It's been a while ...

I just realized that it's been a while since I updated the blog.  There's been lots of little things going on the past couple of weeks, mostly trying to prepare for Kenton's arrival.

Kenton's room is officially put together (for the most part).  It was quite the lengthy process because it was our "guest" bedroom, but really was just the dumping ground.  We have decided not to paint his room because we don't know if we are moving or not.  However, we do have his crib, dresser, and cubby system set up, as well as a few wall decorations.  All of his clothes are put away, burp cloths are ready, and baby carriers are washed and ready to wear.  My fabulous mom has purchased Kenton's car seat and it just needs to be installed.

I tried being crafty and made Kenton's name for his room.

My favorite car seat company has a new seat that goes from rear-facing, forward-facing, to a booster seat and last for 10 years.  I'm such a dork, but am super excited to put Kenton in this car seat!

We're going to use this cubby system for toys, books, and random storage.

We got a new crib for Kenton because Talan's old crib was recalled.  It is convertible, as well as has a changing table, laundry basket, and shelves built into it.

 

This changing pad won't be staying here.  It will be in our bedroom for when Kenton is bunked with us the first couple of months.  The T.V. is purely selfish on my part - I need something to do during feedings! :)

Last week, I started bi-weekly NSTs (non-stress tests) to monitor Kenton.  This consists of hooking up to monitors to see normal escalations in Kenton's heartbeat when he's active, as well as monitoring contractions (if I was having any).  This process takes at least 20 minutes, if not longer.  The first visit, Kenton cooperated and it was quick.  However, the last couple of visits, Kenton has been stubborn and did not want to wake up.  He would move around, but his heart beat would not escalate the 10-15 beats in which they are looking.  I would drink cold water and poke and prod him, but he was not interested in waking up.  I figure it has to be because he's used to being climbed over by Talan and Hunter, as well as me moving him around when he's making me uncomfortable. :)  On Mondays, I also get a quick ultrasound to check amniotic fluid levels.  So far, once we can get Kenton to wake up, he checks out perfectly and there are no concerns.

Yesterday afternoon, I started having Braxton Hicks contractions again.  They aren't regular contractions, but they are definitely happening more frequently.  This kind of has me freaking out a bit.  I know my body is just getting ready to have Kenton, but we're not ready for him to come quite yet.  As of tomorrow, I will be 34 weeks along.  I have three more progesterone injections that are supposed to help deter preterm labor, which should hopefully get me through to 37 1/2 weeks.  Let's just pray Kenton decides to stay put and cook a little longer.

Today I tried out a new chiropractor.  I've been having some back pain and headaches throughout the entire pregnancy.  This past weekend, though, I added a new gripe to my list.  Aaron and I attended the Love and Respect Conference through church.  Although it helped us gain new insight into our marriage and how each other thinks, sitting for that long without my feet being up was not good.  Ever since then, my big toes have been numb and my foot falls asleep way too easily.  The new chiropractor was very nice and even massaged one of my tendons that Kenton has been hanging out on top of.  The instant relief from the tendon pain was worth the visit alone.  

So, this weekend, we need to finish organizing the last of the stuff from the guest bedroom, schedule Goodwill to pick up all of our donations, and pack the hospital bag, just in case.  (I'm putting this in writing so hopefully I'll get in done!)  Aaron and I are also going out on a date tomorrow night, which will probably be the last one for a while.  Let's hope we both can stay awake - we're such party animals!  Next week, my goal is to prepare a few freezer meals for us to enjoy once Kenton is here.  We'll have to see how that turns out, or if it even gets accomplished.  ;)