Grandma Giullian saves the day.

After I was told I needed to stay off my feet for the rest of my pregnancy, I was worried about what I would do. I had planned to make freezer meals that weekend, and organize all the clothes for the baby. Now I couldn't even cook or clean. (That is specifically what the doctor said... I didn't mind.) It automatically put Cora's social schedule on hiatus, which made me feel bad. She went from going out 5 days a week to needing to stay at home.

However, that brought up one of the biggest reasons why we moved to Visalia. We wanted to be closer to family! And even though it is hard to not have my parents nearby for the next 2 years, I was glad that Cora got to be around some of her aunts and uncles. And it was perfect for a moment just like this. I called Karen to ask her if she could come down to help us get ready for the baby, and she came down immediately. She ended up staying for 2 weeks which was much longer than I was expecting, but it was SO needed! Here is what we did while she was here:

 False alarm 1... I wasn't worried enough to bring Brandon with me. I just dropped him off at work and went to the hospital by myself. Sure enough- nothing. But I did get some awesome ice water out of it!

 She is so proud of her new sunglasses.

 We got to talk to Bethany one more time before she flew to the DR MTC!

 We made smoothie popsicles! 

 Obviously a hit.

 Time is short with just one kid. It's also getting crowded on the couch.

 I was so bored on the couch I taught myself to French braid my hair. Something I've meant to do for a while!

 I've been crocheting stuffed jellyfish for baby gifts, and I gave one to Cora.

 I love seeing her sleep, it's always so cute.

 Karen helped us set up bookshelves, which was something we had put off for 4 months and were JUST ABOUT to do when I was taken off active duty.

 When you can't carry your kid, you get creative.

 Brandon was in charge of taking my blood pressure 2 times a day, and Cora got jealous of "Arm?"

 This was my last full week at church.

 Reading books with grandma.

 This is what I came home to from a doctor's appointment one day. We also washed all the car seats and strollers (as seen in the background).

 Another cute sleeping position.

Getting hot! (And I'm getting swollen)

 

 We drove up to see the temple one day.

 I can never be alone.

 Yes, another cute sleeping picture. It's too hot for pants.

 Post nap snuggles.

 We went to the trampoline park. It was nice to be an observer and just sit and not chase Cora around the whole hour.

 Poor Cora has had a rough time with all the changes. We had been barely holding on by telling her that she could have chocolate milk when we went to lunch at Panera. When we got to Panera, however, they said they were out of chocolate milk. As I thought about how to cancel my order and where to go to get chocolate milk as soon as possible, the cashier said she would make us some. And she did! It was the richest chocolate milk I had had in a long time. And all was right with the world again.

 Child labor. In the heels!

We went to Dickey's and they had a free soft serve machine. Cora was pleased. 

 I wasn't able to go to church, but Cora looked so darling.

 False alarm 2- I was more sure that this was the real deal, so I had Brandon call in a few hours late and took this last family picture. But alas, not meant to be.

 Resisting the sweet potato.

 Painting nails with grandma.

 Since I was so sure I was having a C-Section (since my doctor said I was) we were teaching Cora to climb into the car seat herself. This was how far we got.

 Children's museum.

 Not a false alarm, but one of my weekly doctor appointments at the hospital. But good news- the baby flipped! With 2 weeks to go before my due date, I was no longer a guaranteed C-Section.

 One of the best hacks was teaching Cora to climb into a diaper box and color in there. Kept her entertained for hours.

We were so thankful to have people who were willing to drop everything and come help us in our hour of need! It was hard to accept that we needed it, but we did.

The end of this pregnancy.

So, the beginning of Cora's pregnancy was where all the excitement was. Super bad morning sickness, the State Department of Health calling me because I was diagnosed (incorrectly) with Hepatitis B, weird skin problems, etc. Towards the end the only exciting things were my swelling and blood pressure being a problem (for about 3 days before she was born) and a granuloma growing on my finger. Don't google that.

So, since this pregnancy has been the opposite it would only make sense that I would have a much more exciting end. A few weeks ago I found out I failed the 1 hour glucose test, and would have to do the 3 hour test to see if I had gestational diabetes. I had to throw out all soda, juice, cookies, basically anything I craved. (which was a good thing, but still.) The 3 hour test was rough, but I survived. And failed it. So now I have to test my blood sugar 4 times a day, and stay on a lower carb/higher protein diet. At that same appointment, I found out the baby was breech. Little stinker.

So my blood sugars have been pretty good with the low sugar diet, thanks to Brandon's help. He said my levels are so good they're similar to his. Which makes me wonder how bad it was before... but anyway. I also have to battle the insurance companies so that I don't have to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket for my testing supplies. And now I have a 50% chance of developing type 2 diabetes after the baby is born??? Good grief.

 A week later I went to an appointment and found out the baby was back to his right spot. But I would have to go to the hospital every week for monitoring. He is measuring about a pound bigger than Cora was (one of the worries is that he will be a big baby). I also have stress tests done to make sure his heart rate is good. Which it is, passed with flying colors! So we all survived. Thank goodness for the Beehive in our ward who was willing to come watch Cora and wasn't too phased by Cora's sobbing as we left. So sad, first time I've paid for a babysitter.

The next day, when I went to my OB I found out he wanted me on modified bedrest due to my high blood pressure. Oh, and the baby had flipped sometime in the last 24 hours and was now breech AGAIN. At this point, I'm just laughing. He's making me work for it, that kid!

Thank goodness we live near enough to family that I could call Karen up to come help us. My doctor specifically said no cooking or cleaning, so we were at a loss. She is here to help us get on our feet and prepare for the next few weeks until my mom comes out! And be at Cora's beck and call (according to Cora).

So, I'm almost full term. I'm hoping he is as early as Cora was. At this point, I don't know how much safer he is in my belly as he would be outside... but we will soon see!

(my belly is bigger than this 10 pound watermelon.)