To Wake, or Not to Wake...

Another edition of Notes from C...I had a very restless night, so bless his heart that he was willing to write our blog entry today.

Bug's arrival is fast approaching...we are both getting increasingly restless at night, and the contractions don't seem to stop. They are consistently mild and are approximately 20 minutes apart. Over the past couple of days, they've gotten down to 5 or 4 minutes, however...never more than four contractions at a time and then they will peter off or go away all together.

Anyhow, here's some notes from C

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That is the question, friends/readers/general Internet people. Lately, “S” has been having tremendous difficulties sleeping. I imagine that this is to be expected. She’s basically got a live human inside of her, moving around, being restless, etc. He’s obviously out of room at this point, and is very ready for the outside world. But that’s not quite how it works. Some interesting scientific equation has to happen between “S”’s body and the baby to make this thing happen.

So in the meantime, she struggles to sleep. Countless trips to the bathroom – even more than when he started pushing on her bladder a few months back – and just general discomfort (Editor’s Note: I originally had “uncomfortable-ness” in there….which is absolutely not a word), both contribute rather significantly to this issue. So the question has arisen, and I’ll ask it again: To wake, or not to wake?

I have done my best to support “S” throughout this entire process. I am certain that most (all?) of the readers of this blog are women, so you will all share the same view on pregnancy. Most likely, most of you have either had kids or are experiencing pregnancy right now, just as “S” is. Pregnancy from the man’s perspective is (of course) a completely different experience. My body hasn’t changed; I’m not experiencing any of the physical challenges of all of this. But it’s still expected throughout that I be able to relate to how she feels.

I likely speak for most men when I say that I have trouble relating to my wife’s feelings/emotions even “sans-pregnancy”, but right now, it’s very difficult. The worst part of all of this is that I very badly WANT to be able to relate. Most of the pain and challenges in life that we experience, we are able to share together, and I’m able to empathize with “S”. This is completely different, however, and the best I can do is offer kind words and encouragement, but (I’m sure) they seem relatively hollow since I simply have no idea what “S” is going through.

Back to the title. Lately, “S” and I have had discussions about whether or not it is appropriate for me to wake up in the middle of the night with her when she cannot sleep and needs to go out to watch TV, or walk around, or what have you. The natural reaction is going to be “Of course you should wake up you jerk! Get up and support your wife!” While I am completely expecting this vitriol, I think the question is (at least) a little more complex than that.

Obviously, I am still working, and need to be up in the morning in good time to do so. Also, as “S” has (I believe) detailed somewhat in this blog, I have taken up a tremendous lifestyle change in terms of nutrition, physical activity, etc. This has taken a large toll, and at the end of the day, I am much more tired than I used to be (as to be expected with the increased physical exertion). These aren’t excuses; they are simply mitigating factors that are relevant to this discussion. The only reason I bring them up even, is that “S”, herself, has brought them up in relation to this topic. As guilty as I feel about leaving her on her own while I sleep, she (evidently) feels equally guilty about waking me up, knowing that these other factors are at play.

I have told “S” that if she’s annoyed by the fact that I am sleeping comfortably while she uncomfortably tosses and turns, or is forced out of bed, that she should simply wake me and I’ll spend this time with her. At 4 am, after a few hours of sleep, and knowing that I only have a few possible hours left, I am a less than perfect husband (not that I claim to be a perfect husband at any point in the day), and my brain just does not properly compute that I should be waking up to assist my ailing wife. This is why I’ve said she should simply wake me.

I fully expect, however, that she will not take me up on this, and will continue to miserably trudge around our house on her own in the middle of the night. I feel bad about this – of course I do; but I am not sure how to help correct this issue. This is back to the central theme of my post today, which is that I simply cannot relate to everything she’s going through.

We’ll get through all of this, and the finish line feels insanely close! Every time she has a contraction or a pain, I fully expect we’re heading into “launch sequence” with the inevitable contraction-countdown, from 20 minutes apart, to 15, to 10, and then to 5 minutes apart (ie. GO TIME!), but we’re not quite there yet. What goes around comes around, though, and I think Daddy is going to be spending some long nights and some early mornings with Bug moving forward. Until then, I guess I’ll keep getting my beauty rest until “S” tells me otherwise…..

My 2nd Family

Yesterday morning, bright and early, I got up to meet Godmomma at the mall while she and her boyfriend, J, passed through town on their way to the airport, bound for Las Vegas. *sigh* I miss vacationing...

Anyhow, she had mentioned that she had some gifts from her and her family, as well as her bassinet that she used for her son...and given that this all might be happening sooner than we all think, wanted to meet me to drop it off.

You see, we've known each other since we were 9...do the math. 19 years of friendship. I call her parents mom and Dad...she calls mine the same. Her sisters are like my sisters, and I've really grown to appreciate them all as a big part of my family, and they all hold a very special place in my heart. They've all been there through the most horrible times, and have helped me celebrate in the best ones too. Truly, they are a part of my family.

Wow! I am absolutely blown away and incredibly thankful for what my 2nd family did. Inside the bassinet that we're borrowing from Godmomma were three large, lovely, chocolate brown storage baskets full of goodies! Wipes, diapers, tag-alongs, health and safety kit, bottle nipples, bath time stuff, car caddy (already in the care and loving it!), bottle brushes, spoons, freezer portion container for homemade baby food, car roller shade...honestly the most useful and thoughtful stuff ever!

At the bottom of each of the baskets was a blanket...the cutest, softest blankets. I sent a text to Godmomma to find out where she found them...and her response just about sent me into tears. Her mom, MommaJo, handmade them all. How incredibly thoughtful!! We absolutely love them!


Baseballs for C, cupcakes for me, and a soft and snugly green fleece one fit for a playpen!

I love my second family, and can't wait for them to meet Bug!

No News...Is Good News?

Not so much in my opinion today!

Basically, we had no progress over the weekend until alot night...3 hours of contractions, about 20 minutes apart. Not severe enough to make me want to go to the hospital, or for either of us to be concerned about missing the LOST finale either (what a great end to such an epic series!)

I've had tonnes of cramping and sharp pains all weekend, which likely can be attributed to dilation, but really...not too much to report on our end! I've had some bigger contractions this morning, but they're very much spaced apart, so I'm not freaking out...yet anyhow!

This week is already a crazy one for C...so we're sort of thinking that it's inevitable that Bug will make his debut. Today, he's off to a golf tournament with his friends and the HABS game (as well as the Bachelorette!)....tomorrow has softball....Wednesday, neither of us have anything going on....Thursday, he is off to his personal trainer and we have our next doctor's appointment, as well as a cocktail event out at the Club.

To top it all off, this weekend is the member-member tournament at the Club! Full rounds of golf and activities both Friday and Saturday, ending with a big dinner and dance on Saturday evening....oh and Saturday is spa day with the girls too!

Place your bets! I've posted a poll off to the side, in place of important dates because let's be realistic here...Bug's coming...and soon!

Beyond Happy!!

Yup...you guessed it! We got an internal today! Before I get into that...here's the rundown.


Weight gain/loss - +1lb since last week

Bug's heart rate - 144bpm...slightly higher than the 126 from last week, but still considered safe!

Mommy's Blood Pressure - 107/72

Bug's position - head down!

Crown to rump measurement - 37cm


Now onto the good part! We explained about the severity and frequency of the contractions last night to Dr. Leslie, and after she did the measurements and Doppler she told us that it was very likely false labour, my body practicing, especially since they went away after a few hours. Fair enough, but the term "false" really irritates me. It made me feel frustrated and like she thought that it was just more Braxton Hicks and that they weren't going to check around to see what was up.

She went to get Dr. Jordan, who thankfully has known C since he was about...5 years old..., and we talked to him about the contractions as well. C, bless his heart in noticing my frustration asked if there was anything we should be looking for, any way that we might be able to know if I was dilating from what happened last night etc. Dr. Jordan said that the only was would be with an internal, which he would typically do at around 37/38wks, and since I was 36wk5d they would wait until next week....unless I wanted them to do one today.

YES, PLEASE!

So he did the internal, and was rather surprised with his findings. "Very soft" aka fully effaced and 1cm dilated at first. Then came C's favourite part of the entire appointment...."well you're 1cm dilated...oh...now you're two!"

There you have it! 2cm dilated and fully effaced! Dr. Jordan expects that I am closer to 38/39 weeks and have only a week, maybe 2 max, left to go.

We couldn't be more thrilled!

Now if only the Habs could win the cup...then we'd really have a great year!

Labour 101

Well...I come to you bright and early this morning, more so to distract myself from what's going on and to kill time before our doctor's appointment this morning.

You see...last night I had a lot of contractions. And when I say alot, I mean averaging at around 9 per hour, timeable at 8-10minute intervals and with pain so severe that I was screaming and swearing from where I lay on the couch. From the hours of 6:00pm EST to 11:30pm EST, I wanted to kill someone, and was looking toward C as a possible victim.

I love him...I love him...I love him. If I had to hear the phrase "but the book says not to go to L&D until the contractions are 5 minutes apart, and you're only at 8 minutes" one more time, I was liable to throw something at him. Ya, C?? What about those contractions between 6:00-7:00 that were 5 minutes or less apart? What about the feeling that someone is stabbing me from the inside? Doesn't the book say to go when the contractions get too much to handle? Well, dear, this is too much to handle!

Once the hockey game was over, and he had showered and changed, gathered the rest of my things like my glasses in case of C-section, blackberry charger, LOST season 3, I asked to go for a walk. Okay cool, let's walk it out...maybe it will speed things up, maybe it won't.

So we walked...and walked...and walked a little further. The first contraction came at about 14minutes, then 8minutes, 6...5....3....1! Holy Lord...this is happening was all that was running through my brain. We got back home, C took the virtual tour on the hospital website again to we we would know where to go etc. Even if it turned out to be nothing, I would still have my mind at ease, right?

Well...then the contractions slowed. I was still really crampy, but they went from 2 minute intervals to 20...25...40 minute intervals. C suggested that we go to bed, and in hindsight he was right to stay calm, monitor me and even though I hated him in the moment for it, not rush to the hospital unnecessarily.

I'm sure that he got more sleep than I, but I was at least able to sleep until waking up with more intense cramping at 4:30. I lie awake until about 5:08 with the cramping, tossing and turning and it hurting every time I did. I think I got another hour of sleep, but woke up to cramping again at 6:08...so I gave up and here I sit. I have had a few more dull contractions since, so I will have to keep an eye on that this morning.

Hopefully we find something out at the doctor's today...if not, I don't think I should be held accountable for my actions. There will be a madwoman on the loose in SouthWestern Ontario, and she's very pregnant and liable to harm someone.

At least this was accomplished yesterday...



Who knew it was so easy to put four wheels on a stroller, and get it unfolded?



Getting this one was another story! But...I did it and we're all set to go.

One Step Closer

I will spare you the disgusting details (for any women out there...you know what gross labour sign I'm referring to!)...let me just say that we have progress, really great progress! We'll find out more tomorrow at our doctor's appointment, and I am definitely keeping my fingers crossed for an internal to know just how much progress there has been.

We had quite the successful day yesterday, after recovering form some severe cramping and pelvic pain. I went off to Cheeky Monkey to get the bouncer chair and actually was able to put it together all by myself yesterday! I was so proud, and man does it ever look comfy! I sent C a picture of it and he agreed that they should make them for adults as well...preferably with cup holders.

Once I picked C up from work, we headed off to Babies R' Us in search of a baby monitor, stroller, storage baskets, bassinet sheets and change pad cover. Well! Were we ever successful in that trip too! Not only did they have the specific Vtech monitor that we had looked at online but they also had just received our stroller...and had it in stock!! What an exciting day!

C dropped me off at home with all of our goodies and headed out to the golf course for a quick round, so I set off on organizing the last few parts of the nursery. All of his tag-along toys are neatly stored in a basket under the little stool that the CD player sits on, and his receiving blankets, burp pads and soothers are neatly folded in their own basket inside the dresser as well.

Today's task is to get the stroller put together and figure out how it converts into a travel system with the car seat, which is successfully (and properly) installed in the car.

Speaking of which...I should probably go and open that box and get started. For now..I leave you with the cuddly soft bouncy chair!

I'm Like a Bird...

no...not the Nelly Furtado song (though that was a pretty decent album when she was a little more organic, before she got all weird!). What I mean is that for some reason...at 11:30pm last night when I couldn't sleep because of severe abdominal pain and increasingly intense pressure on my pelvic bones and back, I thought that it would be a good idea (and time apparently) to put the breathable bumper from Nagypapi and Nana V into the crib and organize his bed a little. Okay, well maybe alot...I mean...I'm nesting at midnight when I should be sleeping!

Poor C...I must have made such a racket! First, I took out the mattress to put the mattress pad on, then put it back in the crib, only to take it out again when I realized that I couldn't get the bumper in with the mattress there.

Queue the Velcro straps that were done...and redone...and redone again. Sorry, C! I know it made alot of noise, but at least it's done now right?

After getting the bumper in place, and happy with where it was sitting etc. (and re-reading the instructions to make sure that I did it properly), in went the mattress...only to get stuck on the bumper. Seriously, can a girl get a break at 12:30am?!

Okay...mattress in, but I forgot the bed sheet. After spending way too much time fighting with the bed sheet and finally getting it tucked in nicely, I had to figure out what to do with the quilt. As per many reminders at our prenatal class and from What To Expect When Expecting, I know that a newborn is a wiggly worm and could suffocate under a quilt, even a thin one. Considering that we're going to swaddle and use sleep sacks, we don't really need the quilt in there for the first little while anyway. If only there were a way to get it tucked in super tight, way down at the bottom...So, that's just what I did, and hopefully it will be okay. Obviously it can always be taken out, but that's where it is, for now.

Before....




After...and yes I know Hurley can't be in there when Bug's in there



By this point, it was almost 1am and the abdominal pain and backache kept getting worse, so off to bed I went.

Queue a few hours of tossing and turning, maybe a cat nap here and there, I didn't exactly sleep. After an hour and a half of nesting, all of the pain and a few tears of frustration...it's hitting me very hard that this is all going to happen very fast, and very soon likely.

Being the good little boy that he is, Bug listened to my plea yesterday of getting out of my ribs and dropped even further. By the end of LOST, I could barely stand from all of the pressure and pain against my pelvic bones and floor. While my lungs felt alot of relief (something I wasn't sure was possible with this short torso of mine!), my body is certainly suffering today.

The end is near! I can feel it!