Baby Watch 2007

The miracle of technology brings you into our hospital birthing room.

After my weekly doctors appointment today, my bag of waters broke at 5:00pm. Wanting to make sure I hadn't just peed myself, DG and I waited for an hour before heading to the hospital. When there was a constant stream trickling down my leg for two hours I figured it wasn't just pee.

We got to the hospital and I was admitted at 7:00pm and proceeded to walk the halls for three hours trying to get the contractions started.

It is now 1:00am and the Pitocin drip has started. My pelvis feels like it is going to crack in half. Hopefully we will have news for you later today.

5cm and counting

I think I've turned the blog into baby watch 2007. I started walking again today, ate some spicy food at lunch, then went to the doctor. Another week, another centimeter. He did what is called stripping the membranes last week which loosens the membranes around the bag of waters to the cervix. I believe he may have done this again today.

Based on how far I have dilated, he thinks that my labor is going to go fast. He rushed to the hospital last night at 3am thinking he was going to meet us there. But it was another woman who was already 10cm dilated, pushed twice and there was a baby.

All of the birth classes and birthing from within talk about having a mantra to repeat to yourself to get through labor. I think my new mantra is "2 pushes and out like a greased pig". *nervous giggle*

37.5 pounds and counting

Probably the hardest part of my pregnancy has been the weight gain. So when I stepped on the scale today to calculate my total gain, it was no wonder that I feel like a tank lately. I can barely stand to look at a picture of myself. I secretly go onto DGs computer when he isn't here and delete all the pictures of myself because all I see are jowls. I can't help it. I know, I know, I'm pregnant, but it doesn't make it any easier.

Things that are equal to my weight gain:
Gibson & Tica combined
7 1/2 bags of sugar
A 4-year old child
Almost 2 of our new Kenmore vacuum
4 of the turkeys I cooked yesterday

Just imagine strapping those to your thighs.

Thanksgiving 2007

In all the excitement, I haven't mentioned that we are hosting Thanksgiving this year for 14, including us. Luckily I am only making the turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and pecan pie. Easy.

Though everyone is convinced that I could go any day (including the doctor), I would like to hold off another week on giving birth so no more walking and swimming for me until next Monday. And wouldn't you know that we have tickets to White Christmas next week. Something I've been looking forward to ALL year. Keeping my legs crossed that we can go. Now what is this cramping that I'm feeling in my belly? Oh well, I guess if I have to go and have a baby I will.

Gratuitous Belly Shots

After yesterday's appointment, I am 80% effaced and 4cm dilated. *holy crap* It felt like the doctor went elbow deep to touch Baby G's head. After a quick ultrasound, she is in perfect position with her head low and nuzzled in my pelvis.


Yes, it's bigger than life. Don't mind the stretch marks. I've had those since I was 18.

Rocking the Last Trimester

Lest you think I've gone and had a baby without telling you, I've decided that I better post a little something every day! So today's installment is answers to the most commonly asked questions I've been getting.

1) How are you feeling? I feel great. I'm sleeping better than I did in the 2nd trimester. I have so much energy, I literally feel like I could be pregnant forever. Though ask me this again if I go a week after my due date and I could be singing a different song.

2) How has the time passed for you? The first 10 weeks went by really slowly. We wanted to tell the whole world we were having a baby, but could not. That and the 24-7 nausea made that time go slow. But since then it has flown!

3) Are you exercising? If you recall, I was training for a triathlon when I got pregnant. I was swimming 1/2 mile, biking, and running 4 miles each 2-3 times a week. This crazy behavior stopped immediately. I continued through the summer to swim twice a week and walk once a week. Since September however, I am only swimming my standard 15 laps (30 minutes) once a week. Just this week, with my mom's daily encouragement, I've gone out for a 1-2 mile walk as well. I think her exact words were "Get your butt out walking and get this baby here".

Also, in case you were wondering, the Christmas shopping is 90% finished and packages have been mailed. DG started putting up Christmas lights last week-end when the weather was nice, though we had to tell the neighbors that we would not turn them on until AFTER Thanksgiving.

And in final news, every week-end when I can sleep until 9am, I revel in the luxury knowing that this will soon be over. And every time I cuddle up with Gibson in bed, and he looks at me as if he is finally in his rightful spot, I treasure our time together and try to tell him that he should also enjoy it now, because soon, laying in bed with mom and dad will be a thing of the past. They have no idea.

Naked in the Locker Room

NOT ME: So when are you due?

ME: 26 days!

NOT ME: Well, you LOOK like you could go at ANY time.

*sigh*

No matter how it comes out, it just never makes you feel quite right.

We Have Effacement

Today, I officially have 28 days to go. Or so it seemed until I went to the doctors office and found out that I am 1 centimeter dilated, 50% effaced and Baby G's head is super low. The Doctor doesn't think I'll make it to my due date and he gave me a couple more weeks. Weeeee, we're having a baby.

Mumsie in Town

Last Friday, my mom and Aunt came to town to go to my baby shower this week-end. We had a great time all week-end crafting, painting, knitting, cross stitching, having many great conversations, and enjoying each other's company.

I designed a tryptich for Baby Gs room and put everyone to work on painting one of the panels. We also found the perfect green material for curtains that I need to sew up this week as well. Perhaps I've watched to many DIY design shows on TLC. Pictures coming soon.

Next time mom comes to town, she will be a Nana.

Stealing Candy From the Babies

We waited until Sunday to buy our Halloween candy for the year. Since this is the first year at our new house, we don't know what our turnout will be. I got 4 bags and have been whittling away at it for 3 days now. I'm afraid the candy needs to be taken away from me as Baby G is going to come out with an addiction for Butterfingers.

Actual Conversation

As I was gently applying blue eyeshadow to DGs delicate brow:

CAG: Sit up, head back, stop squinting, flatten your lids!
DG: (eyes quivering, whining) It hurts.
CAG: It does NOT hurt.
DG: It does.
CAG: These are soft brushes.
DG: Well I'm not used to it.
CAG: (Giggling) Ok, relax and work on your breathing techniques. In 4, out 4.
DG: Ouch.
CAG: DG, in a few weeks, I am going to push an 8+lb. child out of my Va-Jay Jay, so I think you can suck it up for 2 minutes and get some eyeshadow.

Apparently our costumes weren't the only bit of role reversal we were going through.

Pregnant Halloween Costumes

I love Halloween. I love getting dressed up, going somewhere and pretending to be something I am not. You may think that I am too old to dress up, but when am I ever going to be 8 months pregnant again for Halloween?

I did some research online looking for other couples's clever pregnant costume ideas. There was the standard, paint your belly something ie. a goldfish bowl, pumpkin etc, and then there were the risque costumes, such as a catholic school girl, cheerleader, or nun. We decided on trailer trash with role reversal. I was the couch potato, beer/baby gut guy, and DG was the gossipy out-of-work gal, or Girlene as everyone at the party called him. She's a man Baby! And we didn't even have to buy anything. Score!


Stopping at a liquor store on our way to the party, the check out guy at the counter called DG "One Ugly Bitch", which was what was going through my head as I watched him scuffle in wearing the poop slippers. Personally, I think I look like my brother. This is ok to say as he recently told me I looked fat, and then in response to the picture of me all gussied up last week-end, he emailed me that I looked like the Joker's whore of a girlfriend. I have a BIG smile, I can't help it. So all dressed up with facial hair and a beer can, naturally I look in the mirror and see him. *kisses mike*

And yes, that stain on my wife beater (which belonged to my late grandfather btw), was a natural occurence of eating dinner on the couch. No earlier than an hour before, my father had told me to spill food down my front to be authentic. I laughed and told him that this would probably occur naturally. I still cursed a bit at my plight when it did happen though.

Perhaps one of my favorite parts of Halloween is dragging out my costume bins every year and trying things on. Here is one of the reject costumes that did not make it. I love having fun things on hand. If you ever need to be a clown, witch, 50's housewife, 60's peace freak, 70's disco queen, femmbot, church lady, 80's Paula Abdul dancer, high school drop out, football player, graduate, or street walker, have I got some clothes for you. For all of this years pics, check out DGs flickr account here.

The Baby with the Big Head

A week and a half ago, on my bi-weekly visit to the doctors office, I had an ultrasound to check the position of the baby. I haven't seen her in several months so it was just amazing to see her little face, staring straight at me with her precious little lips and her eyes blinking. The doctor checked a few things. She is head down, she is still a girl, and upon futher inspection, she has a really big head. A normal size body, but a really big head. WHAT?!?! What does this mean in the world of percentiles? Next time I go in, I'm going to ask him if I have a really big pelvis. You know, just what all girls want.

Are you ready for this belly?

DG and I attended the Book Lover's Ball again this year, which is a black tie event. We got decked out and went last year as well and mingled with the cream of the crop dressed in their tuxes and full length beaded gowns. I just wore an old black cocktail dress.

This year, posed a bit of a problem for me as I do not own a gown fit for pregnancy. However, I resurrected last years dress, and guess what? 30lbs later and it still works. I was really nervous that in my pregnant state what I was thinking I could pull off, was really so ill fitted that people would snicker and point. However, as we were checking in, a young woman came up to me and said to my astonishment, "That is a great look." I looked at her, head cocked, brow scrunched and she went on to say, "That is not an easy look to pull off, good work." I grinned ear to ear and thanked her. Of course she was implying that at 7 1/2 months pregnant, I could still clean up and look fairly decent. I rock.

Here is a picture from last year with the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. Same dress, perhaps not as full in the chest area.


My only fatal flaw of the evening was squeezing myself into my small petite panty hose and thinking that would be ok all night. By 11:00pm they were rolled down so tight around my hips that I was afraid I was choking Baby G. I was too cheap to spend money on maternity hose that I would only wear once. Big mistake.

A Note to my Brother

Photo circa 1982.

Here is a line from a recent email from my brother. "Take more pictures like those, they were great. You're looking really fat and that's a good thing."

Ok, maybe it's because you've been out of the country for too many years, or maybe it's a cultural difference, but you NEVER, EVER, gawd, EVER tell a pregnant woman that she looks fat. It's like #1 in the world wide book of rules of what NOT to say to a pregnant woman. It's the first RULE written in all CAPS, highlighted, underlined with ten exclamation points!!! Dude, not even to you sister. Bad! BAD brother!!!

Now as penitence, practice these ten times before you go to bed.
"No honey, you don't look fat at all. You have a big baby inside of you."
"You are so pretty, you are glowing."
"From your chest down, I can't even tell you are pregnant"
"It doesn't look like you've gained any weight at all except in your belly."

Love,
Your Sis

To Doula or Not to Doula

DG and I started our baby classes last night for people 30 years and older. It is just once a week for 5 weeks and we were unsure of what to expect, but our teacher is amazing. We learned so much in our first 2 1/2 hour class.

For example, Doni, our instructor showed a graphic picture of what a woman's insides look like normally with all of the organs. Then she showed a picture of what the insides look like when there is a baby in there. The intestines virtually disappeared up near the lungs, the stomach shrunk, and the bladder went to the size of a pea. All the men in the room turned white and groaned. All the women nodded, knowingly as we glanced at the clock ready to take our first bathroom break 15 minutes into class.

It was right about the time when we were watching the video about the stages of labor that I wondered whether or not it would be me holding DGs hand to calm him, rather than the other way around.

Which brings me to my next question. Should we get a doula? I plan on arriving at the hospital, laboring for an hour and then popping Baby G out without drugs. (Ahhh, the power of positive thinking.) But some things don't always go according to plan, and we are wondering if having a midwife or doula present would aid in my relaxation and having a better experience. Thoughts?

A Visual Scene

I was running late today as I threw on my old trusty bathing suit to head to the rec center to make the open lap swim. After stretching the straps over my shoulders, I realized that I had pushed this bathing suit to the limit. It was so tight around the shoulders that my boobs could have flown out the arm holes. Not an easy task.

So I ran downstairs to get a bin of maternity clothes that Lora had given to me. I knew there were at least 2 maternity bathing suits in there. One of which Lora had mistaken for a going out top, but that's another story.

After trying them on, I wore the black bottoms of one and the leopard print top of the other. Beggars can't be choosers I guess. However, it wasn't until I got to the pool and put on my white swim cap and hot pink goggles, that I realized what a scene I was. I think the life guard may have giggled at me when he said hello.

Out on the Town

DG and I have headed out on the town for a nice dinner twice in the past seven days. Each time, our dinner companions took a picture of us. Both are remarkably similar. Ok, quick, in 10 seconds, what's the same but different?




1) We are in a restaurant booth (more comfortable for sweaty bellies sticking to legs)
2) I am on the outside (easy access to bathroom)
3) I am in the same outfit (crap)
4) DG shaved his flavor saver.

I can see the end of my belly button.

What used to be a cavernous hole, now has an end in site. Right now, it is the perfect size for an ear bud. We have started to play Baby G music from the Ipod through my belly button. DG only wants to play Mozart for her. I've slipped in some John Coltrane, but would really just like to sneak in Tool. I mean, she might as well get used to it now.

Maternity clothes, here I come!

About two weeks ago, I finally made it through the 10 cases of maternity clothes that I have been lucky enough to receive. I had fun modeling some of the prized pieces for DG. The rejects however, are enough to fill the entire trunk and back seat of my car. Ok, I have a Honda, but still. This little number, for example kills me. I'm not sure where this dress came from, or what decade it was worn. Beyond the style (gag), the color (super gag), and the material, let's look at the size. Maybe I'm fooling myself, but I don't care how pregnant I am, I will NEVER fit into this dress.

I've really only been wearing maternity tank tops and have just a week ago purchased my first 2 pairs of maternity pants. Not an easy task as Baby G doesn't like being constricted by anything. This worries me a bit as we begin to move into the fall. With the change in weather, I can't wear sun dresses for much longer. Though my new issue with the sun dress is that when it is warm, my belly sticks to my legs. EW.

You Know You're Pregnant When...

it's 9:00 p.m. on a Saturday evening and on your way home from registering at Babies R Us, your husband crosses 4 lanes of traffic on the highway to exit after seeing an IHOP. We were delighted to learn that it is Pumpkin Pancake season.

Parenthood Practice

David's parents came to town last week to babysit our niece Bloom for the week-end while her parents were out of town. Friday night, we drove up to have dinner at Efrains, our favorite mexican restaurant in Lafayette, CO. All the waitresses at Efrains know Bloom, and knew her order by heart. Cheese quesadilla and pinto beans. Bloom also likes tortilla chips, dipped in water. She was an angel and we had a great time.

People Treat Pregnant Ladies Real Nice

I've branched out from my standard wardrobe of muumuu like dresses, into some maternity tank tops and capris. The dresses have been hiding the baby pretty well, disquising me a bit so I don't look quite pregnant. When in a tank top however, there's is no question of "fat or pregnant?", there's just, oooh, PREGNANT.

I'm not used to people staring at my belly, it's a bit of a phenomenon. But today, the cashier at our local grocery store looked down before she looked up and then was so nice to me. She wanted to make sure she bagged the groceries as easy as possible to that I didn't strain myself. She also wanted someone to help me out to the car. I could get used to this.

I'm Half Way

I'm exactly 20 weeks through the pregnancy with a mere 20 to go. High five team Gibson. I've made it through most of the nasty side effects and am now into the fun kicking periods. There are definite wakeful and restful times with the baby. He/She gets up every morning around 10am to say hello and every night around 8pm they go through a crazy spurt of tickling kicks. I enjoy that part.

Bringin' on the Heartbreak

DG and I were sitting at our computers tonight each doing work and out of the blue, I started singing, "You're bringing on the heartbreak, bringing on the heartache, You're bringing on the heartbreak, can't you see? You've got the best of me, ooooh can't you see?" Honestly, I don't know any more of the lyrics and it was painful as I tried to hit the high notes. Next thing I know, DG has this Def Leppard song blaring out of his speakers.

Me: (confused)Is that the song I was just singing?
DG: Yes!
Me: Where did I get it from? (disturbed) Were you singing it?
DG: No
Me: What made me sing that awful song?
DG: (pointing to my belly) You ARE carrying my baby, you've got 80's metal rock inside of you.

For the love of all things nooooooooooooo.

Missing the DG

DG took a road trip to visit his parents this past week-end, leaving on Friday morning at the crack of ass. For days before hand, I stressed out over what I would do with out him. I was convinced that the separation would cause me to mope endlessly for days, doing nothing but laying on the couch and watching tv. Who is this person I have become I thought to myself? What happened to the independent woman who owned her own house, mowed her own lawn, and came home at 3am, if at all?

Well as it turns out, the old broad still has it in her as I made plans to occupy all of my time. I was so tired out by Sunday afternoon that I had to take a nap. I had such a great time hanging out with friends, having dinner, shopping, writing songs, recording, and just sitting on the front porch shooting the breeze. I didn't get home before 11:30 p.m. each night. Not bad for the pregnant lady that likes to hit the hay at 9:30 p.m.

I barely had time to miss DG, but I'm so glad he's back I can hardly contain myself.

Kung Fu Fighting

I felt my first actual kicks from the baby tonight. I got a side kick and a punch to the front. It felt wonderful and giggly. I think I'm having a Kung Fu Fighter.

Save the date of July 26 in your calendars to check the blog to find out the sex of the baby.

Big Squirmy Baby

There is nothing like the feeling of listening to a heart beat that is coming from your own belly. The Doctor assured me that it was not my heart beat, nor his. During the appointment yesterday, we had a quick ultrasound just to let DG and I see the baby. Only because it's been like a month since we last saw it. At this point, it is still too early to be able to tell the sex of the baby. That needs to be at 21 weeks. We'll head back to the hospital for the amazing 3D ultrasound. Look forward to finding out the sex at the end of July.

I think I know what it is.

I'm Showing

I was at a party this week-end and a complete stranger asked me if I was pregnant. This can be a totally risky move on their part. I looked at her shocked and said *gulp* yes, I didn't realize I was showing. I thought my cute sundress was hiding it very well, but apparently not.

At least in this instance I had an excuse. Because there was that one time that I was completely naked in the gym locker room and someone asked me if I was pregnant. ::horror:: Um, no just fat. I'm still working on those extra pounds I gained this winter *nervous giggle*. Mortified - me, apologetic - her.

Would you take that same risk?

16 Weeks and Counting

I am entering into my second trimester and other than feeling a little heavy, things are going great. The baby is approximately 3" long and weighs about 4 oz. It is already breathing amniotic fluid and has a full range of facial expressions. We will be able to tell the sex in about 4 weeks or so. And yes, when we know, you will know. Should we bet on this? What do you think we are having?

Whatever Baby Wants....Baby Gets!

I had an elaborate plan to eat healthy during pregnancy. I created excel spreadsheets with food diets calculating every calorie my body would take in on a daily basis, making sure I was monitoring my fresh fruit and vegetables and getting an adequate amount of protein. During the first trimester, you are only supposed to consume approximately 100 extra calories a day. That is equivalent to an apple, a handful of carrots, or 8 crackers.

Well suffice it to say, that plan flew out the window when the nausea set in. I am no longer in charge of what my body wants. Food does not taste the same and there are a lot of things that I loved that make me want to hurl as well as a lot of things I don't care for, that my body is craving. Let's take meat for example. I do not eat red meat, but I do eat poultry and fish. In the past 12 weeks, turkey meat nauseates me, chicken is grody and forget fish. I don't even want eggs anymore, and I LOVE eggs. All the things that I would eat, shrimp, crab, and tuna, I am only allowed once per week due to high mercury levels.

So I have reverted to an almost vegetarian diet. My meals consist of a lot of Amy's organic frozen food. I am also craving a bunch of crap like pasta, bread, soda, and ice cream. If they made an all you can eat buffet for pregnant women, this is all I would eat from the buffet. I would wash it down with a tall glass of milk, because I can't get enough of it.

When nothing sounds good and nothing tastes good, cooking is not fun either. To say that I dislike cooking right now would be an understatement. Our dinners are like eating at a bachelor pad. Hmm, we have pasta, some cheese and throw on a few salty crumbled potato chips and voila a meal. I've eaten chips for dinner several nights in the past few weeks. This can't possible be healthy. But really, it's what the baby wants.

My Lovely Lady Bump

There's big news here at Team Gibson. DGs been dropping hints in blog posts and two weeks ago he posted pictures on flickr with a blatant clue. Can you find it?

More hints:
I'm not drinking coffee anymore.
I take a nap almost every day.
I am not allowed to paint anything in the new house.
During the move, I wasn't allowed to lift anything heavy.
I'm hungry all the time.
I crave ice cream, glasses of milk, french fries, taco bell and fresh fruit.
I've gained 7lbs.

Yes that's right. Baby Gannon is appoximately 4" long, 12 weeks 4 days old, and due December 9, 2007. I've already started to show. We are thrilled and so glad we can finally share it will all of you.




And though I make no promises, at this point I don't plan on turning the blog into tales of hemerroids, back pain and diaper rash. And no, there will be no video of the birth, or saving of the after birth. Don't be sad, you'll be there every step of the way.