Practice Practice Practice

Sorry it's been awhile, I know some of you have been patiently waiting for an update. We have been very busy readying ourselves for this baby. We have made some additions to the farm, taking "Childbirth Preperation" classes and have been working in a construction zone inside the house.
The additions to the farm arrived last Monday when we went to a cattle auction in Mora and returned home with two red angus beef calves. The steers are almost 400 pounds each...still pretty little considering they will get to about 1600lbs (give or take a few hundred) when all is said and done. Two new spring babies to take care of on the farm before Baby Swenson arrives...good practice! They of course are pretty self-sufficient and do not need midnight feedings, but they appreciate the grain and fresh water Zach provides for them as well as the ever ready bail of hay that occupies a part of their yard. Now of course tending to the chickens, peacocks, dog and cat are apart of Zach's routine, but it is fun to care for these big animals who are a bit more dependant on him. And like any proud parent standing at the edge of a sleeping babies crib, we both enjoy standing at the fence and watching the boys getting used to their new surroundings and other barnyard friends. They are still a bit skittish but Zach seems to think they will be eating out of his hand by the end of the week.
Along with farm work, we have been up to our elbows in farm house work too. The 'attic' or unfinished part of the upstairs is complete! Our friends Joe and Katie Meyer were amazing helpers. The boys finished off the sheet rocking and electrical while Katie and I primed and painted the walls and ceilings. Zach built our closet and moved in my office furniture. We put in 5 industrial shelves and have lots of room for our storage. Since all of that was moved in, my old office was emptied and cleaned so we could get it ready to be a nursery. Zach and I wanted it finished for Easter as we knew our company (especially the Grandma's) would want to see Will's room. We spent late last week painting the walls and trim, putting together the crib, washing the sheets and stacking up diapers. Pictures are hung on the walls and outfits are hung in the closet...we are set! The room is very charming with it's tractors and farm toys ready to go.
We have had three nights of baby classes at the hospital and have one night to go. We have gone over all kinds of labor and delivery scenarios and got to tour the birth center last night. Small rooms...yikes. So if you plan to visit...which you are welcome to, please know that it will be cozy! We both feel like these classes are just ok and we feel like we are learning a little bit...but nothing that we couldn't have figured out or read about. Last week we were to practice getting ourselves through contractions. We both really tried and were serious through our smirks and eye rolling! It is hard to pretend to have a contraction and practice these different techniques. Who knows how they'll feel and who knows what will comfort me. We both practiced the "hee hee hoo's" and I already know that that nonsense will probably fly out the window unless Zach reminds me every second. Look, I have no problem with drugs...epidurals are the way to go. I do not need a medal for going through this drug free...oh yeah, I wouldn't get one anyway! So I am hoping that all is favorable for me to be numb from the waist down! :o)
After some irritating tests (think 24 hour urine collections...TWICE and a few viles of blood) I was diagnosed yesterday with preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension or toxemia). This means that I am retaining fluid and my blood pressure is high. Untreated I could deliver early. Since I am 37 weeks today, with only 3 weeks to go...it would not be a big deal to deliver but I would really like to hold on for at least one more week. We will know more at tomorrow's appointment. I can't imagine what the Easter ham will do to my blood pressure! I'll keep everyone posted as far as early delivery goes. I'm pretty sure the doc won't let me go full term, but again, I am hoping that she can wait at least one more week.
We had an ultrasound last week and Will is in position with his head down. The pictures are very unclear, so I won't bother posting them but he looks like he's got chubby cheeks and a little upturned nose. We'll see!
The uterus has been practicing as well. I have had some contractions...lots just in the last 24 hours. It is very strange and uncomfortable, but not painful. My bladder is making me practice the midnight wake up calls more and more. I'll be really glad when that part is over! With all of this practicing you would think we would be ready! I don't think there is such a thing...although I really have very little anxiety. I am so anxious to see the baby and hold him...it is incentive enough to take away any fears...until I am in the throws of it! We are almost there!