We have an eviction date!

Today was my last official doctor's visit of this pregnancy!  I picked up Art for lunch and we went to a burger place and then in to the OB's office to set up a game plan.

The OB checked me and I'm 3 cm, 50 percent effaced and baby is still at negative 3 station.  We picked our little Leah's official eviction date: this Sunday, July 21st.  The doctor doesn't think I will make it that long, but I guess we will just wait and see what happens.  He did an ultrasound to check on my fluid levels and they are at a 7, which he said is fine.  I also had a non-stress test done and her heart rate is just fine, so there is no concern there.  It's a relief to know that we are both still perfectly healthy because I was getting irrationally anxious before the appointment, just worrying that something might be wrong with her.

I asked the doctor if he could sweep my membranes because I heard that it helps get things started.  I originally didn't want to have it done but I decided I would take it over having to be induced. Oh my goodness, it hurt so bad!  I was breathing really hard trying to control the pain and squeezing Art's hand really tight.  Right now I would do just about anything to get her here though.

The doctor thinks I will be in labor by tonight, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up.  I've had other predictions that obviously didn't come true either!  I did start having contractions on the way home, they were really painful.  I called my doula Cynthia and she suggested taking a bath because my cervix was probably very irritated from the exam and membrane sweep.  So I did that and now I'm feeling better.  I'm planning to take a walk later and hopefully things will pick up tonight but if they don't I won't be too surprised or disappointed.  This kid just seems to be very cozy in there!

God Has a Sense of Humor!

Hi everyone!  I apologize for being MIA for the past week...you might have thought that it was because I was off having a baby.  Hahaha...nope!  It turns out that God has a sense of humor ;)  Art and I have prayed so hard for so long for me to be pregnant that God is just giving us a little extra time.

I'm officially 41 weeks pregnant today.  Over the past week it's been an emotional roller coaster.  Being a first time mom, I wasn't sure what to expect and we had a few times when different people predicted that I was going to go into labor.  Of course this got me excited and Art and I both have gotten our hopes up.   Well, here we still are.  I've definitely had some times of anxiety and frustration lately.    

My church young adult group has been doing a bible study and this week's topic was thankfulness.  So appropriate for my situation!  I loved these verses, God just spoke directly to me through them:

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  -Colossians 3:15-17

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. -Thessalonians 5:16-18

Isn't it so easy to be frustrated or anxious about something that seems to be going wrong in our lives,when really God is calling us to trust in him and giving us another opportunity to rest in his peace and his plan?

After doing the bible study, I put up this post-it on my mirror, just as a reminder:

It has really helped me to feel at peace about however long my pregnancy is going to go.  Plus, we know that the end is definitely in sight because my OB's office won't let me go past 42 weeks.  So, our little girl will be here soon, one way or the other!  I'm still praying for a natural, med-free labor and delivery but if that doesn't happen it won't matter, as long as she is healthy.

And now, hopefully for the last time, here's my weekly update:

How far along?: 41 weeks

How big is baby?:  A bit over 20 inches long, your baby has continued to grow and may now weigh almost 8 pounds. As cozy as he is, your baby can't stay inside you forever. For your baby's safety, your practitioner will talk with you about inducing labor if your baby isn't born in the next week — earlier if there are any problems. Most practitioners won't let you wait more than two weeks past your due date to give birth because it puts you and your baby at increased risk for complications. About 5 to 6 percent of women have prolonged pregnancies that extend three or more weeks beyond their estimated due dates. Babies born at 42 weeks and beyond can have dry parchment-like skin and are often overweight. Waiting that long to deliver also increases your chance of developing an infection in your uterus that could be dangerous for your baby or of having a stillbirth. What's more, your labor is more likely to be prolonged or stalled, both you and your baby have an increased risk of injury during a vaginal delivery, and you double your chances of needing a c-section.

Any appointments or updates this week?:  My best friend from high school is a medical resident and yesterday she got me in to see a doctor who does a technique called cranial OMT (osteopathic manipulation therapy) which is supposed to induce labor.  It felt very relaxing, the doctor just pressed on different areas of my body, especially the base of my head/top of my neck.  We'll see if it works or not.  I also have my 41 weeks appointment tomorrow to talk to the doctor about a plan and I will be getting an NST (non-stress test) to check on the baby.  

Body changes?: I lost my mucus plug at the end of last week so hopefully my body is making progress with dilation/effacement.  We will find out tomorrow. 

Maternity clothes?: Barely anything fits at this point.  I can't wait to be able to go shopping for clothes again after I have the baby.  I'm pretty much living in 2 pairs of shorts and a few tank tops and tees. 

Best moment last week?:  I have had some great times hanging out with my family lately, especially on the 4th of July (we went to my aunt's house for a party).  It's been nice to have this time to spend relaxing and spending quality time with them now that life isn't so hectic for me.

Food cravings?: Sugar, sugar, sugar!!!  I may or may not have eaten an entire box of Double Stuf Oreos...oh and ice cream ;)

Symptoms?:  The swelling as gone down in my ankles and feet but it's been happening in my hands a little bit.  Nothing to terrible though.  

Exercise?: Yoga, walking every day and swimming whenever I get the chance. 

What I miss?: Being able to go shopping for clothes.  There are so many cute things on sale right now!

What I'm looking forward to?: Meeting our baby girl! 

40 Weeks!!!

Wow, I can't believe it!  We made it, today is my due date!

I keep flipping between feeling happy and excited that our little Leah will be here soon, and then getting anxious for her arrival.  I know that labor is going to be a big challenge and I just really want to get it over with and have her here with us!

I've been trying to stay busy now that I'm off work, hence the lack of posts.  I have accomplished some things but there's still more on my to do list.  The main thing is that I'm trying to do some fun and relaxing things too, like spending extra time with family and friends.

I hope to have a full update tomorrow...unless Leah decides to show up!  (but I'm not holding my breath).

39 Weeks - The Home Stretch!

Wow, look at that, I'm down to single digits in the countdown!  That is, if Leah decides to come on time.  I'm trying not to get my hopes up, I'd rather be pleasantly surprised if she does choose to arrive on or near her due date.

I'm officially on maternity leave as of this past Monday!!!  It feels really nice not to have to dress up for work or wake up at a specific time.  I'm trying my best to get lots of things crossed off my to-do list, but of course in typical Type A fashion I have loaded way too much on my plate.  I'm finally realizing that trying to do too much will just make me grumpy, so today I just put 3 things on my list: go to the grocery store, make a crock pot meal for dinner, and make a few freezer meals.  Plus go to the chiropractor and yoga class.  So far I've gotten everything done except yoga (that's at 6).  It feels great!

Since it's Hump Day Bump Day I figured I would share my 38 week picture from over the weekend plus a little comparison...looking at it made me realize how huge this baby has gotten!

Pretty crazy, isn't it?

Also, my 39 week update since I forgot to do it yesterday:

How far along?: 39 weeks and 1 day, only 6 days to go!

How big is baby?: Your baby's waiting to greet the world! She continues to build a layer of fat to help control her body temperature after birth, but it's likely she already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, about the size of a watermelon.  The outer layers of her skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.

Any appointments or updates this week?:  I went to the chiropractor on Monday and again today, she has adjusted me to help get my pelvis and pubic pones aligned just right for labor.  I think it's helping! On Tuesday I had my OB appointment, I can't believe I'm almost done.  The doctor did an internal exam and I am 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced but Leah is all the way up at a -3 station, so we have a ways to go.  The good news is that he said he could definitely feel her head and she is head down.  I plan to keep doing the yoga and other exercises to try to keep encouraging her into a good position though. 

Body changes?: Yep, my cervix is softening and slowly thinning out.  We're making progress!

Maternity clothes?: Now that I'm on maternity leave it's shorts and tank tops every day!  I feel frumpy most of the time but I know it's only for a little bit longer and I'd rather be comfortable than look good right now.  

Best moment last week?: Last Friday - it was my last day of work and my coworkers threw me a baby shower!  More details coming in a separate post :)

Food cravings?: I made these really yummy cookies (they are somewhat healthy, they have oatmeal, chocolate and peanut butter in them) and they are extremely addictive! 

Symptoms?:  Luckily my swelling has gone down but my hips are sore.  I can't complain too much though! 

Exercise?: Yoga and walking as much as possible.

What I miss?: Having clothes that fit.  Almost everything is too small! 

What I'm looking forward to?: Meeting our baby girl! -- yep, still this!