If I don't pack my bags, I won't go into labor.

Right, right?? Because the ob I saw on Friday told me multiple times that I needed to have my bags packed, and I am in denial. I am 3 cm dialated and 75% effaced, which I was NOT expecting. So, that, combined with my diagnosis, makes her think I will not make it to my due date. I was not expecting this. I know, I know, you would think I would know better by now than to have expectations. Once I got this far, I just had it in my head that he would make a late appearance. He's taking after his dad with his lips, so why can't he take after him and his lack of ability to be anywhere on time or early?

Sidenote: Our renovations are NOT finished. I'll let you know if I decide to pack my bags anyways.

Blogger hates me.

I'm reading all your blogs. I want to comment. I attempt to comment, multiple times, until I want to throw my computer across the room because it won't let me. So, I promise I am still following along with you all. Hopefully soon I can be vocal on your blogs again!

Bump time

Fluffy butt prep

Feel free to think I am a big, crunchy dork, but I have been looking forward to a day like this for the past couple years.  It makes me smile.

Namaste

I have been taking a prenatal yoga class for a couple months now. I highly, highly recommend taking one if you get a chance. I love it! Not only is it extremely relaxing, but I really think it will help me while in labor. Somehow, like magic, I don't itch while I am in yoga class. That alone is worth it!

And check it out-I made a new header! Do you like it, or too much belly?

More natural remedies.

I am still trying a natural approach to my pemphigoid gestational, aka itchy rash, not that there are many other options. My latest attempts? Applying a cayenne pepper paste or coconut oil on my rash & going gluten, dairy, soy free. I know someone who has a "holistic guru" due to her autoimmune disease. We do not have the same problem, but he gave her some tips to help me out.

I mix together cayenne pepper, water & a little flour to make a paste. I put that directly on my rash. Yes, it sometimes burns, but the burn feels a million times better than the itch. It also keeps the itch away for quite some time. However, I can't do it very often, as I don't want to burn my skin. I can't remember if I mentioned that I have tried putting olive oil on the rash. He recommended I use coconut oil. Not only directly on my rash, but also when cooking. All of this is super easy. The diet? Not soo much.

I have heard of others going gluten free, but it was never something I looked into. Wow, it's pretty tough. Throw in dairy free as well, and I can't have a lot of my favorite foods. It is easier since it is summertime, and we have lots of fresh veggies. I also have a couple yummy recipes I got from a friend that I will post. Substitute for ice cream? You KNOW I have that!

Maternity Photos

Here is just a tiny peek at some of my maternity photos. I ADORE them. Seriously, they make me tear up. My friend did an amazing job, and I am forever thankful I had them taken-especially before my whole rash breakout. I can't show you much, and due to the fact that I have never shown my face on this blog, that cuts back the amount even more. I wish I could share more, but maybe someday I will get brave and share my face. :)

Bumps & update

I had an ultrasound (bpp) yesterday to check on little man, because of my recent diagnois of pemphigoid gestational. They said his growth, fluid, & movement all looked good. I didn't have an appointment with the actual dr. though, which was a little annoying. I go back  next week for a regular appointment and another BPP ultrasound. Anyways, on to the bumps.

Scratch that diagnosis.

Both literally & figuratively. It's not PUPPS. I knew it was something uncommon when my OB went to get another OB to take a look, and I heard her comment that she had never seen this condition, only read about it before.

I have an autoimmune disease, gestational pemphigoid. Only about 1 in 50,000 women get this. Awesome odds, huh?

I will have this until delivery, at least. Sometimes it sticks around for months after. The only thing they can do is treat the symptoms. So, I'll keep testing out my natural remedies.

The scariest part is that I have to have weekly ultrasounds to monitor little man. I'm worried, no surprise there.