39 Weeks

Well, our baby girl is holding on in there! We have passed 39 weeks with no sign that she is coming any time soon (although we know she has to be here soon!). So, on Monday I was sent to labor and delivery triage due to decreased fetal movement. She was very slow over the weekend, and while I wasn't in panic mode, I also wasn't going to let it slide. I simply called my doctor Monday morning to ask what they thought and they immediately told me to go to labor and delivery and get hooked up to monitor the baby. I was a little freaked, to be honest, just because they were so quick to send me to the hospital. But, I went with the "better safe than sorry" attitude. And, after over an hour of them monitoring the baby, it was determined that she is doing perfectly well in there, healthy as can be as far as they can tell. And I have felt her move much more this week. They guessed that she could have been facing my back and therefore I wasn't feeling the kicks and jabs as much. They also reminded me that she is running out of room in there - which is abundantly clear to me! Let me tell you, being there at labor and delivery was very surreal. It felt like I was living someone else's experience. I still can't believe there is a baby in there for them to monitor....my baby!

I am actually feeling pretty good. I'm certainly not miserable like so many other mommies at this stage talk about feeling. My worst symptoms are fatigue and the continuing weak spells that often happen in the morning. I get very close to passing out and have to lie down. This is very frustrating because I am one of those people who likes to be moving and getting stuff done, especially with Jackson needing so much from us. And the mornings are so fun with him - he is such a sweetie pie in the mornings! Anyway, the doctor suggested eating more protein and less carbs in the morning (carbs and sugar are pretty much all I want in the morning, but I'll do what I have to), so we'll see how that works.

I saw the doctor today and I am only 1cm dilated...there is no sign that anything has started. That doesn't mean much, though, as labor could start at any second...or in a week! The doctor did offer to induce me (she also offered last week). She knows how tired I am, and there is the distance factor (we live 1.5 hours from the hospital). But, I am a strong believer in letting babies come when they are ready, unless there are medical or family reasons that make that not the best option. So, since I am feeling well and baby girl is doing well, we are just waiting for her! However, if I go to my appointment next Thursday (my due date), meaning I haven't gone into labor yet, they will schedule an induction. I guess there is some danger in allowing a baby to go past 41 weeks. One way or another, this little girl has to come soon! Oh, and based on the ultrasound 2 weeks ago and average rates of growth, the doctor estimates her around 8lbs now...yikes! The estimate could be a pound or so off either way, so we'll see!

I am finally getting excited to meet our baby girl. I have spent so much time anxiously wondering how in the world I will take care of 2 infants (not to mention the anxiety about the actual giving birth part!). And while that anxiety is still there, I am now allowing myself to experience the excitement and joy of knowing we will be meeting our daughter in a matter of days. I find myself dreaming about what (or who:)) she will look like, what her temperament will be like, how we'll react when she enters this world...it's all so overwhelming. What a blessed life we are living. These next couple of weeks are going to be quite the adventure, I just know it!

Here is what we look like at 39 weeks....