So, I am a bit anxious. For my next doctor appt on Friday. Something makes me hope that I am measuring just a bit ahead of schedule and that I show some form of dilation or effacing or something. Not that I want to rush this little boy out or anything, but I have just felt huge the past two days. Try this...take a volleyball or basketball, and stuff it under your shirt. Now go take a look in the mirror...that is me. Seriously, he is just sticking his little butt right out in front of me. I officially have to watch opening doors and what is in front of me because my pointy little belly keeps bumping everything...and sometimes it hurts. My belly button is starting to numb up, and it is about half way close to being popped out! Ok...marking the signs, right!!
On top of that, I have been having an increased amount of contractions. Not just braxton hicks either, these are producing contractions because I feel it radiate down in my pelvis and around my back. Sometimes they hurt a lot...but nothing worth timing. There was one day a few weeks ago when I was about ready to start timing them. They were pretty regular, and hurt a bit more than normal. Tried to drink more water, relax, walk around...nothing was helping. Then when I decided to start timing them, they tapered off. Since then, they have occurred maybe every other day or so, just for a few minutes, then I am fine. But they are definitely more than just the braxton hicks...I still have those too, that hardening of the tummy gets a little more uncomfortable when you have a leg and knee digging into your tummy.
Oh, but it is all so much fun...and signs of things to come!! Each week I am like, wow, I really only have 4 more weeks, and then three more weeks...just becoming very surreal.
I also think I know a couple reasons why he is so much more active that Miss J was. First, Miss J had a very short umbilical cord. So short they could not lay her on my tummy when she was born until they cut the cord. Second. there is more room in there since I have already had a baby...so he is just living it up in the condo by the bay for the next few weeks. I honestly don't think he is too uncomfortable since he is still flipping around and nudging his feet and knees into my side. I mean, if he didn't have much room, I think the movement would slow down. Not with this kid...
Otherwise, things are holding on. It feels good to have two incomes again and finally feel like we are making some headway in the financial department. We are far from being caught up, but at least there is some money in our account. It has been such a godsend that my MIL and SIL and mother all have been helping out with watching Miss J a couple days a week. That has saved us a bunch of money the past couple of months, and will continue to for a few more months.
I have been trying to figure out what to do with BP2 when I am ready to go back to work. Right now, the daycare we go to "says" they can't take an infant part time, which would mean our tuition would be sky high...but deep down I would hope they might make some arrangements for us since we would have two kids there and Miss J can go part time...otherwise, we might have to change daycares. They do have another one across town that does take in infants part time...but I would hate to uproot Miss J from her friends she has known since she started there two years ago, let alone the teachers and all...she really loves it there. So I would hope they might make some arrangements for us.
But then, I have no guarantee that the grandmas would commit to this watching the kids (because now there would be two...my mom would be freaking out!) on an ongoing basis. I don't think my MIL would have a problem, but my mom just retired and doesn't want to yet be tied down to anything on a regular basis...which I understand. So I have asked my boss if I could maybe work 4-10hr days. Then I could have a Friday off and my mom wouldn't have to commit to anything. If anything, she could be a backup in case MIL can't make it. But, I asked my boss months ago and still haven't heard anything. Plus, that would mean I would have to be to work by 7am, or work until 6pm which takes away that morning/evening time with my kids. But is it worth it to have a 3-day weekend with them? Not sure yet.
Then, I had this great idea today, that I wouldn't have to make any commitments yet to either the longer work days or my mother watching the kids, as I still have about 9 vacation days to use up. After my maternity leave I could just take Fridays off as vacation, plus use some over Christmas, and then no "real" decision would have to be made until the first of the year. And by then, maybe we could afford to have both kids full time again.
I know things will work out and fall into place...but just thinking about the options. Gosh, who would have thought daycare would be so stinking expensive? Ugh...have to practically take a mortgage out for just that!!
But I have to say I LOVE this school and don't think I could change to a home daycare or even just another daycare. Not that home daycares aren't "good", but to find one that would have the teaching and curriculum that this school has would be hard. A lot of home daycares are more like babysitters and don't do a lot of "teaching" (not that there aren't those out there...just think there are fewer out there...of course, those of you that do have home daycares...please inform me if I am completely wrong!!!). Whatever the case, I do love this school and how much Miss J is learning and growing. Since her birthday is Sept 3rd, just two days after the cutoff for starting school...we are possibly considering having her tested to start her in kindergarten early. Right now, the way she is developing, I could see it working. But, she still has a few years, and depending on how things go, that might be a consideration. DH doesn't like that idea because then she would be the youngest in her class and she might feel overwhelmed and not do as well as she could if she was with her "age group". But it all depends on how advanced she is when the time rolls around. We got time...I am just amazed at how well she speaks, and the words she knows and the things she knows...I am also a bit biased being her mother...but still, I think she is the smartest kid around!!!
OK, enough rambling for the day. If you made it this far, kudos. This was just a dump from what has been on my mind the past day or so. Welcome to my dump!! Have a great rest of the week and wish me luck at my doc appt on Friday!!
8 comments:
Thought about trying the whole basketball under the shirt thing, but then I remembered that after having a HUGE belly like that, I decided that for no I like seeing my feet ;-) LOL!
Daycare expenses are AWFUL!!! I don't know what you pay in your neck of the woods, but in my area, if you have more than one in daycare, you better make a hefty income!!! I love Emma's school. They have lesson plans for each month and I really feel that they do learn something. I know not all places do that, but now that I have had her in a place that does, I would not even consider a facility that did not.
Keep us updated on the baby situation - you are getting very close to "D" day and I am excited to hear your baby updates.
Its getting so close to the little mister being here! I'm excited for you.
I think it would be fine for Miss J if she tested into Kindergarten early. My birthday is at the end of Sept. and back then the cutoff was Oct. Its not so bad being the youngest in the class until everyone starts driving. :P
Good luck at your doctor appointment! Let us know what's going on *down there* to see if BP2 might be showing up a bit early. :o)
Mackenna's daycare is really good about doing school. She is in "school" right now with the other kids. She's the youngest but apparently is doing better than the older kids! LOL She is learning her colors, letters, numbers and who knows what else! LOL I thought it was a bit early since she's not quite 2 yet but they seemed to think that she's ready and she is doing really well.
I'm glad to hear that things are going well with you and your family financially and I'm sure you will figure/work something out with the daycare arrangement. :o) Take care!
I remember well those last few weeks being pregnant with Gretchen. It will go by faster than you think (which I know your pregnancy already has gone by quickly) and soon your little boy will be 3 months old and you'll be wondering where the time went.
That is pretty crazy about daycare. I am so blessed to not have ever needed to do that. I would definitely quit my job before paying for 3 kids to go to daycare - 2 after school, that is, but still! It's just so much money! I'm so glad my MIL has always been there to help.
Hang in there! I'm sure your appointment will be great, and realize that even if you aren't dilated yet, it can happen in a matter of minutes that you go from 0-4 so don't worry!!
And Shannon and Molly are usually the youngest in their classes, as they have August birthdays (8/11 and 8/14 respectively) and they do great! if you think she's ready, she probably is!
Good luck with the doctor's appointment. I hope that it goes well! I've heard horror stories about the cost of daycare. I'm glad you've found a place that everyone likes, and I hope that they help you out with the part time or your job is able to help.
not much longer...can't wait to hear that he's here & that you & baby are healthy & happy!!!!
It is good to hear that things are moving along! I know what you mean about changing daycares--once they get used to something, it is so hard to uproot them.
Chloe is in a home daycare, but it is just her and another little girl about 7 months older than her. They actually do educational activities like learning the alphabet, colors, body parts, counting and all sorts of good stuff. I am actually amazed at how much she learns. Now, I know that not all daycares do that, but it is nice to have one that does!
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