We hit another milestone....the reality of touring the hospital!  Kind of funny to tour the hospital when I work there.  But that is the one unit that I don't visit for my job.  There was a flood in June so they have been using the postpartum rooms as labour rooms.  They are set up the same as a labour room, but kind of small and clinical looking.  The old ward will be ready to go September 4th, which is great for us since the due date is the 23rd!  We will be delivering in a newly painted and renovated unit....with jacuzzi tubs in every room!  So the baby better keep comfy in there for a little while longer.  I also filled out the pre-registration papers and brought them to admitting today.  It's all so real now, but I am feeling ready.  I just have to call the insurance company to see about private vs semi-private rooms.  I would love to just flash my badge and say "hey, I work here!  give me the best treatment!" but I don't think it works that way.

I have started to feel a little more crappy now.  I have really enjoyed being pragnant and cannot really complain about the minor symptoms I had during the last nine months.  But now, I am getting pretty uncomfortable and ready to have a baby.  Ok, time to complain....I am not comfortable in any position.  If I sit too long my tailbone hurts.  If I stand too long my knees, legs, and feet hurt and feel tired.  If I walk my pubic bone and my upper inner thigh hurt (like they did before I got the S-I belt, but now the belt isn't helping with that pain).  If I lay down I get crazy heartburn (depending on when I ate or drank).  And if I am laying down sleeping my hips hurt and my pubic bone really hurts when I flip over to the other side.  I feel like I am in constant motion these days to find a comfortable position for just a few minutes.  And this makes work a little difficult.

I will be starting my Mat leave in 12 working days!  Yep, it's time for the count down.  I have been feeling a little nauseous in the mornings after breakfast so the first two hours of work are not so fun.  I get a little burst of energy for a while, then I need to go sit again.  I also feel quite overwhelmed when things get a little busy or I am trying to schedule and prioritize my clients.  I will be so glad to have a break from all this.  My replacement at the hopspital starts this Thursday and I will have to do orientation with her for a the remainer of my days.  I have mixed emotions about this because having someone else around means no downtime to just veg at my desk.  Only 12 more days....only 12 more days.....gotta keep that in mind!

I just had my appointment with the anesthetist regarding the epidural.  I had to check to see if it was even a possibility for me becasue of the lumbar fracture and 4 screws in there.  Since I have had no neurological difficulties since the injury he feels the epidural would be safe.  He did say I might not have complete pain control because of scar tissue in there. I know there is a lot of scar tissue so that is definitely something to keep in  mind if I do go for the epidural.  I am thinking that I am going to try au naturel but have back up plans.  I have experienced a great deal of pain before, but I have no idea what I am up against with labour and delivery.  It's nice to know that there are options out there!

I have missed a few entries because we were on our two week vacation.  We got back last night.  I must say that I was happy to be home but definitely not happy to be back at work today.  We spent two weeks sightseeing and visiting family out on the East coast.  We had a lot of fun and I was pretty much able to keep up a good pace...even at 8 1/2 months pregnant.  Although everyone in my family kept saying "you should take it easy" and "you look tired" etc, etc.  Thanks!  I know my limits and I took frequent breaks to rest my aching feet when needed!  This was my last opportunity to travel without a little one to take care of.  Sure, Jeff's 10 year old came with us, but at that age there is not much "taking care of" to be done. 

I have been getting swollen ankles and feet and the tired aching feet continue.  I have also started a new and unwelcome symtom....nausea after breakfast.  Why is this starting now in my last few weeks??  Perhaps I never should have bragged about my no morning sickness.  My OB says it could be due to the acid build-up in my stomach so I will try Zantac right after breakfast tomorrow.  I have been taking it as needed (and a lot) for heartburn, but I guess I will try it for preventative measures against this nausea.

I am hoping I can make it through these next 4 weeks of work.  I am feeling pretty crappy today and therefore dreading the rest of the 19 days and counting.  Maybe it is just the first day back after vacation blahs.  I hope so.  I don't want to feel this run down for the rest of my work days.  Working two jobs at this point is just crazy, but I have committed to both until Spetember 12.  The only way out now is a medical leave....I am not feeling that bad, yet.

my belly is growing and growing now.  as one of the girls at work said, "you are looking very beachballish".  that's ok, I like my big belly for now.  I am starting to get a little unocomfortable though.  yesterday the baby decided to cram his/her bum up in  my ribs and the pressure was a lttle tough to take.  I have also started feeling short of breath a lot.  mostly right after I eat when I am all full of food and baby....no room for the lungs.  I also get pretty winded when I talk on the phone for work purposes.  I should really slow down and take a breath (something I tell my client's to do!  do as I say, not as I do!).

I went for another ultrasound on Tuesday.  Just a check in to look at the growth.  Jeff came to the hospital get a peak, but the waiting time was FOREVER!  he was busy working on many projects at home, so he just left.  An hour and a half after my scheduled appointment time I was taken in.  At least this tech was quite nice and less poker-faced than the last one.  I got to see the little  munchkin all squished in there!!  What a difference from the peanut that I saw at 11 weeks.  I hope s/he doesn't get too uncomfortable and decide to come out early!

We are going away for 2 weeks...leaving this Sunday! I am so excited for 2 weeks of vacation.  I really need it right now.  I have been working really hard and managing 2 jobs is getting to me.  Everyone thinks I am crazy for working so much, but it has to be done.  I got clearance to fly by my OB so we are good to go.  We are going out east to visit family and do some sight seeing.  I hope this wasn't too crazy of timing...travelling at 8 1/2 months pregnant?  It is a little crazy I suppose.  I am sure I will be fine.