Press the pickle button
The “pickle button” is what the pilots call their weapons release button- the one that sends off all of the bombs. It’s also how they refer to their very pregnant wives, as in “no, she hasn’t pickled yet,”
“she’s about to pickle,”
etc.
Nice, huh?
(Christmas decorations, it’s so sad to pack you up)
So here I am, just shy of 40 weeks… trying to find the pickle button, so to speak.
I went through your suggestions on getting labor started, and have been Googling my face off. Of course, being induced wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, but anything we can do to get the ball rolling would be a good thing.
Lots of walking and other… physical activity
pineapple
(even if it doesn’t work, it tastes really good right now)
and red raspberry leaf tea, which I’ve been drinking for the past few weeks.
I have one more chiropractor appointment today to see if it will help her turn, an acupuncture appointment tomorrow, and we’ll see what happens from there.
If I still haven’t “pickled” by Thursday, I’m getting a massage for my sanity.
This week:
-The belly is making some CRAZY shapes- she’s officially out of room. When I woke up yesterday morning, I pulled up my shirt, which was actually the Pilot’s shirt since mine are all super snug, and told him to take a look at the belly. It was pointing out in the middle into a distinct cone shape. I have no idea what it was, and then she body-rolled back into place.
-It’s kind of fun to tell people an actual day instead of a date for my due date. “I’m due Friday” sounds much sooner than January 6. The guy ringing up the above pineapple at Basha’s asked when I was due, and I told him Friday. He said that a girl had just been in there was due 4 days ago and had to buy more cookies because her sister ate hers. Apparently she was very angry, and rightfully so- don’t mess with a preg’s snacks.
-I’m really emotional again. Yesterday, after taking a nap, I sat on the stairs and had a serious, long cry. Sometimes pregnancy meltdowns seem so necessary and later on I’ll apologize for being silly, and others, like yesterday’s, you know that there’s no reason for how you’re feeling but it’s happening anyway. Tom just hugged me and I cried, and told him that I had no idea why I was crying. Thinking about it, I think I’m sad that all of my friends that were due around the same time as I am (give or take a few weeks) have all had their babies. I’m the only one left, just waiting. Which is silly, but I just want to meet her so badly.
I’m starting to think she may be a little stubborn, just like her mama…
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I’m definitely sending good thoughts your way! I’ve been a longtime reader and I can’t wait to see the little Fitnessista 🙂 Somehow, I have a good feeling about Wednesday–perhaps that’ll be the day!
Dahhhhling, remember you are not even due yet 😉 take it easy!
Awww you will meet her soon. 🙂
I cried when my friend that was due the same day had her son 10 days before me. I cried, then threw stuff! LOL!!!! Just relax and enjoyed your pilot for now. I guess my New Years Eve 12 midnight guess was wrong! My new guess is the 5th! Good luck, lady!
I still have 37 days to go so I’m envious that your due date is already this Friday!!! You can look at it as it is better to have a healthy fully mature baby born close or just after her due date than it is to have her super early. : )
I’m not looking forward to those last weeks and am keeping my fingers crossed my little girl comes around week 38. I was a week late so I’m not holding my breath.
I love the term pickled! Too funny! You are looking great and its only a matter of days before you’ll be holding your precious girl in your arms!!!
You are rocking some serious skinny jeans! You look awesome 🙂
Hi Gina!
Aw I hope everything going so well for you! Hey have you ever tried Young living essential oils? I know there are oils that help bring labor on…And one that helped my friends baby turn. Do you want the info on it? Email me if you do!
We have that pickle ornament. Let me just say I hate those pickle ornaments. See, I was taught the pickle ornament was a German Christmas tradition; hide the pickle in the tree, etc. etc. etc. It’s not. We have friends from Germany that looked at us like we were insane when we asked them about it. There is no German pickle tradition. It’s all a big, fat American scam.
Haha…being German myself,I was also confused that we supposedly have that tradition…
But nope…apparently invented by the States…ts,ts…:-)
haha i’ve been tricked this whole time!
I’ve lived in Germany for the past 7 years and when we first arrived, we were told the pickle ornament was a great German tradition and apparently every American and German family had one (of course this pickle was sold at a retail store on an American installation and at tourist locations). Our German neighbors laughed and told us that it was made up by American’s as a German tradition. lol Still nice to have 🙂
Oh my goodness, I just read your last paragraph and am now sending you hugs from Germany! I know exactly how you feel! I knew 4 people due all within days of my due date and they ALL had their babies before me. Even worse, I remained pregnant for an extra 2 WEEKS after the 4th person gave birth. And I cried multiple times….including in the hospital when they finally induced me and they said “It’s normal for this to take up to 3 days to work.” (Different induction method here.) I bawled when I heard that. So I understand. Hang in there friend. It’s TOTALLY worth the wait. You’re doing great!
thank you, friend! <3
I just wanted to say I have followed your blog for a long time now and am sending labor wishes your way! I can’t help but smile when I look at the picture of you so very pregnant and walking Bella! I hope you “pickle” and you get to see her precious face sooner, rather than later. Enjoy being pregnant for now though because it could end any minute!!!
I’m so excited for you to have the baby! Good luck and hang in there.
~Lisa
My best friend goes to UVA in Charlottesville, VA and he told me about this cupcake shop that has lemon cupcakes that apparently are legendary for inducing labor!
I found an article about them… http://www.hollybaby.com/2011/04/01/lemon-drop-cupcakes-induce-labor/
Anyway I told him about you and how every time a new post from you shows up on my reader I get all excited that this might be the one where the baby shows up! He suggested that you order a lemon cupcake. 🙂
Those hormones at the end will get you everytime. If it’s any consolation, you look amazing. 🙂
You look gorgeous, Gina!
Just wondering: Doesn’t it feel kinda weird that we are all ‘watching’ you?! 😉
But,no pressure…everything happens for a reason.
Have you tried eggplant parmeasan??? There is PF Changs here in KY and rumor is it puts people into labor 😉
I JUST found out I am pregnant (Tuesday!) and I’ve been reading The Girlfriend’s Guide to Pregnancy. It’s pretty hilarious, and this reminds me of one thing in there. She said that at 8 months, you couldn’t imagine your belly getting any bigger…but at nine months, you don’t look like you’re about to give birth until the belly basically has corners!
I keep checking the Family page, waiting for a quick post that says you’re in labor – get her out already! 😉
She will be here any day! Enjoy these last moments being pregnant! I know its exciting to meet her, but being pregnant is such a memorable time! Love ya girl! My sisters birthday is Friday! Maybe her and your new baby daughter will have the same birthday! <3
She’s your pay back for being so stubborn haha ;D
aww. My prediction was wrong 🙁 She didn’t come this past weekend…I’m sure it feels like forever for you! It’ll all be worth the wait I’m sure. Still sending you labor vibes!
when i checked my reader this morning and saw that you hadn’t posted in 15 hours, i thought maybe today was the day! sending positive labor thoughts your way! we want to meet you, little one. 🙂
The anticipation must be killing you! 🙂 Here’s a way to kill a little time– birthday horoscopes, to see what the little one will be like if born on January 6: http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/january-6-birthday-astrology.htm
Notice it says she won’t like working out? haha. Maybe she’s destined to be a January 7 or 8 baby! 🙂
ooh that’s fun- thank you!
I can’t even imagine the anticipation you must be feeling right now!
I sooo hear you on wanting to meet the LO! Mine was 10 days late and the last two weeks were just.. frustration. I was feeling pretty awful too – I could walk, but after a few mins it would start hurting.
One thing my mom said when she was here was “You’re a mom now.. the crying’s never gonna stop”. And she was right. I tear up much more easily now.. and there’s always the occasional frustration too that just makes me bawl! (like missing my fam). It’s pretty crazy. 😀
Oh, well, any day now! I think they’re much more likely to induce by 41 weeks now.. and it’s no fun (sooo many contraptions you get hooked up to), so I hope your chicka decides it’s time by herself!
If it helps, you still look adorable! 🙂
I was 8 days overdue with my younger daughter and I swear I thought I was going to slug someone by the time I finally went into labor. I was emotional and cranky. So let yourself be emotional! You’ve earned it! And any day now (though it doesn’t feel like it) you’ll meet your gorgeous baby!
seriously do people believe pineapple helps bring on labor?
because if it DID pregnant women would shun pineapple all thru pregnancy for fear of preterm labor.
come on now ladies, you’re smarter than that :/
Pineapple has never been thought to induce labor, but the enzymes do stimulate prostaglandin, which softens the cervix. By no means would the effects be enough to send a woman into spontaneous labor at 20 weeks, but large quantities (like, a whole pineapple in one sitting) can ease things along when a woman is right on the verge.
It’s actually not a wives tale. There is some science/evidence behind it.
It’s not silly at all. Anticipating meeting with the person that you know you’ll love more than anyone else in the world…each minute feels like an hour. You feel so done with this phase, and the next one can be a minute or a week away. It can drive a Type A personality a little whacky. It did for me. lol I like knowing what’s coming next and when. 😀
Tom’s a good guy. Just hug and listen, dude. 😉
I was where you were exactly 7 weeks ago. My son came a day after his due date. All of my friends that were due after me, had there babies long before me. I felt like it was never going to happen, but it did when I least expected it. And I went into labor around 5am and he was here at 2:15pm. So don’t lose hope, she’s picking the perfect and most inconvient day to enter the world.
I’d to agree with “Lauren”
Just relax and enjoyed your pilot for now ! 😉
You go to the hospital as 2 people and come out of the hospital …. MOM + DAD+ BABY = Family;)
Get some rest ( really you gonna need it!)…good food..make sure you have meals in the freezer ect.
Enjoy your last days as “just the 2 of us” and look forward to the day, she’s is ready to meet you;)
All the best from Kirsten , Denmark , Scandinavia <3
I am so sorry you were feeling down! I hope that you can feel all of our love and support for you! I am sending you all the Pickle vibes I got girl, much love <3
You go ahead and cry all you want! Being emotional at ~40 weeks pregnant is definitely acceptable!
Enjoy the last few opportunities to make love to your husband without disruption! And if it causes you to start labor, well, two birds one stone, right?
Crying is perfectly acceptable! Don’t worry- she’ll be here before you know it- you haven’t even reached your due date! I was eight days late with Jack and the week before my due date I called my mom crying, “I’m going to be pregnant forever!”
I’m so excited for you it won’t be long the pilot will be posting on out way for baby time! Good luck you’ll do great! PS emotions are totally normal!
Aww it’ll happen soon Gina!! It feels like its taking forever just because you’re SOOOOO close!! Enjoy these last few days being pregnant!!
It’s moments like you described in this post, the emotional fragility, the wanting to meet her so badly, the wondering WHEN it will happen…I truly don’t know how women have large families 🙂 I am not cut out for pregnancy apparently 🙂 I remember those moments and all I can say is that it’s normal, it will be over…soon. And that you’re doing an amazing job!
All the crazy belly shapes are a good thing – hopefully she’s changed into a better position. Good luck!
Hope you have her soon. I’m excited for you!
Don’t be sad about her taking her time getting here while everyone else has already had their little ones.
My husband and I have been trying for 5 years, and have had two loses. It’s very difficult to see others with their little ones. Just rejoice that she will be here soon, and in her own time 😉 . Good Luck, you will do great!!
i can’t imagine- i’m so sorry to hear that <3 sending love and good wishes to you and your hubby
xoxo
Gina!!! I know how you feel. First off you look fab! With my second I went into labor at 26 weeks…. Doc’s put me on all sorts of medicine was in and out of the hospital until 36 weeks trying to stop it…. then at 37 when it was “ok” to have her, she stayed… I ended up being induced at 41 weeks!!!!!!!
I tried EVERYTHING from walking, to mac and cheese with a1 sauce… (I read that on babycenter and had to try it) didn’t work 😉 and castor oil(NOT GOOD) Can’t wait to hear when you go into labor! 🙂 praying for a quick and easy delivery! 🙂
I love telling people that I’m due Friday too! They always seem to looked shocked! Hopefully neither of us go too much longer!
I can only imagine the frustration. I would be crying too. Just know it will be so exciting when you two get to meet.
You look so cute pregnant. So so cute! Lucky!
I was induced w/my first at 40 w 6 days, which is really on the early side to induce (or at least it’s definitely not to the “necessary” point), but it was about as long as I was willing to wait, so I understand. It will be here before you know it either way, though, so don’t cry 🙂
And you look sooooo cute!
Haha, hilarious! Hope you pickle real soon! 🙂
so exciting!! i just found out i was pregnant last week. its amazing how you go through this whole transformation over 9 months…im sure you’re ready to meet her! congrats!!
YAY!!! congrats! 🙂
I have British friends that do “hide the gerkin” so maybe they got their countries wrong? Oh Gina you poor poor thing! I was JUST LIKE you. It was worth it in the end (going natural). I waited and waited and did…. er.. everything (amazingly) we could to git’er done. I’m telling you- I just checked out when a full moon is for your area (Jan. 6 and 7ish)- I kid you not.. some pickle buttons gonna go off then(esp. if you get a low pressure system move through… look for rain/clouds)… I’m not a weirdo either- my dad swears that all ranchers agree that that’s when ‘calfs drop’. Thanks dad. But it happened for me the night of a full moon too (and the first “rain”/sprinkle in months)! (one week past due). “Hang” in there!
that’s what i was thinking, too- crazy things always happen with a full moon 😉
p.s. visiting fam over Christmas my grandma-in-law was talking about opening up the cabinets for a freeze. I had only heard that on your blog about the base asking you to do that. Learn something new every day!
My birthday is on Friday so I think it would be pretty cool if your baby was due on her due date! Just saying… 🙂 You look gorgeous Gena!!!
I can’t wait for her to come out! I just found out one of my besties is preg too 🙂 Babies everywhere… Except in my belly. I’m content with fur babies.
Sending labor vibes your way!!!!! Xoxoxo!
thinking of you!!!
and if you guys go to Italy, take me with you 🙂 LOL
ok! 🙂 we need a wine date, asap
Aww she will arrive very soon, don’t you worry! My sister has had 2 babies, she was induced for the first one, then everything went very quickly thereafter. Good Luck, you will do great 🙂