Polyhydramnios: An Update

I have truly been slacking on updating this blog and I apologize for that.  I kind of left you all hanging on this one.

A while ago, I mentioned that I was diagnosed with polyhydramnios.
First of all, THANK YOU to all of you that reached out to me to offer your prayers and good vibes.  And thank you to those of you that shared with that you too were diagnosed with this and carried a very healthy baby to 37 weeks and beyond!  It made me feel much more at ease.

When I last left you, I had mentioned that I had the excess of amniotic fluid and my belly was measuring a few weeks ahead of where I was.  There are many causes of polyhydramnios, but they were fairly certain I was going to fall into the 50% of those with no known cause.  (which is what we were hoping for).  Regardless, I had to go through all the tests again.  And the results are in:

Glucose test:  Came back perfect.  It was just as low as it was before and I'm as far from diabetic as could be.

Blood work:  Came back perfect.  Zero indicators of any genetic disorders.

High-risk specialist appointment:  They confirmed that Little Man looks perfect!  His kidneys appear to be functioning normal.  We watched his swallow multiple times and it looks great!  And as I mentioned before, we've had 3D ultrasounds and can see no clefts anywhere.  So no worries about any physical developmental issues.

But the great news is that I saw the high-risk doctors late last week and my amniotic fluids are finally at a average level!!!  WOOHOO!!!!  They're at the highest level of average, but in the average range, so that's good!  And at this point, my cervix should be shortening anyway, so we aren't too concerned.

The high-risk doctors also said they see no reason for me to come back.  I'm still considered high-risk simply due to my cancer history, but until they see an issue that needs to be addressed, I'm okay to be under my regular OBs care.  That made me a very happy pregnant lady.  On the way to happy and healthy!!!!

Date Night: Change of Command Dinner

This weekend, I actually got dressed up and left the house!  It's not too often anymore that we have date nights anymore.  By the time the weekend rolls around, I'm completely and utterly exhausted.  I'm uncomfortable, in pain, and can't fit into anything I find myself attractive in.

But this weekend, Nick's squadron had a Change of Command dinner.  (Change of Command simply means that his Commanding Officer, (called the CO or Skipper) the most superior service member in his command, is leaving and the Executive Officer (called the XO) is stepping up as the CO.)  I will be honest and say that initially, I had proclaimed I was going to sit this event out.  I'm feeling less than attractive and didn't feel like finding anything to wear.  You see, this event is formal.  Nicholas was to wear his nicest uniform, (those sexy choker whites he wore in our wedding) and the women were to be in formal gowns.
A 35 week pregnant Melanie in a formal gown?  No way.  Where would I even find a gown to fit into?!  Thankfully, I am not the only spouse who is this pregnant.  There are actually many pregnant women, and two are due within two weeks of me.  One of them said she was just going to wear a simple black, cotton maxi dress.  I was turned off by the idea because, well because I knew I'd feel self-conscious.  How can I possibly go to a formal event in a cotton maxi dress from Target?
In the end, after searching every store, I gave into the maxi dress.  I didn't want Nick to go to the event alone, he really wanted me with him, and our opportunities for nights out are limited.   I opted to buy some cute jewelry and hope that made the dress look a little nicer than it was.

So that evening, (after getting my hair done...and then redone...and then redone, and then finally saying "It's fine" and leaving because I had no more time to ask her to completely redo it for the fourth time, I left.  Seriously, it was a simple updo!!!  It should not have went down that way.  And if she would face me towards the mirror as I asked, I could have stopped her or let her know long before she was done that she was way off on what wanted.  "All loosely pulled back, loose curls" to her meant "pulled back tightly so I look bald with loose curls".   The second time it meant "pulled back tightly into a tight bun" and the third time meant "pulled back slightly loose, slightly tight, in a tight bun."  Chick needs a new job).
As I was saying.....that evening, after getting my hair done, I went home and finished getting ready.  I put on the dress and felt so incredibly self-conscious.  Not only because I now had ugly hair, but because I'm on the arm of dashingly handsome man in his nicest uniform as I'm wearing a $27 back cotton maxi dress from Target.  But what could I do at this point??  We were leaving the house in 15 minutes.  Despite not liking how I looked, I did take a couple (and I seriously mean two) photos before leaving the house.  While I didn't like how I looked, I do like having these moments and memories preserved.

(Do you see that hair on the side?  What is that?!  Why is that not curled?!  I had to take care of it and pin it back before we left.)

And off to the dinner we went!  The cocktail hour was on the gorgeous grounds of an old mansion.  It seriously some breathtaking views even though these photos do it no justice.  Had I not been so self-conscious, I probably would have snapped my own photos but instead, I had to steal these from Nick's phone.

Thankfully, everyone complimented how I looked (they were probably being nice because that's what you do to pregnant women) and I felt a little more at ease.  After the cocktail hour, we went inside for the dinner, which was delicious and entertaining.   The wardroom (which refers to all the officers within the squadron) made various videos and entertainment remembering the CO's time within the squadron.  He then spoke for a while, thanking them all and talking about his time within the squadron, was presented with a gift, and then there was cake (which this preggo had been eyeing all night long!)

By the end of the dinner, I was exhausted, my feet were swollen, and I was ready for my bed!  I sound so old, but it's the truth.  While everyone else opted to go out to the bars, we opted to head home and snuggle up in bed.  And I have no shame in that decision!

I was so thankful for a night out.  I love an excuse to get dressed up, although I wish I could have actually dressed up and felt more confident.  But I will never deny an event where I get to see my husband in his chokers (it always reminds me of our wedding) or where he gets to wear a suit.  I know some other wives might be rolling their eyes at the event we attended, but I truly love Nick's wardroom.  They are the most down to earth and fun group of guys and their wives are just as awesome.  I love going to any event they have (we have a Derby party this weekend) because it's always full of tons of laughs.  We are truly lucky to be a part of this squadron and be a part of this tight-knit community.

Now here's to hoping the next formal event we attend is post-baby when I can fit into a real formal gown and feel confident on the arm of my husband.


Military wives, do you enjoy these type of functions?  Are you fortunate enough to enjoy your squadron/unit/command/etc?
Have you ever had to attend an event feeling so far from attractive or confident in how you look?

Pregnancy Update: 34 Weeks

How far along?  33 Weeks

Baby size?  A Savoy Cabbage.  Since we were at the doctor this week, we know this little nugget now weighs 4 pounds and 12 ounces!  Crazy that he's so big now!!! My little niece was about that size when she was born!!  There's no way to know how long he is, but at this point, they estimate 17-19 inches long. 

Baby progress?   His little immune system is growing stronger by the day!  He's no longer relying on the antibodies from the placenta, but using his own self-immunity!  As are his brain, lungs, and central nervous system, and his digestive system is full working on its own now.  He's also peeing up to a pint a day!  Peeing machine!!!! He's also making his first poop (lucky us).   Apparently this week his testicles are starting to making their way down from his abdomen to their final destination of his scrotum (I totally thought they were already there!).  That hair that covered his body should be almost gone by now.  

Weight gain?   Around 30, I'm not too sure the actual number.

Belly Button?  It's still barely in, almost flush with my body.  I'm just hoping it stays in!!!  

Wedding Rings?  On for the most part, there are some days where I wake up with swollen hands.  If they haven't gone down by the time I leave for work, I just don't wear them.  But that has only happened three times maybe.  

Sleep?  The Snoogle is helping me to sleep a lot better.  Not fantastic, but much better than I was!!!  It's just a struggle finding what position is more comfortable in that moment.  Sometimes I face with the long end towards my front, supporting my belly, and other times, I like the long end against my back.  I know sleeping with the bottom portion up between my legs is really good for my hips, but I just cannot stand the feeling of something between my legs, so I'm slowing trying to adjust to it.  The crappy part is this pillow definitely prevents and husband cuddling lol.  

Symptoms?  Same ol', same ol'
Horrible acid reflux, intense back (upper and lower) pain, sciatic pain, tailbone pain, bleeding gums, aching feet.  The usual these days.

Cravings?  None!

Movement?  Still pretty frequently.  It is slowing down some, which is normal as he's running out of room.  He still has room to move (and turn from his current head down position) due to my excess amniotic fluid, but he seems to prefer head down as the last 7 doctor visits, he's been head down for all but one.  

He gets the hiccups all the time now.  I just love it. When he has them, he's still other than the hiccups so it's a nice change from his normal strong movements.  He usually gets the morning and night and occasionally throughout the day.  And they're good for him because they're helping to strengthen his lungs!

Workouts & Activity?  Nope.  I'm on bedrest now, so no activity at all other than walking to the bathroom or kitchen (which is driving me INSANE!).  Good thing black is slimming, huh?  (or so they say???)

How are you feeling?   Annoyed.  I know I need to take it easy but I'm completely over bedrest and it hasn't even been that long.  I am just not the type to sit still.  And when you tell me I have to, it makes me want to get up and move around that much more!
But other than that, I feel good!  (minus the aches and pains)

Best moment this week?   These pictures :)  We went to the doctor and they had to do an ultrasound to check on my cervix and she was so nice and turned on the 3D (free of charge) and his hands weren't in his face!!!!  He was actually sleeping and resting his head on his hands.  We've never seen him calm and still so this was a change.  And we were so happy to get to see his face for such a long period of time.  As you can see though, that hand began to slowly creep up.  I will not be shocked if once he's born he does not look being swaddled with his hands inside, but instead, prefers to sleep with his hand, up near his face.  

Worst moment this week?  Being put on bedrest :(  
And shopping.  It's becoming annoying.  I am still a size small because, other than my belly, I've kept my small frame.  But my boobs certainly are not fitting in a size small, as this maxi dress is proving to be quite revealing :/  

What do you miss?   Where do I start?  Beer, wine, laying on my stomach, sleeping, using my abdominal muscles, lifting, just general maneuvering of my body.  

Things that suck?  My belly being contracted so much.  Because of it's size, when it's contracted, it's hard to do much of anything.  Even simply slightly rotating my body to check my blind spots when driving is difficult when this belly is hard as a rock.  It gets me pretty frustrated a lot of the time.  
I also hate how quickly my nails grow!!!  I paint them and within three days, they've grown so much and look awful!

Things that don't suck?   Finally making some noticeable progress on the nursery!!!!  Three walls are painted, only one to go!  Furniture is setup!  All that's left is that one wall, the custom-built closet, and decorating!!!  (As you can see below, I rested in the glider while Nick worked.  God love that man!)

Looking forward to?   Getting off bedrest and having someone to talk to other than my dogs or be on the phone all day.  I cannot wait to get back to the office (as crazy as it is right now) and have human interaction all day long.  
And getting to put all this adorable baby gear to use!!!  I love seeing it sitting around the house, but I just want him to be here to use it all!  

I mean, just look at the onesie!  We hit up the NEX for their giant baby sale and we couldn't resist buying him one so he can dress just like this daddy.  If you know Nick, you know that he if he's wearing a plain colored t-shirt or a golf polo, it's an Under Armour HeatGear shirt (and blue with lime green, as seen above) are Nick's favorite color combos.  So of course, this itty bitty UA HeatGear onesie was a must!

If you missed any of the other weekly updates, you can click HERE to see them all!

Pregnancy Update: 33 Week

How far along?  33 Weeks

Baby size?  Durian fruit (what the heck is that?!  I had never heard of it until now.)  At this point, babies are between 17-19 inches in length and weighing between 4-6 pounds!

Baby progress?  Baby Obie is almost at his birth height/length!!!  That's insane to me!  He's still packing on the fat and pounds though, putting on maybe half a pound a week.  His bones are hardening so he can better support himself outside of the womb.  His skull is still not solid though, and his skull bones are not fused together.  This is normal as he is will allow his head to reduce it's diameter as it passes through the birth canal.  He now keeps his eyes wide open when he's awake, which seems to be all the time! But this allows him to tell the difference between night and day (as if he cares). Antibodies are being passed from me to the Little Man to help develop his fetal immune system to help fend off germs once he's on the outside.  His brain is developing more distinct functions and is capable of controlling breathing, digestive functions, and body temperature.  

Weight gain?  Again, not sure.  I'd say around 30 pounds or so. 

Belly Button?  It's almost completely flush with my body.  I took out my metal ring and put in one of those longer plastic rings, made for us preggo women, but I don't need it.  I don't know if it's the way my piercing is, but my two holes aren't that far apart so this belly ring actually looks really freaking weird.  I'm not sure if I'll keep it in.  

Wedding Rings?  Still on!

Sleep?  Same as it's been.  Not there until about 4am-5am.  But I'm still full of energy during the day so I guess that's okay.  And it's normal so I'm not too concerned.  I just wish I wasn't so anxious during my insomnia.

Symptoms?  
Nothing new.  Still intense back and hip pain.  Still vomit-incuding acid reflux.  Insomnia.  Forgetfulness.  Anxiety.  Bleeding gums.  
My swelling was better this week, so that's good!!!  But my feet still kill me in general. 
And I think my boobs might be growing again.

Cravings?  None.

Movement?   Still moving around like a maniac in there.  And I'm still loving it.  I don't enjoy the kicks to the ribs, but he's doing it less now, which is great.

Workouts & Activity?  Not much.  My body doesn't like activity.  If I'm just walking around for more than 10 minutes, my belly contracts and will not relax until I sit down.  It's pretty annoying because with my belly as big as it is, moving around when it's that hard and contracted is difficult and painful. 

(Notice how my hands on the belly in the picture on the left make my belly appear smaller than it truly it is haha)

How are you feeling?  Still feeling great!!!!!!  I really don't complain too much.  Things are painful and uncomfortable, but it's not anywhere near as bad as I expected from all the other moms I know or follow on social media/blogs.  Maybe it's because I've had far, far, far, FAR worse pain back in 2006 when I had cancer?  Or maybe it's because I embrace this all since I never knew if it would be possible for me?  Either way, I can't really complain!  I feel good!

Best moment this week?   Celebrating Easter and going out to brunch with my husband and the bump :)

Worst moment this week?  Not getting to be involved in the nursery painting.  I hate not helping out and just feeling useless.  But I know it's best that I'm not around the fumes (and I'm not a fan of the masks).  I kind of feel how Yadi looks in this photo.

What do you miss?   Being able to put on shoes without it hurting.  Bending over that far is becoming very painful, especially since I'm contracted so much.  I wear flip flops and flats most of the time but when I need to put on tennis shoes for my walks or running errands, it's rather difficult.  This belly is just getting rather big!

Things that suck?  Blind shaving.  Hey, I'm just being honest.   I have to shave my lady bits without being able to see them.  I'm pretty proud of myself though because I do a great job and never cut myself.  I keep thinking I need to take a mirror in the shower with me, but I never actually remember to do so until I'm already in there.  

Things that don't suck?   Still fitting into my pre-pregnancy workout pants.  I am still able to wear all my spandex type Under Armour shorts and capris that I wore before I got pregnant (obviously below my belly now).  When you feel huge, it gives you a boost to still fit in some old clothes.  

Looking forward to?   Not feeling so front heavy.  Between my boobs and this belly, I feel like the slightest shove from behind will send me falling face forward.  My poor back is not at all used to this and it's just killing me!

The Time Has Come For {Temporary} Bedrest

Today's doctor's appointment didn't go exactly as I had planned.  While talking to the doctor, I mentioned to her the number of contractions I have been having.  They're not true labor contractions.  They aren't even false labor contractions. They're simply Braxton Hicks contractions, but I'm having them far too often.  Honestly, my belly is contracted more than it's not.
And she wasn't too happy about it.  It's definitely worse when I'm on my feet a lot and coming up that weekend, I had two work events that would have me on my feet 8 hours on Friday and again for 8 hours on Saturday.  She said there was absolutely no way I could do that.

Thus, bedrest.  It's modified bedrest, which means I can get up and move around the house, but trying to keep it an absolute minimum.  Pretty much just getting up to shower, use the restroom, and get something to eat.  No cleaning, no laundry, no nursery preparation, etc.  That is a painful concept for me.  I don't do well with doing nothing.

Thankfully it's not for the duration of my pregnancy, but only until I reach 35 weeks.  I still don't fully understand the logic behind it.
37 weeks is considered full-term and they say at that point, it's safe for baby to be born.
Yet, my bedrest is only until 35 weeks because at that point, medically, if I go into labor, baby will be okay.
.....so why is full-term not 35 weeks??

Either way, I'm just happy that I don't have to be on bedrest for that long, considering I'm already 33 and a half weeks along now.  Their concern is with as many contractions as I'm having, and as much as I'm on my feet, I could go into labor.  So rest it is.  And if I get back to this state at 35 weeks and go into labor, well so be it.

Which is such a scary (and exciting) thought to me!!!  There is still quite a bit to be done.  Ahhh....please stay put Baby Obie!!!  PLEASE!!!  I'm telling you all now, once this bedrest is lifted, I'm going to be a mad woman (and probably nagging the shit out of my husband) to get everything done.  I am getting so anxious as time is very quickly dwindling until that sweet boy is in my arms.

So here's to hoping I don't go insane being on bedrest (or end up divorced....kidding.  Nick wouldn't divorce me.  He might just go stay with a friend haha).  Thankfully I can still work from home, but that won't help this busy body.  I like being up and about.  I like social interaction.  I love my dogs but they don't respond to me (well they do, but it's my made up voice and responses for them.  Yep, crazy dog lady right here.)   I'm going to drive my husband nuts when he comes home from work (luckily for him, he doesn't get home until very late each night and will want to go straight to bed.)  I'm nervous just thinking about this next week.  Especially this weekend, having to relinquish all control over my events and just sit on my couch and wonder how it's going.

If you could all send some good vibes that I don't go insane, that'd be great.  And if you could send some good vibes and prayers that Baby Obie stays put until at LEAST 37 weeks, I'd greatly appreciate it!!!  Thanks in advance!

Pregnancy Update: 32 Weeks

How far along?  32 Weeks

Baby size? About the size of a honeydew melon; close to 18 inches long and weighing about 3.5-4.5 pounds

Baby progress?  Baby Obie is sucking his thumb and still practicing breathing.  He's going to start working his way (hopefully) into the birthing position (head down, facing my spine).  Not too much new going.  He's just perfecting his 5 senses and packing on the fat!!!

Weight gain?  I don't know.  I don't weigh myself at home anymore and I don't remember what the scale was at the doctor.  I do know I'm adding weight like crazy, but it's all this amniotic fluid as baby's size isn't really changing and I'm only growing in my belly (thank goodness).  I'd say in total I'm around 30 additional pounds now.

Sleep?  What is that????  I don't sleep.  Pregnancy insomnia, mixed with anxiety from my job and I can't sleep.  Many, many mornings when Nick's alarm goes off, I'm wide awake.  I'm seeing a therapist to help me manage my anxiety without medication, but thus far, we're only one session in.  Which means she's getting to know me and hasn't touched on my anxiety yet.  She gave me a guided meditation disk, even though I told her I've done those plenty of times and they don't work.  Surprise!  Hers didn't work.  

Symptoms?  
Intense siatic pain.  I limp a lot from it and it's frustrating.  
My tail bone is still killing me as well, which is increased when he's head down.  (He flips from head down, feet under my right rib cage to being completely transverse.)  
Acid reflux is at an all time high and I'm over it.  I didn't think it could possibly get worse from how it was pre-pregnancy.  Then I didn't think it could get worse from how it was the past few weeks.  But it keeps proving me wrong.  Zero remedies work.  My medication doesn't help much at all.  I'm so fearful for my endoscopy this summer.  I pray every day that it hasn't done enough damage to cause Barrett's or even full blown esophageal cancer :/  I'm absolutely terrified.
Leg cramps :(  I read that happens and was lucky enough to not have it happen to me...until now :(  Its only at night but holy shit is it painful!!
Swelling.  Always while I'm at work.  I need to buy new shoes in a wide because when my feet swell, they become sooooooo tight and painful.
Painful feet in general.  This additional weight is hurting my feet.  Obviously it wouldn't be so bad if I could wear shoes with great support but dressing professionally really doesn't leave room for comfort.
Bleeding gums.  That has returned.  Thankfully it's just when I brush my teeth.

Cravings?  None at the moment.  

Movement?  He doesn't stop.  I mean it.  Every single ultrasound we get, this kid is moving all over. I feel him move at least every 15 minutes.  I just assume he sleeps at night when I'm sleeping since I know he doesn't stop moving during the day.  But then Nick told me that he had his hand on my belly one morning while I was still sleeping and the kid was moving around like crazy.  (Nick was amazed that I was sleeping through it because they were movements that had his hand moving pretty high off my belly, and I'm a light sleeper.  I guess I've just become used to his movements and now sleep through them).  So either this kid truly does not sleep, or he is very restless in his sleep.  

Workouts & Activity?  I have a belly support band now so I wear that when I walk the dogs.  That's about the most I can get these days :(    But I guess that's better than nothing.  

How are you feeling?   Overall, good!  I've definitely reached the uncomfortable stage.  I'm not to the "omg I can't wait to not be pregnant" stage, but I'm slowly entering the "I'm over this" stage.  Thankfully his movements and hiccups keep me loving pregnancy and I have equal "I don't want this to end" moments.  

Best moment this week?   Nursery room!!!  We finally had some furniture delivered and my precious BOB stroller!!!  We picked the paint color we wanted (I promise in person those look differently) and began working on his room...FINALLY!!!

Worst moment this week?  Yadi has become RIDICULOUSLY velcro when Nick isn't home.  She is always obsessed with me, following me everywhere and keeping an eye on me.  But she's bringing it to a whole new level.  Normally, she lays right on the threshold hold of the bathroom floor while I potty or just sits in there with me.  Now?  She is all over me.  When I'm on the couch, she tries to get as much of her body on me, without actually being on the couch (since it's not allowed).  I'd say she's finally realized something is up with mommy!

What do you miss?   Laying on my belly.  I LOVE to lay on my stomach and journal, blog, read, watch tv, etc.  I miss it so so so so much!!!

Things that suck?  That painting and decorating are a tedious task. I just want to be able to complete his nursery in one weekend and not worry about it anymore.  It's making me anxious!!!

Things that don't suck?  Finding adorable maternity tops.  I love this pink lace top!  I would have bought this had I seen it in a non-maternity store because it's so cute!!!

Looking forward to?   Meeting him!!!  I'm getting to anxious to meet him now!!!!

Pregnancy Update: 31 Weeks

How far along?  31 Weeks

Baby size? Pineapple; about 17.5 inches tall! and weighing somewhere around 3.5 pounds.  

Baby progress?  Baby Obie should be close to his birth height!!!  His neck is more flexible and he can more easily turn it.  He's pretty ready for birth now as his senses are developed and his immune system is now almost ready to fight off and prevent illnesses.  His brain is still developing under his soft skull;  the bones that make up his skull are not yet fused together and this is so that he can pass easily through the birth canal.  The other bones in his body are hardening and preparing to support his body after birth.  Baby Obie's lungs are still developing to full capacity, but right now, they are practicing breathing 30-40% of the time.  

Weight gain?  27 pounds.  

Sleep?  I actually think it's slowly getting better.  Maybe it's that 3rd trimester exhaustion setting in?  I don't really feel utterly exhausted though.  Everyone said the 3rd trimester is like the 1st in that the exhaustion is ridiculous.  Granted, I'm not THAT far into the 3rd trimester, but it's not too bad.  But maybe it's slowly setting in and that's why I'm sleeping better.  Not great, but I'm getting about 5 hours a night, which is better than the 3-4 I was getting before.  

Symptoms?  Nothing new to report.  Same ol', same ol'.
Back pain, hip pain, ginormous boobs, vomit inducing acid reflux, little sleep, etc.
Oh wait, my feet, that's a new one.  My feet are now KILLING me after only a few hours at work and they're swollen by the time I get home.  I've never had swollen feet in my life, but I guess pregnancy brings about lots of new things.  

Cravings?  French toast sticks.  And mango ice tea.  

Movement?  Still a lot.  It's crazy because I can something rolling across my belly.  (Elbow?  hand?  Butt? Who knows!)  All I know is this kid doesn't ever stop moving. Unless I'm sleeping. And even then, I'm not sure.  I just know I'm asleep so I'm unaware if he's moving.

Workouts & Activity?  Nothing more than walks with the dogs, my job (which is not a sit down at a desk all the time, but instead in and out of car all day, walking all over, standing and giving presentations), and doing things around the house.  It's not "real" exercise but I'm definitely not a blob.  

How are you feeling?   Still feeling good!!  We got answers to this polyhydramnios so I'll have to update you all on that. 

Best moment this week?   Little Man had the hiccups and Nick was able to feel them AND see them!!!  Poor guy gets the hiccups often, but Nick has never been able to feel them.  Until this week :)
And I got to see him again!!!!  It's one of the few perks of having something "wrong" and needing ultrasounds more frequently

Worst moment this week?   My work event.  I had my first event (one of four down!) this week and oh.my.goodness was it rough.  After just two hours my feet were so swollen that my shoes were cutting off circulation.  I loosened them as much as I could but it didn't help.  I didn't want to take them off because my back and hips were killing me and tennis shoes obviously would offer the best support for my body.  Then about four hours into the event, my legs began to swell and my pants started to become tight and cut off circulation.  I was miserable.  Thankfully I only had to work 8 hours (mid event to clean up) instead of set-up to clean up which was about 16 hours.  But even those 8 were killer.  That night when I got home, I tossed and turned and cried and was just a mess.  My feet were throbbing so badly and it ended up making me anxious and I could get no relief.  I didn't even notice how badly my back hurt because my feet hurt so badly.  The following day I laid around all day but it didn't matter. I was still in so much pain.  It wasn't until day three that I felt back to my normal pregnancy achy self.  I'm not sure how I'm going to handle my next two events considering they're back to back (8 hours on Friday and 8 hours on Saturday).  

What do you miss?   Being cold.  I know, I know.  I hate being cold but lately, this pregnancy has made me so hot!  It's more so at night but I get so miserable at night.  But I'm weird and I HAVE to sleep with some sort of blanket on me.  Not a sheet, that's too thin feeling.  A blanket or comforter or something.  But then I'm hot.  So the AC goes down and the fan goes on level 5.  It's insane.  

Things that suck?  Needing to really stretch out (spreading my legs and stretching my groin and hips) but not really being able to do that because it's not acceptable to just spread eagle in a public place like Starbucks.  So I take breaks in my car to do so.  I know, so classy and attractive.  But I'm just keeping it real.

Things that don't suck?  Having a supportive husband that makes sure he's off on my events.  I am so glad he was there at my event to help support me.  My job is far from easy so it's nice to have the help.  It's also nice for him to see all my hard work over the past year come together for this huge event.  
Also having a husband in a squadron that allows him to come to appointments with me.  

Looking forward to?   Seeing this guy again on his 3D ultrasound.  I just hope he actually cooperates this time, but I'm fairly doubtful.  He doesn't like to be seen :(