Braxton Hicks, Nervous Ticks, and Preparing for Baby's Arrival

We've entered into Week 39 of my first pregnancy and each day is still bringing in something new or something painful - most of the time both! While I want my little girl to hold out at least another week and hopefully a few days after that even so her father can finish his work training for his promotion, I am also getting very antsy and anxious to meet her. I feel like I've been waiting on her forever! But I'm sure every pregnant mommy-to-be feels the same.

Little London's room is ready for her arrival and so am I!

So, while I power through these Braxton Hicks contractions how am I supposed to keep myself entertained? Thankfully I've got my Mom and Dad staying with me so I'm not completely alone inside my own head. My Mom's even been helping with the housework and cooking so I can really take it easy. (I know I'm going to miss all the help when my little girl is here!) Thanks Mom!

I am realizing that as I set out to write this post I really didn't have a plan as far as tips, tricks, or information to pass on. This one was really just to write as I find that relaxing (and my husband has asked me for a new post to read! Hi Buby!). Sometimes a blog post is just a blog post and it's for no one else other than the writer. I do promise to have plenty of information and observations that I'll pass on as I continue on down the Mommy Blogger road.

Right now, the only information I have is to make sure you have done all your pre-hospital stay preparations done. Those things include:

1. Install the Infant Car Seat - And remember that most, if not all, hospitals won't let you leave with your little one unless you have one!
2. Pack Your Hospital Bag - There's no way to really know what you'll need at the hospital and frankly most will be provided to you including diapers and the like. But a simple Google search will give you hundreds of "fool-proof" lists to follow for what you could need. My husband and I have a small duffle (I realize I have no idea how to spell that and spell check doesn't seem to know what I mean.) bag packed with some toiletry items, a coming-home outfit for my little girl, and a change of clothes for the both of us. 
3. Map Out Your Route - Most likely you won't be the one taking yourself to the hospital, and if you're like me my husband won't be the one taking me either. So, making sure you have the map printed out or at least the address written down so you can plug it into your phone's GPS is a no-brainer. My parents and I actually drove the route last weekend so it wouldn't be completely unfamiliar with the inevitable rush to the hospital panic ensued. 
4. REST! - I can not put the emphasis on resting enough. Sleep as often as you can, take naps, stay off your feet and just take it easy. I've heard it a hundred times and I'm sure you have to - once that baby comes it's not about you anymore and you will be on the move pretty consistently. I am more than grateful to have my family and friends around me to support me in every way that they can. It takes a huge weight off my shoulders and helps me focus on all the exciting and tiring things to come!

Got any major things that I should add to the list? You can find pretty extensive lists with a little searching but for me, this is the bare essentials list before your little one makes their grand debut! Who knows? My next post may be about the exciting process itself of bringing home baby London! We'll see....

The Chinese Gender Chart Prediction

When you first announce your pregnancy you often hear this question: "What do you want it to be?" Honestly, I want him or her to be healthy and happy. That's all you can really ask for. However, most of us still have the leaning towards one or the other in the gender department. Mine was for a boy. But the reality is that when you find out, whether early or you wait and let it be a surprise, it doesn't matter what you thought you "preferred."

I found out I was having a lovely little girl and my thought process immediately changed. I was really amazed at how quickly my mind jumped to buying little dresses for my little princess.

Pregnancy websites like TheBump.com have some fun ways for your to "predict" what your little one will be, namely the Chinese Gender Chart. And of course, it's all for fun and there's a 50% chance it's going to be wrong - go figure! But, it's fun!

All you need to know is your age at conception and the month you conceived. Whether you're pregnant now or already have brought your kiddos into the world, it's fun to see the results. Find out yours by clicking on the link below to be taken to The Bump's website. Comment below with your results!

Click Here to Try the Chinese Gender Chart!

Mine said BOY! :)

Stress Reduction During Pregnancy is a Must

My daughter is due on September 4th, of course, I've very aware that she most likely will not be here on that day. If fact, I'm counting on it. I want her to be late, I want to have a long labor. She can take her sweet time.

As a First Officer for American Airlines my husband flies around the United States several days a week. Thankfully, with his seniority that only means, typically, 2 nights away from home. And because he has that seniority his time has finally come up and he has been awarded a Captain slot. We are both thrilled! There is one downside to his upgrade and the timing of it all - the company is sending him to upgrade training this coming Thursday. In Dallas. For a month. Normally, that would be no big deal - but with my due date on the 4th, and his class finishing on the 10th, you can probably see why I'm having minor panic attacks.

But, like any sticky spot, I am trying to see the positive side:

1. All I have to do is call when I'm in labor and the company will send him home immediately.
2. Most first time pregnancies result in a late baby.
3. Most first time pregnancies result in a long labor.
4. The financial gain of his new position is exactly what we need with a new baby.
5. It'll be a heck of a story we'll tell for years and years.

So, what am I doing to relax? I'm keeping myself busy by starting this blog, doing some nesting, taking comfort in the fact that my Dad and Step-Mom are coming up to stay with me while the hubby is gone, going to the gym to walk in the pool, and watching an inordinate amount of Netflix (Thank you to the lovely boys of Supernatural for your constant distraction).

What's your go-to stress reliving activity? Curling up with a good book? A long soak in the tub?  Eating? Working out? I'd love to hear about it and maybe get a few ideas for myself. Leave a comment below.