Baby Update - 37 Weeks

I went for my regular appointment today and it went just as I expected.  My blood pressure was up so off to labor & delivery I went for another non-stress test.  (I didn't gain any weight this week, so at least there is that to be happy about.)  My blood pressure was 160/99 at the doctor's office, and while it was still up at the hospital, it went down a significant amount.  My last reading after about 2 hrs on the monitor was good, 136/74ish. It's amazing how much it went down once Daniel surprised me with his presence. =)  I think that one read after the nurse had already contacted my midwife, though, so she never got that positive news.  Because my pelvis is narrow and my cervix is unfavorable (or at least I think that is what she said. There was so much information thrown at me at once), I will be having a c-section.  I could demand going into labor, but who wants to risk being in labor 20+ hours and then still have to have a c-section.  Not this chick! I go back to the doctor on Monday, April 1st, and I'm pretty sure I'll be put on the books for Wednesday, April 3, 2013.
(Only 9 more days, Oh My Gah!)

Our bags are packed and we are ready to go, but

I am worried about our sweet John McRae and how he is going to take all of this in once his baby sister finally arrives.  While I'm over the moon excited to welcome home our baby girl, I worry about his sweet little heart and him no longer being our only child.  That's a lot for a spoiled rotten, center of attention, aka The Boss, to deal with.  He made us parents almost 3 years ago and we never want him to feel like anyone is going to take his place, ever.

Prayers please for Daniel, John McRae, Sadie and I as we will soon begin our new journey as a family of four!

XOXO,

Stacy   

Baby Update - 36 Weeks

Today, I went for my first weekly visit.

It was routine, with two cultures checking for Strep B and any infections.  I'm not dilated ANY.  Surprise, surprise.

My stomach is measuring 38 weeks, but the ultrasound measured the baby at 36 weeks 1 day.  The ultrasounds have been measuring me about 4 days ahead of my due date(which would put me at 37 weeks today), but this one was 2 days behind it.  Very strange, especially since my stomach is measuring even further along now.  The ultrasound tech said that the ultrasound can be off two weeks and it might be off because of the way Sadie was laying.  Her estimated weight is 6.4 lbs, which means she is somewhere between 5.4 and 7.4 pounds.  Gracious, I hope it is on the lesser end because by the time I make it to 39 weeks, I might be dealing with a 9 pound baby girl! Sadie is in position to make her arrival and she literally stretches from the point of exit to my ribs.  Baby girl is filling up my entire stomach from top to bottom.  Maybe that pressure will make a little progress, instead of just making it hard for me to walk.

No contractions.  No dilation.  Minimal swelling, but a blood pressure reading of 166/98...I figure I'll be induced April 5th or somewhere around that time.  Isn't it amazing that my blood pressure was 127/72 when I went for the non-stress test a week ago today at the hospital and it is off the charts today?!?  I tell you, that blood pressure machine at the clinic hates me.  I go back again Monday for another check so I guess we'll see if I've progressed any between now and then.  
Even though I am ready to meet our baby girl, sooner rather than later, I know that I'm very fortunate that I've not had any more problems than I already have.  While I find it a bit annoying that I'm almost 37 weeks and haven't had the slightest contraction, many folks would be so glad if they didn't have to deal with the pain, worry, and annoyance until after this point.  I've not even had a Braxton Hicks!
That pretty much sums it up.
Until next week...

John McRae's 4th Birthday Party

Due to my ever growing belly and fatigued body, we had John McRae's birthday party a week early.  He was so surprised, because he had no idea that he was having a party last night.  We'd asked him who he wanted to invite and what kind of cake he wanted, but had not talked anymore about it. He told us that he wanted a cake just like his Daddy's and he did not mention any kids that he wanted to be there.  We sang, cut the cake, and then ate pizza, chips & dip, and ice cream.  Yes, we cut the cake first, because he could not handle it one more second.  He had already gotten a fork and dug into the side of it.  We couldn't say too much to him about it because he was so excited and we wanted to do the same thing!  This year's party was much, much smaller than his two prior, but he loved it!  
Thanks for coming, everyone.

Thanks to my Daddy for the pics below. =)

He said that he needed to open some  yummy snacks.

36 Weeks Pregnant and still growing!

I'm 4!

Love this kid!

Singing to the birthday boy.

It fits!

This boy loves cake! (Well, at least the icing.)

Presents, presents, presents.  Such a spoiled little joker!

He's so excited that everyone is singing to him!

His awesomely delicious cake.

Scooby Doooby Dooooo!

Checking it out.

  

We have some fun stuff planned for his actual birthday, too, including taking the day off from work for a day of fun and Granny will be in town, too.

We like week long birthdays around our house. Next year, we'll be planning two birthdays very close together!  =)

Baby Update - NST

Just a quick update from today's trip to Labor & Delivery.

My doctor's office is closed this week for Spring Break.  So, I had an appointment for a non-stress test at the hospital to make sure that my blood pressure was okay and that Sadie's heart rate was beating as it should.  Unlike when I go to my regular doctor and get annoyed and anxious, my blood pressure was a great 127/72 instead of the normal 144/89 that usually reads (at the lowest) at my regular appointments.  I've been telling the staff that it was them and not me.  Maybe they will believe me now. ;)

Also, I was up 8 lbs in just two weeks time at my last appointment on Feb. 25th, but as of today (2 weeks later) I have not gained any more weight.  Must have been pesky fluid, although I'm not really swelling at all.  Maybe just a tad bit around the ankles (but hardly noticable) and my hands are getting a little puffier.  I was relieved that the scale had not inched up anymore.  Especially since everyone is telling me I look like I'm about to pop.

So, Sadie and I passed the test with great results and I'm so very thankful for that.

My next appointment is Monday, March 18th, and I pray it goes just as well.

We've got a month to go, but I wouldn't complain if we have an Easter baby!


XOXO,
Stacy