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Monday, March 23, 2009

Baby Update -- Week 40, Any Day Now!

One more week, and I'm still here posting. (sigh) The good news is that I *am* in early labor. Been here since about 8:30pm last night. Pains started 11pm Saturday night and contractions followed with spikes in the baby's movement. After enduring most of Sunday and all night last night with everything, I called the Labor & Delivery Triage at 6:30am this morning.

Hubby and I headed into the hospital for a labor check only to find out the regular contractions that have been coming every 5 minutes since 8:30 last night were irritability (contractions only lasting 30-40 seconds in waves) in my uterus and not labor contractions. They *were* however right on par with early labor. I was 2cm dilated, with a very soft and anterior cervix, almost fully effaced, and the nurse felt the baby's head.

So, she said to go home and rest, then take a walk. The status quo could change in 2 hours or 2 days. I pray it's not days. Ack! It's an oh-so-maddening game of waiting for my baby, my body and my uterus to get all their ducks in line and start talking to each other at the same time. That's all we're waiting for. And since the baby plays a role in this, I'll surrender a little space to the tiny miracle inside me....





I'm here and I'm head-down. I'm trying my hardest to get into the right position, and I can hear the dejection in Mommy's voice when Daddy asks how things are going. I'm not doing it on purpose. Just proves, as Daddy said this morning, that I'm a true combination of the two of them. I started early like Daddy is always early, and I'm hanging on being stubborn, like Mommy.

I've already told Mommy's body that I'm ready to come out. It just doesn't seem to want to listen. It will be great to see Mommy and Daddy with my own eyes and get out of this dark, liquidy home I've had for 9 months. I know Mommy has reached the due date today, and I thought it might be fun to come today, but try telling that to this placenta thing and a body that's not your own.

So, I'm here and kicking and healthy. I promise I want to be on the outside as much as everyone else wants me there too. Sure wish I could give a solid indicator, though. For now, I'll wait with Mommy....





And wait I am. (sigh) Those irritability contractions are still going regular. I've taken a nap to get rested. Now, hubby and I are going to go grab some Chinese food and go walk the entire zoo. It's built into the side of a mountain with lots of climbing and hills. We're also going to find a bumpy road along the way.

They say early labor can last 12 hours for first-time moms. Well, it's been about 16 so far, with no real change. I've got to do something! I truly won't handle 3 more days of this until my appt. on the 26th.

Btw, on Saturday, I scrubbed the bathroom, ran the vacuum, cleaned the kitchen, cleared and straightened and even washed our deck doors last week from puppy nose art. The baby's area is ready, there is nothing left to buy, and there's nothing left to clean. If nothing happens during or after our walk, I'm coming home and doing laundry.

Perhaps I should give my friend a call and go make use of her trampoline in her back yard....

4 comments:

Cheryl said...

Doesn't the end last forever? My heart goes out to you Tiff. If it makes you feel any better, I went to the hospital three times with my first child before I actually got to stay and have him.

The real contractions are different and you'll probably notice that when you start feeling them.

For my second child, I stayed home as long as I could because spending so much time in the hospital waiting for things to happen was a drag. I also had horrible back labor with my son, so being stuck in bed for too long was very uncomfortable.

They induced me for our youngest one, so I didn't have much choice about the hospital stay that time.

Wishing you and the family all the best. I'm so exicted for you!

Cheryl

P.S. Baby Stockton might have a present from Massachusetts by the time he/she makes his/her appearance in the world.

Mocha with Linda said...

LOL - there's a reason they're called irritability contractions! Hang in there. There is an end (and a beginning!) coming! I promise!!

Anonymous said...

I'm in so much angst for the birth of your baby. I've learned a LOT, as I had back labor. Please let us know as soon as you can. I know family comes first, but we've become your family through your blog.

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

Thanks so much, ladies. The pain is still here, and the cramping, but those previous contractions have waned a bit. It's partially a relief as the annoyance and exhaustion is gone, but a disappointment as I was hoping they would just transition to the real thing.

And yes, Linda, y'all are definitely my family here. I'll be sure to keep ya updated as soon as I can. Thanks!