Waiting, and Waiting, and Waiting, and Waiting...

Hi everyone! If you're checking this, you're probably checking to see if I've exploded yet...nope, still pregnant.

My doctor has been out of town since Wednesday (today is Sunday) so I was actually hoping I would hold off until at least today...it would be nice to have my doctor deliver my baby, but it wasn't going to be the end of the world if he didn't. However, I don't think we have to worry about that anymore.

My last appt. was last Monday, and he basically said if I was still pregnant by next Monday (which would be tomorrow) that he would just send me up to Labor and Delivery after my appt. I feel like my body has made more progress. So, I think tomorrow may actually be the day! Perhaps the baby won't be born until Tuesday...but I think the action will start tomorrow. By the way...last week Merg was weighing in at 7.5 pounds. During the last month, it's normal for a baby to gain a pound a week, so Merg could very well be 8.5 pounds already! I'M READY!

Yesterday, I did a few things to help bring on labor naturally. I had two (yes, two) appointments for foot reflexology. This is supposed to bring on labor. At one point yesterday, I had four contractions (not very strong ones) exactly six minutes apart, but then they stopped. However, I think that's progress!

I also have been sitting on one of those big exercise balls...that's supposed to encourage dilation and push the baby farther down the birth canal, so I sit on that whenever possible. And finally, last night and this morning, I made myself a concoction of Castor Oil and Plum Juice. Yes, this will make the toilet my best friend for the next day, but the castor oil is supposed to encourage the start of uterine contractions. So, we shall see. I think I will hanging around close to home today!! At least my body will be cleaned out good before Merg comes. Hey, whatever helps...

It's so surreal to think that this may be the last time I am at home with Rich, cooking our usual Sunday breakfast, playing with Winnie, watching football games, and tomorrow, our lives can be completely different! But how wonderful our lives are about to become!

The Longest Week Ever

Well, I think this has been the longest week of my life, and as I write this, it's only Thursday evening! AHHH! It is WONDERFUL not having to work (I can't imagine being this big and uncomfortable and teaching), but I'm ready for baby....I want the next chapter to start!

I've been doing everything I can to keep myself occupied. I have now taken all of the newborn and 0-3 months little outfits for Merg and hung them up in the closet, because I figured that would be easier to see the size instead of rummaging through drawers. Especially in the middle of the night. So, that's done.

I had our car seat re-installed in our car. I originally had it behind my seat...but when Rich went to get in the driver's side of the car, he didn't fit with the rear-facing car seat, so it had to be moved to the other side. So...for all you new and future moms out there...have the car seat installed either behind the passenger seat, or the middle of the car. Thank God the ladies at the police department were sympathetic and didn't mind reinstalling it for me. They also installed one in my mom's car. She got the same exact car seat as me, so little Mergie will always be in familiar surroundings. And so, that's done.

I have cleaned the house a bit, and tomorrow if I am still home and waiting...I will clean the bathrooms, finish cleaning our bedroom, and then our house is officially clean and ready for baby. I don't want to bring our baby home to a messy, disheveled mess...I want him/her to come home to a clean and tidy house...not like Merg will give a crap, but I will feel better.

Rich BBQ'd burgers tonight for dinner and they were delicious. We've spent the rest of the night on the couch watching my belly move and with Miss Winnie cuddled up between us. She's such a good girl. I can't wait to see her with Merg. I hope they grow to be the best of friends.

SO, this ends Thursday. I've been having more "practice" contractions and much more pressure down below. I am absolutely uncomfortable and feel as big as a walrus. I'm sure I've dilated more...but we still could be a few days away. HURRY UP MERG!

Merg is on his/her way!

Went to the doctor today!!

Some exciting news:

I am dilated 2 cm...the doctor said had I been at a 3 or 4, he would have sent me up to labor and delivery and brought on the action. But, instead, I was sent home with the news that the birth could be any day now.

He wants to see me back next Monday, and I'm thinking if Merg hasn't arrived by then, then he/she will be arriving that day or early Tuesday.

But...I'm doing everything I can to bring it on!! Winnie and I took 2 longer walks today, and I stayed active, did some squats, and Rich took me out for Mexican food today. I also took a nice long bath tonight and gave myself a mini facial.

By the way...for all you region dwellers...try El Mariachi in Dyer. It's on Hart Street across from the former Jewel. IT'S THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD EVER! It was sooo good! It's such a cute/very nicely decorated restaurant also. Try it. You won't be disappointed!

So, that's about all...stay posted...Baby Novak will be coming soon!

And I've had a few people ask me about what hospital we will be at, so here's that info:

St. Margaret Mercy
5454 Hohman Ave.
Hammond, IN 46320-1999

If you're not sure where it is, you can mapquest it and it should work.

AS many of you know, Rich and I love to have visitors...the more the merrier. Please feel free to come visit us in the hospital and once we get home too...consider this your official invitation. Just don't be offended when we ask you to sanitize your hands...i have a feeling we're going to be germ freaks for awhile. So, Please...COME VISIT! I'm dreading being in the hospital, so it would be great to help pass the time. Please don't feel the need to bring any gifts...just your friendship and love for our new little guy/girl.

The hospital does offer a virtual nursery where family/friends can see the baby online...so we will post that password on this website ASAP.

STAY TUNED and say your prayers for a healthy, safe, and FAST delivery!

I made it!

I did survive! I made it through my last week of school before baby!! I got up this morning at 4:00 a.m. to get into my classroom by 5:30 (school starts at 7:15). I'm usually in my room on a normal day by 6:20, so this wasnt all that much earlier. But, I had to get everything organized, straightened, update my students' grades, etc. I got it all accomplished and made it through the day.

I came home and took a quick nap with Winnie, then I was off for a pedicure.

I had the girl paint my toe nails BRIGHT, HOT Pink...maybe that will bring on girl vibes...at least my feet will look good since most people will be interested in that end of me in the upcoming days.

I go to the doctor on Monday for my next check-up. This visit includes a full ultrasound, evaluation, etc., so maybe we'll have some idea of an arrival date!

I'm ready! Ready for Baby Novak!!! He/she is moving around a lot right now as I type...this is usually his/her active time...right before I go to bed. Let's just hope this baby is a good sleeper!

Milestones

I am happy to report that three big milestones have been met in my family this week!!

#1. Merg (BaBy Novak) is now considered full-term and can be born any day now!

#2. My sister has officially entered her second trimester!

#3. Tomorrow is MY LAST Working Day before Merg's arrival! This time tomorrow my only job will be awaiting Merg and becoming a full time mommy for the next four months!!

YAY!! HOORAY!

Still waiting...

Yes, we are still waiting on two things around here. #1: The arrival of Baby Novak...but that could be another week or more. #2: The call to let me know if school has been cancelled yet again for Wednesday! Yes, you heard me...there was no school again today! Yay!!

I'm thinking that we will report back to school tomorrow, but there is always the hope that I will be able to sleep in again! Oh well, it's fine no matter what.

I would say that today was a good day since I didnt have to work, but I feel pretty miserable overall. I either have the effects of allergies bothering me, or I have some sort of virus. I have a mild sore throat, bad headache, and just an overall sensation of not feeling well, and a bowel disorder that rhymes with galleria. Yes, I did report this to my doctor and in being the thorough doctor that he is, he requested a stool sample from me to be analyzed. Now, again, I know this is a lot of information for some people and more than what they bargained for when they checked out this website hoping for a cute baby update, but I'm going to discuss the realities of pregnancy...I'm all for education, and this is education. You ladies out there need to know what could possibly be in store for you!

Try shoving a watermelon up your shirt, then balancing on the john with a cup behind your bum, and then try to poop. And then worry about dropping it during this wonderful process because of an explosion and having to start all over again. I never did drop it, but I was afraid I would. I was successful in the worst task I've had to endure in awhile, and everything is fine. I still haven't heard the results from this lovely test, maybe because the technician is still unwrapping the 50 bags I wrapped the cup in. Regardless, I'm glad the doctor is thorough in his testing, because I do feel as if I have some flu-like bug affecting me.

So, I think that's more than enough information about this wonderful day. Thank God we didn't have school today! I can only imagine having to do that in a bathroom that's not at home! Here's hoping tomorrow is better...schoool or no school.

Flood

Well, for those of you who live around the Chicagoland area...congratualtions on surviving the flood! After three straight days of solid rain, it has finally stopped, and due to massive amounts of flooding around the area, SCHOOL IS CLOSED TODAY! HOORAY!! heehee!

I know, I know...we'll have to make it up at the end of the school year, BUT, for today, being nine months pregnant, and having mild contractions every so often, and feeling like a weeble-wobble, I'm happy to have the day off!

I go to the doctor today for a quick check-in. I think I will also be productive today and get some final lesson planning done for my replacement, change our bed, tidy up around the house, and do some last minute cleaning before Baby. And I still have a few thank-yous to finish, so I'll keep myself busy. I also plan on training myself on how to use our new camera.

But, overall, I'm thankful for a quiet day at home. My cousin's Zac's wife emailed me yesterday and told me to get a lot of rest now...and I am going to follow her advice! So in between all those things I mentioned above, you'll find me passed out on the couch and vegging in front of the TV with Winnie.

Happy Monday to everyone!

Time is flying!

I feel like I just started the school year, and now I'm down to one more week of work before my maternity leave! Hooray!! I can NOT wait!

We have done a lot of setting up around here. The pack and play is set up with its bassinet and it is eagerly waiting its first occupant! My mom and I went to Target and I picked out and stocked up on a lot of essentials for baby. I don't think I'll need to buy a single diaper until he/she turns 3, and that should be about the same time I run out of lotion and baby wash for him/her. I also bought a mirror for the nursery, an extra boppy cover (fleece for cold fall/winter months), some books, breastfeeding and travel accessories, and some other necessitites. And I STILL have more gift cards to use! Thank you to our wonderful family and friends!!

So that's been keeping me busy...getting everything set up around the house and writing over 100 thank-you notes. I'm almost done, so be patient...yours is on the way! Rich and I are just overwhelmed at the thoughtfulness and generosity of all of our family and friends. This baby is so loved already, and we are more than thankful for that! Words cannot express our gratitude!

I have also had to make some lesson plans and do some massive amounts of photocopying for my replacement teacher at school. That has kept me insanely busy while at work. I feel I have been VERY productive though!

We have NO plans this weekend. Nothing. Nada. And it feels great! Rich and I were thinking of sneaking away to Chicago overnite for a nice dinner and getaway before Baby, but I've turned into quite the homebody, and would be just as happy to curl up on the couch and cuddle with Winnie in our home. So, that's what we're doing.

I am at the point where I am very uncomfortable sitting for any period of time. I have to be moving around, or lying down. My feet also start to swell by the end of the day (nothing bad, just a little puffiness), but I'm managing.

It is so hard to believe that at any time we can be hours away from meeting our little bundle! I still feel like this is a dream! I can't imagine how much we are going to love this baby! We're in love already!!

Updates...whew!

Hi faithful readers,

Well, I made it through all the chaotic times that were lying ahead of me. I hosted my friend Julie's shower at my house yesterday (Sunday) and that went over VERY well and I had a great time planning that. I love having parties!

I went for a doctor's appointment today and was checked for progress. WARNING: You may read some information that is personal...but all modesty is out the window when dealing with a baby.

No dilation yet, but my cervix is very soft and should start dilating soon. The nurse said that we could probably plan on a September baby instead of October! Sounds good to me!

I had our infant car seat installed in my car by the Police Department. It looks very comfy and cozy and I just can't wait to see little Mergie riding home in it!

The baby's room is completed. All the toys have been put away inside the closet in the baby's room. Daddy assembled the toy box and we put some toys away in there. Daddy also assembled the stroller, and it's parked in the living room waiting for Mergie to come home and go for a stroll. It's so beautiful...I'm in love with my stroller!! Willbur has been sleeping in it getting it ready for Merg. Tonight, the pack and play gets set up on our first floor as a crib/changing area so I don't have to walk upstairs constantly when we get home from the hospital.

I arranged all of my diapers in order by size; arranged all the baby washes, lotions, diaper creams, etc., in the bathroom; and my hospital bag is just about packed; I still need to add some snacks, lip balm, reading material, Willbur, and something else I know I'm forgetting.

I'm ready! I'm so excited to meet this little person! I have 8.5 more working days until my maternity leave starts! WHOO-HOO!!!!