33 Weeks!

7 weeks to go, I hope! Whoa. That ain't very long. More gifts are arriving for the baby which totally blows me away. Last Thursday Reg and I were out and about (Discovery Green and HBS Jam at Big Easy) and 2 people pressed money into my hand which was so touching and so generous. People must really love babies, eh? The funny thing about these baby items is that some of this stuff I have no idea how it works. My world is ready to be opened up to a whole other dimension and my mind is about to be totally blown. On Monday I was sitting quietly and the baby started moving around and I looked down and I was like, "Holy $#@% there's a BABY in there."

Still having plenny heartburn and congestion and the taste bud issue is off and on but mostly on. I ordered a delicious bleu cheese/bacon burger on Sun. at lunch and it was BLAH. Later on before the Galveston gig I got some Marble Slab w/a mixin and it was totally disappointing. Dude, it's depressing when your food don't taste good. But I'm force-feeding myself b/c the baby needs it. On the flip side this week was, fortunately, the 1st time in awhile where my clothes didn't feel like they were strangling me and the baby and although I was congested I managed to avoid popping a Claritin-D. I think the colder weather is helping slightly. I normally detest colder weather like a sickness but now that I'm pregnant it's making life a little easier on me, surprisingly.

Reg and I are still trying to find time to get the upstairs completely ready. I still need to get a carseat and I guess a crib or a bassinet or both but to be honest I still haven't decided where the baby will sleep exactly. November is the big month where we need to get our act together. I just know I've been sleeping on the couch the last few nights and that works out pretty well mostly except it's harder to "roll" out of than it is the bed, ha ha.

This Weds. is my last "Pinche Miercoles" gig at the Continental. People have been urging me to slow down but I just haven't been ready to. Hey man, what about those farm women that work the fields their whole pregnancy, take a break to give birth, and go right back to work? Besides it's been more important and healthy for me to be ACTIVE instead of, what, lie around on the couch day and night? But yes, I am starting to feel a tad more tired so I will listen to my body and will give myself weeknights off now. The weekend gigs are still on and the Dr. said that was fine although he did say after 35 weeks I may not want to travel very far; yeah, the traveling is done for now too.

Week 33

32 Weeks!

8 weeks (or more?) to go. The reason I ask "or more?" is b/c on Tuesday we had our 2nd home visit with our Doula. Doula says typical gestation for a 1st time mom is 41 weeks and 6 days. Like hell! I want this baby out at 40 weeks! But she says if he's not ready to come out he's not ready to come out and we have to trust him and my body. She says don't worry about him being big (I want to birth a 7 lb. baby, not an 8 or 9 lb'er) b/c I don't have gestational diabetes or anything so she's sure he'll be a manageable size even if he does decide to wait. She also said I need to UP the protein in my diet, and when she arrived I was making a banana smoothie and she suggested I put peanut butter in it, and I did, and it was AWESOME. Note to self: do that always now! Then she palpated my belly which I found fascinating. She really mashed my belly and said to not be afraid to do that myself. She found his head and his little butt and I think a leg. El Bebe was pissed and kicked and punched back at her--that's my boy!

We went for a 4-D ultrasound and video on Friday, which was a gift from Reg's neighbors. We saw the baby up close and personal. He had his hand wrapped around the umbilical cord; he furrowed his brow; he opened and closed his eyes briefly; he licked the cord; it was AMAZING. We saw his baby boy parts again and he's 100% boy! And certainly not to MY surprise, he has a full head of hair already. The technician even mentioned twice how much hair he has. No kidding, with my constant heartburn!!!  We got a CD of fotos and a DVD to take home and some printouts.

We had our baby shower on Sunday at the Big Easy and it was an incredible event. JFu, Janie, Suzy really went all out and the food was killer and there was a Cat in the Hat cake and so many of our friends and family came and I couldn't believe all the gifts. It sort of didn't feel real, I mean, I NEVER imagined a baby shower might be held for ME someday. I was really overwhelmed and touched by everyone just being there. Paul and Ryan and Max and I played a set and JFu came up for a couple of songs; it was great. Even Tito J rode in on the megabus from S.A.! (Ok, I guilt tripped him into coming, but he needed to be there!) Lots of Reg's friends came too and lots of beer/booze was sold so I'm glad Tom did decent business at the bar! At the end of the night we had to really cram all the gifts to get them into my car and again, I was just blown away by everyone's generosity. I felt so lucky and blessed and feel my baby is also enormously lucky and blessed.

Yesterday I split town shortly around 1p to drive to Scott LA for our gig at Biker Night at the Harley-Davidson. I felt it was my "final" road trip as the person I am now, living my life as it is now. It was a great day for a drive and I made sure to enjoy the feeling of the open road and to just be aware of my final trip ever as not-quite-somebody's-Mommy yet. The gig was cool and the guys had picked up our order of Koozies, Tshirts, and limited pre-release CD's to sell. The Koozies came out incredibly well; they're decorated with the pregnant Bella bass player design that Scott created for me and with creative design/arrangement by Paul. I hope to sell all of them before the baby gets here. The drive home was pretty easy and I only stopped once to get cheap gas ($3.25) and an ice cream sannich, arriving home around 1:15a.

Good Dr.'s appt today. The baby's heartbeat was in the 150's all over the place, my blood pressure was good, the nurse said I was so cute b/c I'm all belly, and Dr. E has ordered the fetal growth ultrasound to take place next week, probably. I'll go back to the perinatologist Dr. H for that. I weighed 151 so I've gained 26 lbs. total and only 2 lbs. in the past 5 weeks. Dr. E said not to worry about that, just eat my protein and I'll probably gain another 5 lbs after 34 weeks or so.

Week 32

31 Weeks and Down to Single Digits on Weeks to Wait!

[ORIGINALLY POSTED ON MY OTHER PERSONAL BLOG ON Oct. 16, 2012]


31 weeks today and that means 9 weeks to go! AAAAAAAHHHHHH! I'm excited. Everyone says the 9 weeks will fly by and I'm sure they will. The baby continues to kick the crap out of me, wiggle, etc. and now I hear that when that's gone (after he's born) I'll miss that terribly too. He has gotten the hiccups several times in the past week and I hear that's a good sign, shows good development! Sleeping is still a challenge. I slept in my bed last nite w/Reg and my hips were sore again. I hate hate hate wearing anything except dresses and I still wish I could get away with no bras b/c I just feel so tight in my entire middle. But I know the day we meet El Bebe will be here soon enough and I do feel like it really isn't too far away now!

Feeling a little wistful b/c there are more and more gigs I won't be able to do. I am not doing the gig this Sat. b/c of the annual Sheriff Reserve dinner and I'm not doing the gig next Fri. b/c Katie's is way too damn smoky and I just refuse to tolerate that. Our CD is coming out soon and Paul scheduled the Baton Rouge release party for Nov. 16 but I can't do that b/c 1. I don't think I'm supposed to travel more than an hour away from the hospital in my last month and 2. Reg and I have our 1st Lamaze class the next morning at 8:30a. I hate missing out, but dammit, I have to remind myself I'm only going to be pregnant with this baby just this one time!

Getting excited about the baby shower coming up on Sunday, to be held at the Big Easy! My first baby shower, wow, I never woulda thought. BTW these days I am definitely craving banana pudding and ice cream sanniches.

Reg has been going crazy getting my house ready. He totally cleaned out the dining room, an upstairs closet, he continually sweeps, mops, cleans my place. He's so awesome. He's been studying his daddy books. It's so sweet and of course he talks and reads to the baby all the time.

Week 31

30 Weeks! 10 to go!

[ORIGINALLY POSTED ON MY OTHER PERSONAL BLOG ON Oct. 10, 2012]

I have been sleeping on the couch most of this past weekend and on Monday night; however I did sleep in my bed last night. The couch is much better for my hips but I wanted to see if I could still sleep in my bed and find a way to help my hips not be so sore. I think that b/c my middle is so heavy if I prop up the baby bump with a pillow that really helps. I love my bed and want to be able to sleep in it, though the couch can be fun too.

The BIRTH fair on Sat. was cool; got some good info and some free swag. Saw my doula Jessica, who had a booth with her doula group. I sent Reg to a 2-hr talk on Sun. called "Birth of a Father" and he LOVED it, even bought the guy's book for $10. Then we had the breastfeeding class last nite at the hospital. It lasted from 6-9:30 and we mostly watched videos and had Q&A. Seems like the secret to success is to get the latch right from the beginning and everything else will fall into place.

Saw Dr. E on Monday. The baby's heartbeat was 158--higher than it's been but still normal--and my blood pressure was fine, my urine was fine, still no swelling in feet/ankles and I'm holding steady at the same weight I've had in the past 3 weeks or so. Good! Dr. E said baby is head down, not sure how he knew that and I didn't have time to ask b/c Doc had to run off (literally) and deliver a baby. Doc said baby kicking/moving/wiggling/punching is great b/c it shows the baby is happy and getting enough oxygen. I'll see Doc again in a couple weeks and he's gonna order some kind of special ultrasound and also said I probably don't need to go back to the perinatologist, Dr. H anymore.

Still having to pop Claritin-D a few times a week and Zantac as well. Last night was bad, I am belching through the night but last night some acid came up. I popped a Zantac around 3:30 am so I could get some relief. Doc said it's ok to take these but to knock off the Gas-X. Again, I didn't have time to ask him for alternatives (I can always email him if I want to) so I've just been walking around burping myself by pounding on my chest. Still keeping Tums in my purse and that helps a little. I also bought some apple cider vinegar and some baking soda to see if those work as natural remedies.

I can barely stand to wear a bra sometimes but I need the support so I don't stretch out the skin. But I am having to unhook my bra at work just to help myself breathe better/not feel so tight. I bought some "bandi-bras" (see pic below) that are like soft sports bras last week in size "XL", good Lord, but they work and are not so tight. I'm wearing them at night and even with clothes sometimes. I fill them up just fine too. I may need to visit a maternity store really soon and get measured for some good maternity/nursing bras--no underwire!!!

Working Greek Fest on Sunday was a trip. I wore civilian clothes (new black maternity pants, black boots, Sheriff button down shirt, blazer) and had no weapon b/c I had no place to put it. They stuck me in the gift shop which was cool b/c I was near the cafeteria (kept getting plenty of drinks to stay hydrated) and I could always find a chair to sit though I did stand and walk around too b/c I got tired of sitting. Loved the Greek food, as always, and got the baklava-topped sundae and at the end of the day a candle vendor gave me a beautiful soy candle with a blue cross on it, "For your baby" she said, and the flavor was baklava sundae! Awww!!!

Week 30

29 Weeks! Kick Poke Punch!

[ORIGINALLY POSTED ON MY OTHER PERSONAL BLOG ON Oct. 3, 2012]


Little baby is quite the wiggler and mover and poker and kicker and puncher and WTH was that round bulge on the right side of my tummy the other morning--his head or his cute little butt??? :) I started doing "Kick Counts" last nite and have a chart I fill out. Ohhh but lately he is really kicking/poking my innards. He kicked my "meow meow" a few times and my bladder and man, that really kinda hurts! When he does that I say, "Baby! Don't play with that!"

Dr. visit tomorrow. I am having serious heartburn and am taking my Zantac, Tums, and this week had to break down and also get some Mylanta and Gas-X. I want to explore some natural remedies I've heard about though. The congestion is still coming and going and I'm glad I don't have to take Claritin-D EVERY day. I bought some more clothes last night b/c I am running out of clothes to wear to work, mostly and the weather is cooling a bit. I bought 6 items but 2 are non-maternity so I'll be able to use them after the pregnancy too. Plus the clothes will work for work, play, and gigging. Only spent $57 at Ross. Yay me!

Last nite I couldn't bear wearing the sports bra to bed; it was cutting me too tight at the top of my ribs so I just took it off and wore an undershirt so I'd have "some" kinda support. The last couple of nights have been rough. I am up and down peeing all the time and last night at 3am I was forced to pop a Zantac. Charley horses in my calves or feet have me leaping out of bed every couple of nights, too. A truly comfy sleeping position eludes me these days; my middle just feels soooo heavy. The baby gains most of his weight this trimester and he's just getting bigger and bigger... yay baby but man, I'm feeling it!!! I now have to "roll" out of bed, ha ha.

Reg and I went for a walk on Mon. night and we'll do the same tonite. I do need to do some stretching exercises and some prenatal yoga which is On Demand on my cable... I just feel so lazy these days. No excuse though. I've also been forgetting my Kegels though I have remembered them lately. I'm still holding at 149 and hope I don't gain much more weight.

Hella busy weekend ahead: Fri. gig. 4D ultrasound video appt. on Sat., then the B.I.R.T.H. Fair, then a gig. Sunday I work Greek Fest and I'll have to be in civilian clothes, oh well!

Week 29

28 Weeks! The Third Trimester Begins!!!

[ORIGINALLY POSTED ON MY OTHER PERSONAL BLOG ON Sept. 27, 2012]

And I am still congested and have heartburn/gas and the baby is moving around wildly and kicking/punching and my hips ache from sleeping on my sides and I feel slightly more tired these days. But I love to look at my tummy move and see the baby's body parts (which ones? not sure!) move and it makes me smile and laff.

Taking Tums, Zantac 150, and Claritin-D as necessary; must take one or more of each daily now, it seems.  Bought a maternity top, cropped jeans, and dress at Goodwill this past weekend: $25! My tits are huge, last measured were approaching 40D territory! Taking short walks at work when I feel up to it and walks on the treadmill at home when I remember to. Green smoothies ROCK!!! (Banana, ice, soy milk, organic spinach, cinnamon!)

Seeing Dr. E next week and that visit will mark the new schedule of seeing him every 2 weeks instead of every month now. His group has finally moved their offices to the new Women's Pavilion where I will be delivering. It's a slightly farther walk for me should I choose to walk over there from my office, but Reg enjoys going to the visits with me so we've been driving and parking anyway. We'll see.

Reg brought me flowers and cupcakes to work yesterday and then took me to Jimmy Wok for Chinese. It all hit the spot! His mom also gave me a check which was very nice and needed. I hit 150 lbs. (meaning a 25-lb. weight gain so far) a few weeks ago but then lost a few and was down to 147; now I'm back to hovering near 149. I don't want to gain much more weight and in the 3rd trimester the baby is the one that really starts putting on the weight!

In other news, Chop and the PRB are parting ways. This weekend will be his last gigs w/us. But I'm glad we'll all still be friends and we all wish each other the best.

Week 28

27 Weeks!

[ORIGINALLY POSTED ON MY OTHER PERSONAL BLOG ON Sept. 19, 2012]


Still can't breathe and must take Claritin-D every couple days, though I've already taken it 3x this week. Lotsa gas coming up (belching) and Tums helps with that. Baby likes to kick/punch/swim/move around lots and I am having a hard time sleeping at times b/c he's moving so much. I no longer can wear elastic waistbands, they are squeezing me too tight and it's hard enough breathing these days. My hips are sometimes sore during and after sleeping. I slept on the couch last night and that helped a little. I also got about 10 hrs sleep last night, and it was bliss. In good news, my skin has never looked better and clearer this entire 2nd trimester!!!

Saw the baby in 4D at the perinatologist's last Thurs. He was sucking his little thumb. He is head down now although Dr. H says he will flip flop around upside down and back in the coming weeks. She said he was weighing a little heavy for 26 weeks at 2 lbs. 3 oz. and for me to lay off the fried cheese. My glucose tolerance test came back with a good score of 109 (needed to be below 140) so yay, no gestational diabetes for me and yes I was a bit worried!

Dang, he sure is a little kicker! I like to pull up my shirt and watch my tummy move, makes me laff sometimes. I wonder what the heck he is DOING in there??? Reg read "Where the Wild Things Are" to him the other night. The first time of many! 

Week 27