Holidays and Overdue...

40 Weeks, on my last Due Date

I had three (ish) Due Dates for this pregnancy. The first was December 23rd which was supported by the ultrasounds, December 26th a random date that popped up at an appointment, and the last December 29th based on the LMP. The 29th is the date that is in my chart and that my Doctor is using for my care. I know not to put too much stock into Due Dates, especially since I had three this time around. However, I think that having a few made it a little confusing and challenging to figure out what my expectations could be. But at this point, all my Due Dates have passed and I am now in the two week countdown. Henry and I know we can handle another two weeks, we've done it before, but we admit we are excited and eager to have this part all wrapped up and finally start life as a family of four. At the same time, there is a strong possibility this will be our last pregnancy (as much as you can know these things at this stage) and I'm wanting to savour these last moments. I adore feeling the kicks and squirming, I love how at this stage you can watch your belly dance as baby wiggles and jockeys around in there. I'm also trying to take in the moments with Zoey as an 'only' child and spend some quality time with her since I know that my attention and energy will be spread a little thinner once Roo does arrive. It's a mix of emotions. So I'm trying to savour it all and be patient as we wait for potentially a few weeks longer, and at the same time be mentally prepared for the possibility that Roo could absolutely come anytime now. As Henry left for work this morning, I asked him, "In the unlikely event I go into labour today which phone do you want me to call?". Then we laughed since it's not really unlikely anymore. We just don't know what it's like to go into labour 'naturally' since it was kick started last time by breaking my water at the hospital. I would love to experience it a little more gradually this time, but as long as we all end up healthy in the end, I'm game.


As for holidays, Henry had a week off for Christmas again this year and has another week saved up for after Roo arrives. It's the first time off he's had in at least a year that we've been able to relax and spend together as a family. We were so grateful and blessed that our basement was complete and it allowed us to host our family and friends for meals and hockey games, as well we spent a lot of time with Zoey playing with toys and snuggling on the couch. The time was also used to run errands together and go on coffee dates as a couple and with Zoey. Zoey absolutely adored having Daddy around and completely smothered him with attention. She insisted on Daddy putting her to bed every night. I don't think she would have let him go the entire week if she had the chance. I decided to give Henry a bit of a break and took Zoey to Walmart myself to grab a couple things and as we pulled away from the house and she realized Daddy wasn't coming, she whimpered until she fell asleep. It means so much to all of us that Henry had that time with her and that their bond is so strong. When Henry left for work this morning, he asked for a hug and she was too upset with him to oblige. Having your child love you is a pretty okay problem to have.

Helping us with the instructions for Racko

Just terrible

Daddy helping with her boots before church

Making Daddy's hair smell like Green Apples

Just doing some light reading

Out for lunch and colouring with Daddy

So for now we wait and pray that all goes well, and if at all possible, things happen on their own. And until then, we'll savour the time in between together and even sleeping through the night! :)

A Merry Christmas, But No Christmas Baby...

39 Weeks

Zoey snuggled up on Christmas Evening

A change in expectations can really take the pressure off. I had my last check on Christmas Eve and for about a week we have all been waiting, thinking with the symptoms and constant Pre Labour I was having, that Roo could come any minute. I don't think there was anything wrong with that, but it sets you up for some pressure. I was wanting Roo to come while my Sister in Law was here for Christmas and early in Henry's Christmas holidays. After chatting with Henry early Christmas morning, we realized that we had put a lot of pressure on ourselves, and honestly, the one birth we've experience was 2 weeks after the Due Date. It's not to say that Roo couldn't surprise us and come this week, but the likely hood seems low at this stage. I reminded myself that I know how to go 2 weeks overdue and I'm really okay with that. Other than sore hips and rotating 3 outfits as my belly outgrows all my clothes, I can't complain too much. With this new perspective, we have a plan in place that ensures Henry has enough time off after Roo is born and until then we can relax and enjoy the family time that we have. I think the stress of the end of work and the unknown factor in planning for the Christmas Holidays was more than I had anticipated or expected. But we have some pretty incredible family and friends who are more than accommodating as we wait.

Setting up her own mini Christmas Tree

We had a great visit with Henry's sister and her husband, Henry's parents, and my Mom and sister. It was a fantastic Christmas and Zoey loved it all, and was completely exhausted by the excitement! She was, as usual, totally spoiled with thoughtful and generous gifts from family. She LOVED opening them this year, her little hands frantically searching for edges to tear. She was sweet enough to help open everyone's gifts this year. Henry and I decided this year to do a smaller Christmas (in regards to gifts) with me going on mat leave right away, etc we thought we would like to keep it more low key, which really has always been our goal. So we were excited to pick out a World Vision gift as a family and a few smaller things for each other. It was really nice doing things that way this year and I think regardless of our circumstances, that's how we want Christmas to look in our house with our children. Focuses on the reason for the season, Jesus.

So with a change in perspective in regards to Roo's arrival, I am far more relaxed and honestly expecting baby will come sometime in January and I am completely okay with that. My Christmas Eve appointment told me there was very little change despite the continuous Pre Labour contractions. But as I said before, I'm feeling pretty good, exhausted, but good. I know that once Roo is here, I'll feel exhausted in a whole different way.

We are so very appreciative of all the thoughts, prayers, and well wishes. Keep them coming and I'll be sure keep you posted!

38 Weeks....or 39...

37 Weeks

It depends on who you ask how far a long we are. My chart at the Dr's is going by the LMP, which apparently they almost always stick with regardless of Ultrasounds (I suppose for consistency). However, Henry and I, along with both Ultrasounds put the Due Date closer to the 23rd, which is right around the corner....um hello? Where did the last 9 months go?

I've been feeling pretty good lately, not much to complain about besides the typical aches and pains that come with the last days of pregnancy. I had another check up on Thursday and I was surprised when my Dr told me that all the cramping I've been having was actually doing something! My cervix is thinning which for me is something. I remember in the last month with Zoey, I was stuck at the same place for weeks. Since that appointment I've been having more contractions and a lot of pre labor symptoms. We're very curious what I'll find out at my Monday afternoon appointment. Who knows things could actually be happening. I suspect things could gear up a little after getting checked, but we are staying pretty relaxed either way. I did tell Henry yesterday though, that if Roo wants to stay put then the contractions can calm down anytime. It's a little exhausting after a few days.

Basement

I disappeared for a couple days as well last week after being hit with a ridiculous Cold/Flu. I hadn't felt that rough in a long time. My sweet husband stayed home from work on Friday to take care of Zoey for me since I could barely lift my head off the pillow. It took me nearly a solid week to fully recover. At it's worst point, I was so terrified that Roo was going to make his or her appearance while I was sick. You do whatever you have to, but the idea of going through labor and having a newborn in that state was intimidating. Thankfully, God heard my prayers and I was able to recoup and get the rest I needed. Just in time for Zoey to get a slightly lighter version of the Cold/Flu. It was an interesting week in the Duiker household.

While I was curled up in bed, Henry and his folks worked hard on our basement to finish it up, and I am thrilled to say that I am currently in our new basement with Henry and Zoey and loving it. Yesterday was the first day we were able to spend some family time in the new space together. It's taken up so much time and dedication and we are so incredibly thankful for those who made it possible.

I am unsure as to how life will be after Baby Roo arrives but isn't that always the way it goes. Sweet Zoey seems to senses something big is changing and her behaviour has reflected that unease. We know however, that with a great deal of patience from and towards each of us we will work through any challenges that will inevitably come our way. Henry and I are so excited for what is to come and can not wait to meet this new little person and learn about his or her personality. We look at Zoey and are amazed at who she is and are continuously falling more and more in love with her. Who wouldn't want to do that again! So we wait patiently and continue to pray that God will give us all we need to raise our 2 children.

36 Weeks and Prepping...

The end is in sight for this pregnancy and I'm faced with some mixed emotions. With the pain and discomfort that comes with this stage I'm excited to be winding down, and obviously, I am getting more and more butterflies about finally holding our precious Roo in our arms and kissing his or her sweet head. I get full blown weepy every time I see some sappy newborn moment on TV or really anywhere, but I remember feeling that way before Zoey was born too. At the same time, I'm fully aware that having Roo means a lot less sleep and the discomfort does not disappear immediately after baby is born. Between sore muscles, a bruised hoo ha, and nursing, there is more than enough discomfort to keep me hobbling for another week or two. At least I'm aware of it this time and I feel more mentally prepared. Regardless, it's going to be amazing.

It's been funny this time trying to figure out when Roo may arrive, with the visits the hospital and my Doctor asking me to finish work early, there is the sense of a potential early arrival. At the same time, Zoey was two weeks late and I fully expect that is a strong possibility this time as well. These pregnancy's have been quite different so it's hard to get a sense of what to expect. I feel like we are watching a Sand Timer and we can only see one half. We know that time is winding down as Full Term is already next week, but how much time is left? So our goal is to do our best to make sure we are ready to go as soon as possible and enjoy the end of this stage in our life with as much peace and enthusiasm as we can. Henry's incredible parents have been working non stop to help us finish the basement and there is so much amazing progress I cannot wait to share the finished product. The entertainment center is gorgeous, the flooring is perfect, and the paint colours and trim all all up. We hope to have some things moved down there this week so we can get Zoey's room set up and have the crib up and ready to go. All this necessary work and with the Christmas season in full swing we are trying our best to find the time to be together as a family. We counted weekends before our Due Date and were in shock! There are so many things we want to do together but really as long as we get moments where we can sit and talk, go for coffee a couple more times, and have days focused on Zoey it will all be fine. New baby or not, it always seems we are scrambling to fit everything into the day, week, or month and it's typically impossible. As long as you have the priorities straight, the less important things will fall to the side and Faith, Family, and Friends will win out.

Lots of Dr appointments so we have fun while we're there!

Finally, an update Zoey's sleeping progress. After a couple incredibly challenging nights and naps, I had a revelation. I was getting a little frustrated and assumed that my toddler was choosing not to go to sleep in order to be defiant and difficult. While in some cases it absolutely is a power struggle I looked at my daughter and realized in this situation, that was not what was happening. She was stressed and anxious. We had taken away the security blanket per say of falling asleep with us holding her hand away and said, "Now go to sleep or else". I thought about how to be a bit softer and understanding about that transition and since then things have gone really well. She needed to be reminded and assured that she was not alone and that Mommy or Daddy are right there, for the first while we standing by the door where she can see us and slowly we start to move a little farther, still popping in to watch her depending on how she's handling it. We read to her, tuck her in, pray with her, and kiss her head and as we get up she asks, "Door? Right here?" and we remind her that yes, we are right here. Isn't that really what we are always looking for? I know that in moments of fear and anxiety, my prayers are asking God to remind me that He's right here, and Henry and I are praying fervently that Zoey and Roo learn to lean on and feel that comfort always from our God who loves them even more than we ever could (which always seems surreal).

Sometimes there are even suckers!

I love that Zoey finds so much comfort with us, it assures me that we are doing something right for her. Yesterday she was having a rare moment with her nap time. She was completely catatonic about having to go to sleep and had worked herself up into a high level of anxiety. After nearly an hour of working with her Henry texted from work. I asked if he would mind Facetiming so he could talk to her (technology is pretty cool). So he called and she saw her Daddy and he talked to her for a few minutes. He asked her if she was okay and through hiccuped breathing she said, "Ya". He told her when he got home they would play and spend time time together and she seemed to be happy about that. Meanwhile, behind the phone, I was trying to keep myself together. Pregnancy hormones and really the shear preciousness of the moment was almost too much for me. After their chat Zoey asked for lunch and the chance for nap time was over so I called it and we had some peanut butter toast. She had a great rest of her day and went to sleep like a champ at bed time.

So that's really what's been going on in our house lately. We did get some amazing Family Pictures done by a wonderful friend and crazy talented photographer in Lethbridge. I would HIGHLY recommend Richelle Tucker at Limetree Photography (CLICK HERE) for any event or family photos you may be looking to have done. We only wish we had known her when we were married! I will share some more of the photos from our recent session once I have them all. Thanks again Richelle!

Labour and Delivery Knows My Name...

As I sat there on the hospital bed sipping my water, I stared at those awful pastel and plaid curtains. I thought about my friend who told me once the sight of them is panic inducing after so much time spent staring at them, and I thought, ‘That makes sense to me’. The sight of them reminds me of the time spent with Zoey in the hospital. Those horrible first couple nights, feeling completely overwhelmed, in pain, and desperately wanting to be anywhere but there. As I stared at them this time, on the cusp of having Roo, I thought, ‘I really don’t want to be here’. 

It was another short quick trip to Labour and Delivery. My first being a couple weeks ago after I noticed Roo, our very very active Roo had stopped moving almost entirely for a half a day. That coupled with some spotting sent Henry and I over to get assessed. By the time we were there Roo was squirming around once again but everyone at the hospital told us that it was absolutely the right thing to get checked, if nothing else, but to be sure. I was grateful for their encouragement. This time at 34 and ½ weeks I was asked to go after a day and a half of irregular, but painful cramping. Obviously no cramping occurred while I was hooked up to the monitors but they were able to determine Roo was fine. After a couple quick tests they determined I had a bladder infection and was absolutely having painful cramping. Once again they told me I did the right thing in coming to get checked out since a bladder infection can spur pre term labor or even develop into a kidney infection. So it was again helpful to me to hear that I’m not over reacting or being silly. It is making Henry and I wonder if Roo is willing to stay put for much longer. I thought about the reality of that while I sat in the Assessment room.  I had truly not realized how soon Full Term is until the nurse chatted cheerfully, “Only 2 more weeks and you’re ready to go!”. I had to pause and ask her if she was serious. I hadn’t even realized how big my belly was until last week. I literally was waddling around thinking I still have my 20 week belly, but the truth is I’m much much bigger than that now. Roo will be here before we know it and it’s thrilling and terrifying all at once. Perhaps it’s because I know now, more than I ever did before Zoey was born how much a newborn can rock your world. 

The basement is nearly finished which is an amazing blessing. Having that space finished will change how we are able to function as a family in the house. Having a room downstairs means we can have both Roo and Zoey upstairs and we will hopefully be painting and setting up Zoey’s ‘New Room’ this weekend. Our goal has always been to make that transition with a fair amount of space between Roo’s arrival and her moving rooms. We don’t want there to be any association of, “I had to move out of MY room because of the baby.” We are also decorating it with fun colours and characters to make it an exciting change. I expect a night or two of adjustment, but I think she will overall really enjoy having a Big Girl room for her own. I also expect that setting up the crib again will make things feel even more real. 

34 Weeks

Physically, I’ve been feeling tired and getting and staying comfortable is increasingly more challenging. Off and on I was having the sensation of having been kicked very hard in the pelvic bone. I remembered it vaguely from my pregnancy with Zoey, but not a painful and less frequent. My Doctor told me that with a second pregnancy babies head can drop into place and then bounce back out repeatedly. But it seems yesterday Roo has dropped and so far seems content there. I’ll be very interested to hear where I’m at, at my next appointment. Henry and I are trying to mentally prepare for the very real possibility that baby could show up on time or even a little early. Henry’s guess is currently 3 days before Christmas, but I’m trying to balance preparedness and patience to go the long haul into January if it comes to it. Not the easiest to figure out, but we are doing our best!

Baby Roo's Second Ultrasound...

I thought it would be a good idea for me to jot down some moments from this ultrasound while it's still fresh in my memory!

It was nice getting ready for this appointment in contrast to the rush and unknown of our first ultrasound at 11 weeks. I had forgotten however, how tough it is to drink all that water and hold it for the hour and a half. I had one glass left and 40 minutes until my appointment and I was going crazy. The thought of having them push on my bladder once I got there, let alone manage to hold it for that much longer wasn't happening. So as I danced around I asked Henry if I could pee just a little. He laughed at me and said go for it. I did have another glass to drink and enough time to make it all work. The hard part is starting and managing to stop, but it worked out and I was able to make it to the appointment without wetting myself.

We were called into our room after a few minutes of waiting and as is the usual procedure, they do measurements first then spend the last few minutes showing you the baby. Henry and I were quiet as we watched her measure our baby and smiled at each other when we caught a glimpse of recognizable features. After she had all she needed she turned the screen and showed us Baby Roo. First off I take back ever saying this baby is less active than Zoey....in the past week or so Baby Roo has made a total liar out of me! There was live evidence of that as well as we watch Roo kick, stretch, and squirm. At one point we saw baby stretch to their full length and push the limits of space. It's always surreal to see it happen on screen while feeling it at the same time. We were able to see famous Duiker legs on Roo, arms, heartbeat, and a precious face. In the quick moment we were able to see eyes, nose, and mouth, all which look perfectly unique and yet so similar to his/her sister. It all feels just a little more real and I adored getting to see Baby Roo in action and I am so excited to be able to hold him or her soon enough.

One final exciting thing, all the measurements match pretty darn close to the dates I have for a due date. I know full well, a due date doesn't mean a whole lot that often, but for some reason I've been convinced that we are not due in January. Baby might come in January, but we sure aren't due then. It was exciting to see my gut was right on this one. Henry figures I just like being right, but come on who doesn't!

Looking straight at Baby Roo's face. A little blurry but it's there!

Starting from the Left is the bottom of the Spine curving towards the head.

Legs and Knees

Teeny foot

Body and Arm raised with a teeny nose and mouth.

Legs, Body, Arm, and Head in motion

I go this week for the results from the Ultrasound and I'm eager to hear things are going well and Roo is healthy. That's really all I can ask for.

Final Ultrasound and a Possible End in Sight

We went for our BioPhysical Profile yesterday. As I mentioned in the last post they wanted to get an idea of her overall health, activity levels, and fluid levels to make sure she was still doing okay in there. The only reason they would be concerned at all is due to the fact that I am currently 41 weeks and that is consider 'OverDue'. My doctor really isn't the type to get jumpy about inducing right away so that's been really nice. We have not felt pressured at all to get her out right away. He just wants to know that's she's healthy and is perfectly comfortable letting the pregnancy continue. However, after speaking with him at the hospital after the test, it does look like we have an end date in sight. We asked when his cut off was for continuing and he said that around 42 he does start to think more seriously about inducing. So after some discussion and realizing that Easter is next weekend already (hokie smokes!) that earlier next week if she doesn't make an appearance on her own is when we are likely going to book. I will see him on Monday and make an appointment for Tuesday is what we have decided. Now, even though this isn't what we hoped would happen, we are comfortable with the choice and have not felt pressured what so ever to go ahead with an induction. We feel comfortable and peaceful with the timing if this is what it comes too. However, we are still definitely okay with her deciding to come on out herself :)
So apparently I have a good deal of fluid still for her to float around in. The tech told us that I might want to sleep with a towel under me just in case because there is going to be a lot of fluid if my water does break. Awesome....pregnancy and labor is so dignified! She does have her head down nice and low and after a fourth check we were told that he would be completely shocked if it wasn't a girl. He showed us on the screen what they look for and based on his explanation, I'm fairly confident as well. Me being so qualified and all :) Overall, out of a possible score of 10, she rated a 10 which is great to hear. She is healthy, and hopefully happy. Although we don't think she liked the monitors they strapped on my belly for the half hour. She kept squirming and wiggling almost as if to say, "Get these things off!". She probably thought that Henry was picking on her again :) Those two....already! Honestly, he is so in love with her already. I know a lot of people are waiting to hold her but Henry has dibs. As far as I am concerned he can hold her for as long and as often as he possibly can. This little girl may not know it yet, but she is so completely loved by her daddy already and he cannot wait to see her and hold her. She is a very very lucky little girl.

So it looks like maybe Tuesday we will get to see her, if not sooner, and thus will bring an end to this journey and we will begin the new one! I'll have to change the name of the blog but rest assured I will have a lot of stories and updates even after the jellybean has made her appearance!

Hanging Out......Waiting For Baby

Well.... I'm still pregnant :)

We had an appointment yesterday and I was a little discouraged to find out there had been no change since last week. He did say that the fact that I have symptoms is a good thing and the cervix is softening so if we get to the induction point he feel optimistic that it won't be too hard to get things going.

He isn't a huge fan of induction without a good reason. He said induction for your first delivery can be a bit of a gong show. So we are going for a Biophysical Profile tomorrow. They will score her out of 10 and evaluate how she is doing and her fluid levels. From there we will decide what the plan is. We are ultimately hoping that she will come on her own as this would fit with our birth plan and if she is healthy and in no danger than why not let her hang out in there for a little longer. However, if our doctor tells us that the score is lower than he would like and for her safety we need to induce, of course we will set an induction date. So basically, we are just waiting for tomorrow to see what happens.

Patience is something I am still learning and I am still surprised that I am okay with waiting. I am not saying that it isn't hard and that we cannot wait to see her and have that moment with her, but I am feeling okay with waiting.....most of the time :) It's a little harder when you start to get really uncomfortable with the extra weight, the swelling that is now happening, and general muscle pain from pregnancy overall. Still, as I keep saying, it really could be much worse. It's been a healthy pregnancy with a very limit number of the worst symptoms and most importantly she is growing and is healthy.

The sun is peaking out finally through the fog so I think it is time to go for a walk and enjoy the day :)

Due Today

No baby yet but we shall see!

Feeling really kind of irritable and feeling bad for that, but I am enjoying the quiet for now, the little bits of me time I guess you could say. Lots of long walks trying to help things along and hanging out on my exercise ball.

Loads and loads of pressure to be felt good and low and I had my 'Bloody Show' yesterday. Cause I'm sure everyone wanted to know that :) So I am feeling like it could happen anytime now.....still trying to be patient though.

I told Henry and my sister that today I am not answering to phone to answer the question, "Have you had the baby yet?" Too funny. Like I said, I promise as soon as I can let people know, people will know :) We are over the moon excited to share her with friends and family and the beauty of facebook and the internet is we can do that really quickly for people. So keep your eyes peeled for the announcement once I have one :)

Can't wait :)