T minus 8 days

Here's a quick update on our status as soon-to-be parents:

Went to the doctor today and measured at 43 weeks...so 4 weeks ahead. I hadn't been feeling much movement if at all lately so doctor wanted a biophysical profile done on baby to make sure all is well. She said I am still dilated at only 1 cm but that my cervix has begun thinning itself out and is 50% effaced. She said if stripping the membranes doesn't work this time, that she will see my back next Wednesday. She won't schedule an induction unless it is a day she is on call - which is next Thursday so if we have no baby by then, we will get to meet our angel on 01.21.10 at the very latest! That makes for 8 days and counting!!

We then went and had our ultrasound and she looked perfect! The poor thing is sooo squished in there that she has her foot in her mouth!! Nothing like sucking on your toes! The technician said that her head measured normal size and that the fluid looks good. I asked if she could tell if she had pottied in there yet - and she no, there was no indication that she had pooped yet! As for a weight measurement, they estimated her at 8 lbs. 2 oz. She said that this measurement is usually accurate within +/- 1 lb but what she was seeing, it was more like an 8 to 9 lb baby. She said that I definitely won't be having a 6 or 7 lb baby...which we all already knew! She tried to reconfirm the sex but her butt was all squished up into my ribs so we couldn't really do that. She said that her belly was measuring pretty big but not too worry because that can squish during delivery. Like I said, she looked perfect! and dad is really getting excited now!

That's it for now. Hopefully, we will get this process started on our own before next Thursday that way there is less chance of having to have a c-section...but in the end, as long as she is healthy, I don't care how she arrives! If I am feeling up to it tomorrow, I will scan our ultrasound pics and post on here for you all to get a sneek peek! For now, I am resigned to my bed to breathe through these cramps/contractions that she has started again.

38 week appt.

37 weeks - 12.31.09

Just wanted to get another update out there for all of you on the edge of your seat wanting to know if our little girl has arrived...as of now, she is still snug as a bug inside! She refuses to come out in 20 degree weather when she can relax in a toasty 98 degree belly! (Who can blame her)

Jason and I went to our 38 week appt on Thursday where the doctor did an internal and said I was still a measly 1 cm. I was this far dilated on Dec 22 ... so how frustrating to hear that all the contractions the last two weeks have been for nothing!! Anyway, the more shocking news came when she measured my belly -- I am measuring at almost 44!!! That makes it 6 weeks ahead in size. Doctor said that might not be accurate depending on if the baby's position changed at all. I can tell she has gotten bigger...but 44!! Ok - time for her to move out - seriously.

When she was doing the internal, she asked if I still wanted for her to strip the membranes. I said, YES! That was rather awkward and uncomfortable but not painful. The cramps/contractions started while she was in the process of doing this and didn't stop until this morning. They were pretty intense last night and I thought for sure we were headed somewhere -- but nope, the intensity of them has gone back to pre-appt. I am still having them but am able to talk and walk through them - where last night I was confined to my bed in the fetal position. I asked the doctor the success rate of this process and she said that it usually works best for women who have previously given birth but with that said she had just done it on a first time mother on Monday and she gave birth at 4am on Tuesday. She told me that if this was going to work for me, I would know within 48 hours....so by tomorrow. If not, she said she will do it again at the next appt. (which is Wed. Jan 13). I begged for an induction next week but she said no. I realize she is the doctor and knows best...but lets remember, I measured 44 weeks!!!! Enough is enough. I am scared she is going to be too big and have a bowel movement in there and then I won't be able to see her b/c they will wisk her away to make sure she is okay.

As for today, I showed some progress and lost the famous mucus plug. I have been losing it since Nov 21 ... but this was the REAL deal!!! I called the doctor to ensure I didn't need to go in b/c I was not prepared for the sight of that but they said to pay close attention to any leaking as it could be my water. The only concern I have now is that she has show very little movement today - just a kick here and there. I have tried doing kick counts with no success so - if nothing tonight, we may go in tomorrow to have a non-stress test to monitor her movements/heart rate/ and my contractions.

That's it for now - hopefully the next entry will be introducing our dear daughter to you all.

Please send labor dust our way!!