stressed. I’m stressed about getting everything done at work before having this baby. I’m stressed about the school year starting right at the end of my 6 weeks of short term disability. I’m stressed about going back to work too quickly postpartum. I’m stressed about Magnolia’s transition to being a big sister. I’m stressed about getting things done around the house before baby arrives. I’m stressed about how I’m feeling physically and the fact that we could have 5-7 weeks left if I hit the 41/42 week mark with this baby.
I think a lot of these feelings are normal, but they hit me like a freight train this week… and not in a good way. When I’m super stressed, my eyes twitch. Not a good thing, but that’s one of the ways my body reacts to stress. Well, a few months ago when I was stressed I noticed this tingling feeling in my face. I talked to my OB about it way back when and she told me, “stop stressing and breathe!”. Easier said that done, but I have noticed that the sensation only happens when I’m overwhelmed and stressed. I personally have never had panic attacks, but in all honesty, I feel like the sensation happens when I’m in a mini mental panic.
Well, on Tuesday I got into work around 7:15AM and right away I noticed the tingling sensation in my cheeks. I have no other symptoms when this happens, but I took my doctor’s advice and went for a quick walk to clear my head and made an effort to take deep breaths. Well, the feeling didn’t go away. As the morning went on, it only intensified and it scared me. I started texting with Neal and I called my OB. She said it wasn’t worth waiting on and to go ahead to the ER. I really didn’t want to go to the ER, but I knew I needed to make sure I was ok and that the baby was ok.
The ER visit was smooth. I checked in, got an IV started, and had some blood drawn. I was there for about 4 hours but all tests came back perfect, my blood pressure was normal, and I had no other symptoms. They never checked on the baby, but they didn’t seem concerned at all. By that time, my face was also no longer tingling and everything else looked good. In the end, the ER doctor said the same thing as my OB… STOP STRESSING!
I had dinner with Neal Tuesday night at home and we talked through everything. I promised to chill out and to make an effort to relax more. The stress just wasn’t worth it. Wednesday and Thursday went well at work and I haven’t had the tingling sensation since Tuesday, which is good. Magnolia did get hives unexpectedly Wednesday after her nap at daycare, which was odd and stressful, but I left work early to take her to the doctors and they said she was fine.
This week I also started to feel pretty gross in my body. The baby is getting really big and I’m just uncomfortable. I’m not comfortable sitting down, standing up, laying down… it’s just that point where you’re ready. Still having 5-7 weeks left is mentally overwhelming, but I know how important it is for the baby to continue growing in the womb. My goal this next week is to CHILL OUT and to be ok with slowing down. I do still have things I’d like to get done, but I’m asking Neal to get more done for me. I just know how important it is that the baby stay put until he’s ready to come.
The Bump – 35 weeks and 3 days
Movement – The baby moves most in the late afternoon and in the middle of the night (between 2AM and 4AM). He moves throughout the day and is a lot lower than he was a few weeks ago. He’s not in my ribs as much, which is nice!
Symptoms – Aside from the face tingling episode, I haven’t really had any other symptoms. I’m just uncomfortable.
Third Trimester To Do List Progress – This week I was mostly focused on getting things done at work. The team I work with is going on various vacations these next few weeks, so I know my time with them is limited. I was able to get some things done at home too, which was good!
Things left to accomplish this month…
-Call insurance to make sure they are aware of my upcoming delivery
-Organize baby’s clothes and store
-Wash burp rags, swaddles, crib sheets, and blankets
-Wash baby gear and set everything up
-Install the baby’s car seat base into our cars
-Pull out leftover baby diapers from when we had Magnolia
-Buy additional of diapers
-Move Magnolia’s play area down to our finished basement and set up that space
-Move baby’s gear into our main living room (rock n play, changing area, etc.)
-Get my hair done before baby
-Plan outfits for newborn photo shoot (Neal, Ashley, Magnolia, and baby boy)
-Pack hospital bag (use this bag as an example)
At Work by June 29
-Finalize maternity leave plan
-Create a plan for return to office after short term disability leave (6 weeks)
-Wrap up projects and to do list prior to departure
-Clean my office and mini fridge
Appointments – I didn’t have a scheduled appointment this week. Aside from the ER visit, everything was good!
Diet – I ate pretty well this week. I am really starting to crave veggies, which is a welcomed change!! I bought some delicious produce last weekend at the farmers market and have enjoyed eating it throughout the week. I’ve been loving cucumbers, tomatoes, salads, strawberries, and cherries. So yummy!
Food Cravings – Ice!! I have been buying bags of ice and am just loving ice water. Not a food, but I’m normally not a big ice person.
Workouts –
Thursday – Rest day
Friday – OrangeTheory
Saturday – Lots of walking!
Sunday – Lots of walking!
Monday – OrangeTheory
Tuesday – Rest day
Wednesday – Rest day
In case you missed them, my pregnancy updates so far:
We’re Pregnant
First Trimester Comparison
Pregnancy 1 – Week 16 ~ Pregnancy 2 – Week 16
Pregnancy 1 – Week 18 ~ Pregnancy 2 – Week 18
Pregnancy 1 – Week 19 ~ Pregnancy 2 – Week 19
Pregnancy 1 – Week 20 ~ Pregnancy 2 – Week 20
Pregnancy 1 – Week 21 ~ Pregnancy 2 – Week 21
Pregnancy 1 – Week 22 ~ Pregnancy 2 – Week 22
Pregnancy 1 – Week 23 ~ Pregnancy 2 – Week 23
Pregnancy 1 – Week 24 ~ Pregnancy 2 – Week 24
Pregnancy 1 – Week 26 ~ Pregnancy 2 – Week 26
Pregnancy 1 – Week 27 ~ Pregnancy 2 – Week 27
Pregnancy 1 – Week 29 ~ Pregnancy 2 – Week 29
Pregnancy 1 – Week 30 ~ Pregnancy 2 – Week 30
Pregnancy 1 – Week 31 ~ Pregnancy 2 – Week 31
Pregnancy 1 – Week 32 ~ Pregnancy 2 – Week 32
Pregnancy 1 – Week 33 ~ Pregnancy 2 – Week 33
Pregnancy 1 – Week 34 ~ Pregnancy 2 – Week 34
Pregnancy 1 – Week 35 ~ Pregnancy 2 – Week 35
