Take on Tuesday: 37w5d "acupuncture"

Today I went to the chiropractor and got acupuncture, the kind designed to help induce labor.  Of course it's not going to do anything if my body and baby are not ready... but here's to hoping, right?! Yesterday I had my 37wk check.  I was 3cm dilated.  A tight 3 he said.  I go in again on Friday and I've asked him to check me again that day, hoping something will happen and I'll have baby Joshua by Saturday June 30. 

My blood pressure has been fluctuating quite a bit.  With a range of  like 120's over 70's and 150's over 90's.  Usually it just sits in the 130 over 80 ish range though... so a safe number.  It's crazy when it spikes though.  Not sure if it's just our blood pressure machine we have at home because it's always been super good at the Dr office.  Who knows!  I got a few more things done on my list too.  My goal is to finish all those things by Friday - just in case! :) Hoping still! Then if i don't have baby I'll have a whole new list of things to get done before July 6th.... which is the day Dr Stearnes wants to induce if I haven't had baby yet.  He's worried about my medical history, the pre-eclampsia, hypertenstion and hypothyroidism.  Wow, I am a hot mess.  lol.   I think it would be fine to wait it out assuming my bp doesn't spike by then, but he doesn't.  I think it's more for convenience really.. but I really don't want to fight it.  I feel I got what I wanted with having the cord not clamped and cut for 3 minutes (a whole other story) and honestly... thinking I'll be holding Joshua in my arms in 10 days is soooooooo wonderful right now I can't even imagine arguing.  One day I might kick myself though.  Anyway here's the new and improved list.

1) Buy him a carseat
2) Clean out the bassinette and decide if I can use it still - I can!! :)
3) Put newborn and up to 3mos clothes in his dresser
4) Before that I need to completely empty it out, some of Elise's things are still in there
5) Make "BOY" curtains
6) find a pattern and make a red bumper for the crib
7) maybe even make a wall hanging with remaining fabric ((tomorrow!!))
8) Clean carpets, even if with just water
9) organize medicine cabinet
10) Clean out fridge
11) Make more hats and diaper covers ((on going))
12) Organize Matthew's closet
12) organize Johanna and Alaina's closet
13) wipe down walls and baseboards
14) windex windows
16) organize laundry room
17) hang pictures in basement
18) get all kids newest pics done
a. Katie b. Danielle c. Johanna d. Alaina e. Matthew f. Elise
19) get maternity pictures done
20) pack hospital bag
21) organize garage the best I can
22) organize my craft and clothes closet
23) clean out van
24) buy newborn diapers and pads
25) organize pantry
26) install carseats, including infant
27) pre-register at hospital
28) get all the kids pics in envelopes and addressed to the people they need to go to ((on going))
29) organize top of fridge
30) Vaccuum stairs
31) clean out couch and wash couch cushions
32) give kids haircuts or trims

Thursday's Thoughts: updated list

1) Buy him a carseat
2) Clean out the bassinette and decide if I can use it still - I can!! :)
3) Put newborn and up to 3mos clothes in his dresser
4) Before that I need to completely empty it out, some of Elise's things are still in there
5) Make "BOY" curtains
6) find a pattern and make a red bumper for the crib
7) maybe even make a wall hanging with remaining fabric
8) Clean carpets, even if with just water
9) organize medicine cabinet
10) Clean out fridge
11) Make more hats and diaper covers ((on going))
12) Organize Matthew's closet
12) organize Johanna and Alaina's closet
13) wipe down walls and baseboards
14) windex windows
16) organize laundry room
17) hang pictures in basement
18) get all kids newest pics done ((on going))
a. Katie b. Danielle c. Johanna d. Alaina e. Matthew f. Elise
19) get maternity pictures done
20) pack hospital bag
21) organize garage the best I can
22) organize my craft and clothes closet
23) clean out van
24) buy newborn diapers and pads
25) organize pantry
26) install carseats, including infant
27) pre-register at hospital
28) get all the kids pics in envelopes and addressed to the people they need to go to ((on going))
29) organize top of fridge
30) Vaccuum stairs
31) clean out couch and wash couch cushions
32) give kids haircuts or trims

Words on Wednesday: 37wks

So close, yet so far away still! :)
I had an appt yesterday and I was only 2cm (barely) dilated and 50% effaced. At 36 1/2 wks, that's about right for me I guess, but I thought FOR SURE that things would be a little further along! I have had more contractions with more discomfort than previous pregnancies at this point.  At least as far as I can remember.  I even had one contraction wake me up because it was on the verge of being a painful one.  That has NEVER happened before.
Oh well....
Other signs would be, more pressure on my tailbone, especially during contractions.  Also the need to go to the bathroom constantly, lol.... I am still hoping for a June 30 baby, but the way things look it probably won't happen.  For one, the earliest I have ever gone into labor on my own was 39wks and 2 days.  I have had two pregnancies make it to almost 41 weeks (one of those was induced so who knows how long I would have been pregnant) and 2 pregnancies that were induced at 39ish weeks (so I know I didn't have them early, obviously... and 1 pregnancy induced at 38wks and 2 days... I am sure I would have gone at least another week with her as well.... so my hopes are shattered of a natural delivery on that day.  I'd be 38wks and 2 days. 
As far as an induction, I am not hoping for something to go wrong, but the only thing that probably would, would be my blood pressure and that's been surprisingly low (normal for me when I am not pregnant) lately.  So... IDK! Time will tell! Meanwhile, I might just try and bounce on the trampoline in the evenings (after dark, lol) to help things along.  Hopefully next Tues I have better news! I'll be almost 38 wks at that point so I better be more dilated!!!
In the meantime... just keep checking things off the list!

1) Buy him a carseat
2) Clean out the bassinette and decide if I can use it still - I can!! :)
3) Put newborn and up to 3mos clothes in his dresser
4) Before that I need to completely empty it out, some of Elise's things are still in there
5) Make "BOY" curtains
6) find a pattern and make a red bumper for the crib
7) maybe even make a wall hanging with remaining fabric
8) Clean carpets, even if with just water
9) organize medicine cabinet
10) Clean out fridge
11) Make more hats and diaper covers
12) Organize Matthew's closet
12) organize Johanna and Alaina's closet
13) wipe down walls and baseboards
14) windex windows
16) organize laundry room
17) hang pictures in basement
18) get all kids newest pics done
      a. Katie b. Danielle c. Johanna d. Alaina e. Matthew f. Elise
19) get maternity pictures done
20) pack hospital bag
21) organize garage the best I can
22) organize my craft and clothes closet
23) clean out van
24) buy newborn diapers and nursing pads
25) organize pantry
26) install carseats, including infant
27) preregister at hospital
28) get all the kids pics in envelopes and addressed to the people they need to go to
(when baby is born, all I have to do is add his in there and send them off!)
29) organize top of fridge
30) Vaccuum stairs
31) clean out couch and wash couch cushions
32) give kids haircuts or trims
a. Katie b. Danielle c. Johanna d. Alaina e. Matthew

Mundane Monday: Curtains

Well, another thing checked off my list.  Well, almost.  I made the valances for Matthew and Joshua's room... well one of them is done, the second is half done.  I will have no problem finishing it today though because it's SO MUCH FUN to do!!! :)
I feel like everytime I check something off, I add a couple more things though... I guess that's part of life with 6 kids... organizing just never ends!
Here's my list now.....

1) Buy him a carseat
2) Clean out the bassinette and decide if I can use it still - I can!! :)
3) Put newborn and up to 3mos clothes in his dresser
4) Before that I need to completely empty it out, some of Elise's things are still in there
5) Make "BOY" curtains
6) find a pattern and make a red bumper for the crib
7) maybe even make a wall hanging with remaining fabric
8) Clean carpets, even if with just water
9) organize medicine cabinet
10) Clean out fridge
11) Make more hats and diaper covers
12) Organize Matthew's closet
12) organize Johanna and Alaina's closet
13) wipe down walls and baseboards
14) windex windows
16) organize laundry room
17) hang pictures in basement
18) get all kids newest pics done
a. Katie
b. Danielle
c. Johanna
d. Alaina
e. Matthew
f. Elise
19) get maternity pictures done
20) pack hospital bag
21) organize garage the best I can
22) organize my craft and clothes closet
23) clean out van
24) buy newborn diapers and nursing pads
25) organize pantry
26) install carseats, including infant
27) preregister at hospital
28) get all the kids pics in envelopes and addressed to the people they need to go to
(when baby is born, all I have to do is add his in there and send them off!)
29) organize top of fridge
30) Vaccuum stairs
31) clean out couch and wash couch cushions
32) give kids haircuts
     a. Katie
     b. Danielle
     c. Johanna
     d. Alaina
     e. Matthew

Simply Saturday: Pictures today!

We went to JCPenney's and got "maternity" pics done and I also got Johanna and Alaina's pics done while were there! The kids were SUPER good... we got ALL the pics done, picked out, ordered and outta there in less than an hour! :)
I also ordered baby Joshua's carseat! It's gray, like pretty much all of the other carseats (and the interior of the van) and has blue trim.  Super cute.
A few more things to check off my list! YAY! :) (a few more to add as well)

1) Buy him a carseat
2) Clean out the bassinette and decide if I can use it still - I can!! :)
3) Put newborn and up to 3mos clothes in his dresser
4) Before that I need to completely empty it out, some of Elise's things are still in there
5) Make "BOY" curtains
6) find a pattern and make a red bumper for the crib
7) maybe even make a wall hanging with remaining fabric
8) Clean carpets, even if with just water
9) organize medicine cabinet
10) Clean out fridge
11) Make more hats and diaper covers
12) Organize Matthew's closet
12) organize Johanna and Alaina's closet
13) wipe down walls and baseboards
14) windex windows
16) organize laundry room
17) hang pictures in basement
18) get all kids newest pics done
a. Katie
b. Danielle
c. Johanna
d. Alaina
e. Matthew
f. Elise
19) get maternity pictures done
20) pack hospital bag
21) organize garage the best I can
22) organize my craft and clothes closet
23) clean out van
24) buy newborn diapers and nursing pads
25) organize pantry
26) install carseats, including infant
27) preregister at hospital
28) get all the kids pics in envelopes and addressed to the people they need to go to
     (when baby is born, all I have to do is add his in there and send them off!)
29) organize top of fridge
30) Vaccuum stairs

Friday's Facts: The List

Well, since my post about nesting with my to-do list we have been working at it non-stop.  Of course, there's regular things that have to be done that always get in the way of doing the "extra things".  So, I am copying and pasting my original list, plus adding some.  I will bold the ones I have already done...

1) Buy him a carseat
2) Clean out the bassinette and decide if I can use it still3) Put newborn and up to 3mos clothes in his dresser
4) Before that I need to completely empty it out, some of Elise's things are still in there
5) Make "BOY" curtains
6) find a pattern and make a red bumper for the crib
7) maybe even make a wall hanging with remaining fabric
8) Clean carpets, even if with just water
9) organize medicine cabinet
10) Clean out fridge
11) Make more hats and diaper covers
12) Organize Matthew's closet
12) organize Johanna and Alaina's closet
13) wipe down walls and baseboards
14) windex windows
16) organize laundry room
17) hang pictures in basement
18) get all kids newest pics done
     a. Katie
     b. Danielle
     c. Johanna
     d. Alaina
     e. Matthew
     f. Elise
19) get maternity pictures done
20) pack hospital bag
21) organize garage the best I can
22) organize my craft and clothes closet
23) clean out van
24) buy newborn diapers and nursing pads
25) organize pantry

Thankfully I have helpers... Danielle organized the fridge and pantry for me, Johanna organized the cupboards with cups and the ones with plates and bowls.  Matthew and Alaina organized the cabinet with color books and crayons.  Johanna mostly did the medicine cabinet, she needed my help with just knowing which meds to throw away and how to organize them.  All of the kids pitched in and helped clean the garage.  It was about the best we could do considering I am so very pregnant, and we had Elise to watch closely... in the rain, haha.
All I know is I am running out of steam and my "list" is getting longer! I am adding to it more than taking away from it.  Also some of these things are ongoing... like making hats... that will continue til baby is born most likely and some of those "organized" areas need to be organized again already!

Words on Wednesday: 36wks

Well... almost 36 wks.  Tomorrow. :)
I can feel my body starting to get ready... of course that can happen for a month or more with no show of baby.. but it's promising anyway.  :)
Every evening I get a lot of contractions.  They are nothing serious, just braxton hicks... but at least my body is getting ready and at least they are somewhat regular... maybe, just maybe something is changing down there....
I go for my first non-stress test on Friday.  I don't think the Dr is going to check me or anything, but I won't resist if he wants to!
I am still desperately hoping for a June 30 baby, but that puts me only at 38w 2d.  I had Alaina at that point and she was fine... she didn't need to be delivered, although we thought she did.  I guess I hope for a "medical reason" but besides what we thought was a medical reason with Alaina (she appeared to be not growing, measuring only at 32wks, although she was fine) I haven't had anything go "wrong" that early.  Thankfully.
Then there's July 5... the day I turn 39wks... My Dr will induce me.  I did that with Matthew... but then felt guilty.  Also July 7 really stick in my head because of the 7th baby on 7/7 thing.. Only, that is a Saturday.  I do have an appt on July 6, I think so maybe I could just go in that evening and have baby after midnight again.  OR I could just WAIT.  If I get to July 12, I am pretty sure I will be induced.  I wish I was one of those super women that can just wait it out... but ugh... I am just too selfish for that.  Only it doesn't feel like selfishness at this point.. just survival, haha.
So.. bottom line is... we'll see!

A Little Something on Sunday: 35 1/2 wks

Well, here I am at 35w3d... sigh.... surprisingly my face doesn't look as fat in this pic as it really does in real life.... thankfully my chin doesn't look too doubled.  I am so discouraged though.  I weigh more than I have ever weighed in my entire life, including the pregnancies that I made it to 41wks. :( I still have 4 1/2 weeks to go at the most... I could weigh A LOT more.  I have gained 4lbs in the last few days.  I think, hope actually, that it is just water retention because I have been eating a lot of sunflower seeds before bed which are super salty. I have been watching my blood pressure and so far it's been fine.   A little higher than what is normal for me, but fine, nonetheless.  I am so sick of being pregnant and I just want to meet my baby so bad that I actually feel some disappointment when my blood pressure reads normal.  It's silly though, because I don't want to have the baby right now.  We have two weeks of swim lessons to get through that are already paid for.... and obviously it's too early still to meet him! Sure, he'd be okay, but I'd prefer at least another 2 weeks.  After swim lessons are over he can come ANY TIME though!!!  I am excited for my next appt when the Dr checks me... hoping I'll be good and dilated and then I might even get on the trampoline for some bouncing, lol... everynight.  Maybe we'll even go on walks.  Anything to make me think I am doing something to speed this along.  It's not that I just feel physically bad, but emotionally as well.  I am just so ready.  It's so worth it though.  When I am holding this baby boy in my arms, none of all of the aches pains and tears will matter anymore! I already love him so much!! Pregnancies are just hard, especially at the end.  Just praying that it goes fast... that's all I want.  And no more weight gain.

Thursday's Thoughts: Quilting Update

Here is the finished quilt for baby Joshua! It's kind of wrinkled because 1) I don't think I sewed straight enough... and 2) I thought it was so cozy I actually slept with it one night, haha! Overall, though, I am happy with how it turned out.

I put fleece on the back which worked very well! It's sooo soft and I didn't need batting so it saved money, and I think time. :) Now I just need to make curtains with the same fabric.  I thought it was the cutest firetruck fabric out there!

Here's the quilt I made for Elise... the hardest part was lining up all the rectangles! Other than that it was pretty easy.  I bought the fabric already cut.. cheating, I know! :) The back is a soft blanket that belonged to Danielle.  She let me have it, I was soo happy!  My only other option was hot pink fleece and I didn't want THAT much pink on it!

Here's the flower up close.  It wasn't hard to make, I just cut the shapes and then zigzagged around the edges.  Hoping it doesn't fray.  Next one will be Matthew's.  I figured I'd do one for each kid for their birthdays, that way I have a goal (deadline) for each kid that I will hopefully stick to!

Take on Tuesday: Nesting 34 1/2 weeks

Well, I spent last week with my wonderful Grandma Marie! I brought along Danielle, Matthew and Elise.  Steven had the week off so he kept the other three kids.
We had a great relaxing time. We went to Pizza Hut, Pamida and Alco one day.  Another day we went to Wayne's Variety (the rock shop) and the kids picked out a couple little things.  We also went to "Out to Lunch", a restaurant on another day.  Marilyn Johnson, one of Grandma Marie's friends (my Grandpa Duane's second cousin, I think) stopped by and she gave me $50.  All because she thinks I am a good mom and she likes that I am raising them to love God.  :) So, that was nice.
On one of the days Danielle went to the farm and another we went to Adams to see my Dad, Amy and baby Ruger who is almost 2 yrs now!
Mostly we just relaxed and spent hours talking to Grandma....

I just have to say though... Grandma's house is SO clean and SO organized that I got home and suddenly every mess, every finger print on the wall... every baseboard smudge, every crum and ALL the clutter - everywhere was just overwhelming to me.  The day after I got home I organized my closet.  Yesterday, Danielle organized the pantry.  I still have the fridge, the medicine cabinet, the EVERYTHING!!!  Today I plan to start tackling that.  Yesterday I had a Dr appt (I am 1cm dilated!) and we went to Applebees with Steven and then Walmart, so it wasn't a good day to organize.

So, here's my list of things that need (or I want) to be done before baby is born.
1)  Buy him a carseat
2)  Clean out the bassinette and decide if I can use it still
3)  Put newborn and up to 3mos clothes in his dresser
4)  Before that I need to completely empty it out, some of Elise's things are still in there
5)  Make "BOY" curtains
6)  find a pattern and make a red bumper for the crib
7)  maybe even make a wall hanging with remaining fabric
8)  Clean carpets, even if with just water
9)  organize medicine cabinet
10) Clean out fridge
11) Make more hats and diaper covers
12) Organize Matthew's closet
12) organize Johanna and Alaina's closet
13) wipe down walls and baseboards
14) windex windows
16) organize laundry room
17) hang pictures in basement

On my long term list...
1) repaint all baseboards and doors

So... I don't know, I just feel like I must be nesting.  I normally don't care about all this stuff.  I mean sure I want my house clean and organized, but I almost NEVER get the motivation to do it.  Now if my hip would just cooperate! :) We'll see...
I'll update again soon I am sure!