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!