Baby Update -- Week 39, 1 Week to Go!

Yes, I'm still here and still posting updates. :) And yes, I'm rather tired...in case you can't tell by that picture to the left. Yesterday was an eventful day with 7-8 regular contractions during church service and 2 more on the ride home. When we got home, I looked in my book and realized it was pre-labor contractions, since they didn't last more than 45 seconds and they went away. Shucks! I did go for a long walk with the dog yesterday and had another couple of contractions in the evening, but nothing steady.

So, we're back to the waiting game. I intend to go for walk this afternoon with my iPod, use my exercise ball for sitting and perhaps walk the stairs a few times. This morning, the baby shifted and caused some sharp pains in the lower pelvic area. So, I'm thinking this little one is getting ready. I just pray it's this week.

Oh, and I've created a baby guessing game where you can guess the gender, weight, length and birthday. Points are awarded based upon how close you get. Hubby and I have an EXTRA SPECIAL prize for the person who guesses the closest to the actual stats when they occur. Come on by!

http://www.expectnet.com/games/BabyStockton

Hubby thinks it will be tomorrow and that we'll have a little red-headed girl on St. Paddy's Day. Wouldn't that be amusing? :) I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday to check progress if I haven't gone into labor by then. Doc said he is on call this coming weekend, and if all looks good, he'll be happy to offer induction if we wish. I'm just not sure I want to force the baby's hand. Then again, perhaps scheduling that will scare the baby into coming on his/her own. LOL! I'm still measuring a few days ahead, so perhaps this little one will come this week anyway.

As for the rest of the appointment last week, my blood pressure was 114/79, which is great. Numbers-wise, doc says I'm doing fantastic. The baby's heartbeat was 145. I only gained 1 more pound (for a total of 12 lbs. overall), and there was no real progress on the dilation or effacement. But I have been having the pre-labor contractions, and doc said the dilation isn't an indication of imminent labor. He said there were women who weren't dilated at all and went into labor. So, it's anybody's guess.

I've been talking to the baby and trying to encourage an appearance. We're getting anxious to meet this little one face to face. Perhaps the baby can share more...






Hmm, I don't know what I should say today. It's been interesting in here lately, that's for sure. With the muscles moving and tightening on me a lot more, I'm finding it difficult to remain comfortable. When those walls close in on me, I can't do anything but curl into a ball and wait it out. Thankfully, they don't last long, but yesterday, they were one right after another. I wonder if someone or something is trying to tell me something.

Whether I decide to make an appearance tomorrow or next week, it's pretty much all the same to me. I am truly R-E-A-D-Y to face the big bright world outside of Mommy's tummy...at least I think I am. My home here is getting ready too. Since I'm well stocked up on fat and all of my organs have put on the finishing touches, I'm just chilling here, getting into final position and "hanging out" waiting for that elusive moment when all systems synchronize in my body and Mommy's to get things moving. I've been feeling the urge a little but not fully. I know Mommy is getting anxious. I've heard her say so. Wish I could do more to help, but I don't think it's up to me.

One thing is certain. I feel all squished in here most days and it's not easy to move anymore. Mommy told me yesterday that I'll have lots of room to stretch and move and wiggle if I come out. That sounds good to me, but it also means I have to leave the warm comfort of this little home. It's the only home I've ever known. That's scary to think of changing. I do want to meet Mommy and Daddy though. And there's someone else they call Roxie. I'm not sure who or what that is, but I think it's going to be fun meeting her.

I'm 39 weeks with 7 days to go...IF I stay in here that long...






All right, so I know my little angel is ready. Now, what about me? Am I truly ready to embark on the oh-so-fun adventures of labor? I sure hope so! I know the end result will be more than worth any pain.

Our bags are packed with the exception of electronics that we still use daily and the final toiletry items. But we have the bag ready for all of that to be added in those final moments before we walk out the door. Also just arranged to have my SIL or nephew check on our dog once we go into the hospital, so that's all set. I'll be completing the paperwork for a birth certificate and social security card for the baby today and placing it with the baby book in the baby's bag.

The back-facing infant seat is installed and tight and ready for the ride home. The baby's adorable "first outfit" is packed with an extra one and some socks and a hat. We've got the phone tree list and names for those people to call so we have everyone covered. Our birth plan has been ironed out and discussed, and it's tucked away in my admission files at the hospital.

That's all for today. Back to finishing laundry and the paperwork to take with us to the hospital for the birth certificate and social security card for the baby.

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