First, I made these turkey meatballs:
The recipe for the meatballs can be found HERE. I made extra so we had some for dinner that night as well. They are pretty good for being turkey instead of beef, although they definitely require a bit of dressing up with sauce.
Then I made this baked ziti:
This recipe required a bit more dedication but we found it was definitely worth the extra work. It was delicious. The recipe can be found HERE.
Here's today:
And here I am at 36w1d with Joaquin:
I weigh about 2-3 pounds less this time around than I did with Joaquin. But I'm not quite sure which picture looks more "pregnant."
Yay! Noemi has reached full term. She likely measures around 18.9 to 20.9 inches and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds and is the size of a winter melon (I'm not quite sure I've ever seen one of these). She's gaining about 1/2 ounce each day. She's practicing some skills: inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking.
How far along? 37 weeks
Weight gain/loss: I'm up a total of 34 pounds.
Sleep? The last few days have been pretty good. I had a rough night Sunday and couldn't really sleep at all but otherwise, sleep has actually been better this week.
Best moment this week? Right now! I just woke up and I am 37 weeks. Full term. It is a great relief.
Movement: She is still moving quite a bit. Sometimes her movements actually hurt a little, but only for a brief second. It's nice that she moves so much - it keeps me from worrying about her.
Food cravings: Seafood.
What I miss? Being about to walk up stairs with ease.
What I am looking forward to? I'm getting a facial this afternoon. Aaahh. So relaxing.
Milestones:Making it to 37 weeks is about as big a milestone as they come. It means no NICU team in my delivery room, no blood glucose tests every 4 hours in the hospital (which require a foot poke), no carseat challenge (which involves baby being away from mommy for 2-3 hours and just sitting in a carseat under supervision). I am soooo happy to avoid all of this. The glucose tests in particular were hell. Poor Joaquin's feet were black and blue by the time we left and I swear they would come in to do that test just as he was going to take a nap every single time. It was so awful.
What I'm nervous about: Not knowing when she's going to arrive. Now that I made it to 37 weeks, I want to meet her! Of course, a few more weeks of baking is great for baby so I will have to be patient.
A recent picture at the beach:
Two pictures from Joaquin's 2nd birthday:
Joaquin dressed as Max for Halloween:
For comparison, here's a pic from when I was equally pregnant with Joaquin:
Noemi is 36 weeks today and it is her last week as the size of a honeydew melon. She is continuing to put on weight at about ½ pound each week. This layer of fat will help her regulate her body temperature after leaving the womb. In fact, she will be 15 percent fat at birth. Even in the womb, she can listen, feel, touch and see. Her gums are firm with ridges that look somewhat like teeth, though her actual pearly whites won't start breaking through until she's between three months and a year old. She has definite patterns of sleep and wakefulness—opening her eyes while awake and closing them while sleeping. She will become alert and turn her head toward light and sound just as a newborn would.
How far along? 36 weeks
Weight gain/loss: I'm up a total of 31 pounds.
Sleep? This changes day by day. Sleeping on my sides is getting OLD. It is really starting to hurt my hip joints. It will be so nice to start sleeping on my stomach again soon.
Best moment this week? It's my birthday and Thanksgiving today, so I am looking forward to a nice holiday, good food, and time with family. Oh, also "watching" UCLA beat USC by 10 points last Saturday (watching is a bit of a stretch. We were forced to follow the plays via game cast due to our lack of cable, but somehow it was still quite exciting).
Movement: Noemi moves a lot. I definitely don't remember Joaquin moving this much. It's definitely a cool feeling (except when I am trying to fall asleep!).
Food cravings: It's 7:30 am right now, so a huge cappuccino sounds amazing.
What I miss? Red wine, skinny jeans and shoes with buckles.
What I am looking forward to? Watching Notre Dame kick USC's tail this Saturday (We are #1!!).
Milestones: Each week is its own big milestone these days. I'm hoping I get to post at least another one of these Ticker Change Thursday entries next week, which would be a huge milestone - I didn't get past this one last time!
What I'm nervous about: Not too much. I need to get some cooking done, finish packing my hospital bag and do a few more things to feel totally ready but even if she decided to show up today I think we'd pretty much be fine, which is a good feeling.
This picture works again so I'm reusing it. I'm just one week away from the day that Joaquin was born. Crazy! Starting yesterday I noticed a significant increase in pregnancy related discomfort - back pain in particular. It reminded me of why I was ready to be done last time even though I should have known that discomfort is okay as long as the baby keeps cooking a little longer. This time I am practicing my patience and hoping that Noemi stays nice and snuggled for well over another week. Still, it's sort of surreal to think that I might be only a week away from meeting my little princess.
It's November 20th, just one month away from my due date. Based on my experience with Joaquin, I doubt I will be pregnant for another month, but it's still a nice milestone to cross. Just a few weeks left and we get to meet our sweet Noemi!
I've got the chili in the slow cooker, thanks to my Dad and Gery coming over this morning to play with Joaquin while Jay went to work. It's nice to have a little quiet time to cook and cross one more thing off of my to-do list. Plus, the chili smells really good. The recipe I used can be found HERE, but I modify it by adding 2 cans of red kidney beans and 3 cans of black beans.
Noemi is 35 weeks today and still about the size of a honeydew melon. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products (this last part is important - a well functioning liver is key to avoiding jaundice, which is not something we want to deal with again!). Most of her basic physical development is now complete — she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
How far along? 35 weeks
Weight gain/loss: About 31 pounds.
Sleep? I am waking up about once an hour to pee every night these days. And my hips are killing me when I get up, but I am able to fall asleep easily at night, which is the most important part.
Best moment this week? Joaquin keeps improving his verbal skills. Yesterday he was practically having a conversation with me. It was so fun!
Movement: Movement has picked up again. I can see my belly moving through my clothes on a fairly regular basis. It's cool.
Food cravings: Sushi!!! Really, any seafood. And water. I've been really thirsty with the Santa Ana winds that have been going on lately.
What I miss? Normal clothes and wine.
What I am looking forward to? My birthday is next week!
Milestones: I'm 35 weeks today, which is a big milestone! 35 weeks down, 35 days to go until my due date! Many OBs mark week 35 as a crucial milestone for development and say that if labor starts now they tend not to worry too much about it. Of course, I'd like it if Noemi kept cooking for a few more weeks.
What I'm nervous about: Not much. I think we have this under control, at least as much as we can. I have a to-do list for before she arrives but I am confident that I can get it all done. I am actually more worried that I will finish it all and then wonder what to do with myself! Not a bad problem.
TOILETRIES:
* Face wash and face wash wipes (for those times you are stuck in a hospital bed on an IV and can't get to a sink but want a clean face)
* Body lotion and hand lotion (hospitals are dry!)
* Shampoo and conditioner (yes, hospitals have this, but theirs is pretty gross)
* Toothbrush/paste
* Face lotion (and eye cream if you use it)
* Deodorant
* Hair ties
* Comb/brush
* Makeup and brushes
* Blow dryer (I will probably not use this, but I'll bring it anyway in case I'm feeling inspired)
* Razor
* Chapstick (I love aquaphor)
* Towel from home (hospital towels are tiny and rough)
* Floss
* Nursing pads
OTHER STUFF FOR MOM:
* Nursing tanks (x3 - I probably won't need 3 of these, but you never know if you are going to have a barf or blood situation on your hands and need to change)
* Nursing bras (x2 - One comfy one for sleeping in and one normal one for leaving the hospital)
* Slipper socks (x2)
* Cheap cotton robe with 3/4 sleeves and knee length (to wrap myself up in when I want to leave the room but nothing fancy because it will probably get ruined. I found a nice one at Target this week on clearance for only $15)
* Comfy pants that don't have a tight waist band (x2)
* Sweater/sweatshirt that opens in the front
* Sandals
* Book: Nursing Mother's Companion (because, let's face it, those nurses and lactation consultants are useless and annoying and this book is amazing)
* Pillow (with non-white cover, because hospital pillows are flat and uncomfortable)
* Blanket (because I remember being freezing all night with the hospital bedding last time)
STUFF FOR DAD:
* 2 changes of clothes and a toothbrush (We live within a mile of the hospital and Jay will only spend the night once so his list is shorter than most because he can just go home and get things/take a shower if he needs)
TECHNOLOGY:
* iPad/iPod/iPhone/iMac/Camera/kindle and all chargers. How did we ever live without Apple? ;-)
BABY STUFF:
* My BreastFriend Nursing Pillow (I was in a world of hurt last time because I forgot this very essential item. I could not believe how much easier nursing was once I got home and could use it!)
* 2 Preemie sized outfits
* 2 Newborn sized outfits (other moms may also want to bring two 0-3 month sized outfits but I am sure I will not have a big baby)
* 2 small receiving blankets to roll up on the sides of the carseat. This one surprised me last time and Jay had to go home and get some before they would let us leave.
* 2 stroller blankets - one heavy and one light, so we are prepared for a cold or warm day
* Baby hats (x2)
* Baby socks (x2)
* Baby nail clippers (apparently they don't have these at the hospital and some babies are born with mini claws!)
FOOD:
* Sparkling water
* Snacks - Fruit, jerky, crackers, trail mix, granola bars, candy, protein shakes. Basically a bunch of stuff that doesn't require a fridge. It is a loooong time between dinner and breakfast in a hospital and I remember waking up starving every night. It would have been nice to have something to munch on.
I think that's it! Haha.
Herbed Turkey Meatballs
Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies
Vegetable Tangine
Zesty Orange Bread
White Bean Pasta and Swiss Chard Soup
Garden-Style Eggplant Parmesan
Lasagna
Beef Stroganoff
Baked Ziti
Chili
I think maybe I will start with the chili because it is relatively easy and keeps very well. I've got to get Jay to unearth the deep freezer in the garage first so we have a place to put all of this. My goal is to make one of these items maybe every other day or so until I'm done. It will be nice to have some food in the house that's ready to go for those days when it's 8:30 and we just realize we haven't even thought about dinner yet.
Noemi is 34 weeks today and still about the size of a honeydew melon. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. The great news is that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.
How far along? 34 weeks
Weight gain/loss:I'm not sure. I'd guess that I'm up a total of 31 pounds.
Sleep? I was fine until I got a nasty cold. Now I keep waking up and coughing and trying to breathe. Hopefully I get better soon.
Best moment this week? My mom came up for the weekend and we had a lot of fun. Joaquin keeps talking about grandma. It's very cute.
Movement: She is still moving like crazy. It is weird to see it so obviously from the outside sometimes.
Food cravings: Eh - I barely have an appetite these days. I only eat because I know I am supposed to.
What I miss? Being healthy. Or being able to take Sudafed. Either one.
What I am looking forward to? Being done with this merger. We are closing today. Woot woot! I have been working on it since May and just tallied my hours on this one project - over 700. Yikes. I can't wait for it (and the late nights and early mornings) to be over. Then I just have one more deal to close and I am home free!!!
Milestones: Every week feels like a huge milestone these days. Only 3 weeks to full term now. Yay!!
What I'm nervous about: I'm not really nervous today. Just tired from being sick and too much work. This weekend should be very helpful on both fronts.
Obama won! Dems picked up 2 Senate seats. Akin (i.e. the legitimate rape guy) lost. Prop 30 passed (CA prop increasing taxes on very wealthy to fund schools). Marriage equality is increasing around this country.
What a fabulous day.
Most of this makes me happy in a very theoretical, long term sense. I am happy that the party that does more to protect our environment (and the environment that my kids will inherit) is in power. I am happy about Obamacare, as it is not only ethically right in general (imo) it will hopefully open doors to new career paths, etc. (I mean, needing to be with a large employer just to get healthcare is just total BS if you ask me). There's a bunch of other stuff I won't get into (cue my misty eyes when I think about the people who have been in love for years actually being able to get married like the rest of us).
But, most immediately, WOOHOOO! An Obama win means one thing for my family: more immigration work for Jay. People have been hesitant to apply for the faux-DREAM Act stuff because they thought Romney would yank it away. And if the Rs want any shot at the next election, they need to start playing nice with immigrants. So, bring on the comprehensive immigration reform :-)
It's November 6, 2012: Election Day! I already voted, although unfortunately my ballot was provisional. I guess I was signed up to vote by mail and I didn't realize it was sort of an either/or situation. Oh well, it will still get counted, just a little late.
As I drove to the polling station I realized that I was really excited about voting. Just about as excited as I would be if I were driving to a long anticipated celebration of some kind. I realize this makes me a huge dork, but I'm fine with that.
So, here's to Obama winning the election. I think it is not secret to my readers that I am a solid Democrat. I am only slightly nervous he will win, but nervous just the same. I can't wait until it's all said and done tonight!
Noemi is 33 weeks today and about the size of a honeydew melon. She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and her skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as her brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.
How far along? 33 weeks
Weight gain/loss: I think I'm up a total of 29 or 30 pounds.
Sleep? I wake up a ton to pee, but otherwise sleep is fine.
Best moment this week? Trick or treating with Joaquin last night was so fun! He got the hang of it quickly and was so adorable in his Max costume (from Where the Wild Things Are). I will post some pics later. Unfortunately, in all of the excitement I dropped my camera and now it will not turn on :-(
Movement: She is still moving a lot, but the movements are slower. Probably because she's so crammed in there!
Food cravings: Salted caramels and hot tea.
What I miss? Not having contractions. It is stressful having them now. I want Noemi to stay put until at least 37 weeks.
What I am looking forward to? My mom is coming up to visit this weekend, which should be fun!
Milestones: I'm one week away from 34 weeks, which is when my old OB said that babies tend to do really well if they are born.
What I'm nervous about: I have a lot of work to do by Monday and I have a stressful afternoon coming up. I am wondering how I am going to juggle all of this. (Note: I guess some things never change. This last bit is word for word what I wrote at 33 weeks with Joaquin. It fit so well today I'm just sticking with it. Sigh. Only a few more weeks of work and then I'm done.)
