We're Nearing the End

I meant nearing the end of this wait, but I just realized that it's also the end of February, so that's pretty funny. Well, not so funny to me, but it could be funny to someone.

I had a check up today, and have progressed to 3 cm and pretty much completely effaced. This is all good news. Now all that's left is for the contractions to kick in. I did have some cramping off and on all day, and actually timed an hour's worth of contractions tonight, but they tapered off. Maybe they will start again, but for now there are no plans to rush off to the hospital.

My next appointment is on Monday instead of waiting a whole week. If I go to that one, we will set a day next week to be induced. He's really not expecting that to be necessary, but at least we have a plan in place. The nice thing is that I've progressed so far already that he believes inducing would be very simple, and it would just be a push to get labor started. I really feel like I won't need to go on Monday. This is all basically how the end went with Jacob too, and once we started talking about inducing he decided to come out.

40 weeks and counting

Thank you to all the optimistic people who thought I would have the baby early. We're still hanging in here at 40 weeks. I'm starting to feel pretty confident that she will come this week, but it might be more wishful thinking than anything else. I'm feeling pretty good, so that is going to make any wait we have left a lot easier to handle. Her head moved into proper position, so the terrible back pain I was having last week is gone. I've avoided the rash that I developed at the end with Jacob, so that's also very good news. Other than being out of breath sometimes and just needing to move more slowly than I would like, I don't have a lot to complain about right now.

I've had some intermittent contractions during the past week, and especially this weekend, but they are very sporadic and mainly happen when I'm moving around a lot. So, no real ones yet, but one of these days they have to stick around. We're starting to cut it close with Grandpa & Grandma S's vacation, so she has to be born by Friday! That would be the same date as Jacob's birthday (August 27), so maybe she just wants to be exactly 2 1/2 years younger than he is.

Here is what I hope is our final picture of this pregnancy. I am a lot bigger than I was with Jacob, which I never thought would be possible. I've stuck out further almost the whole time, so I guess it's true about carrying boys and girls differently. I'm also very tired and starting to get more puffy in my face, so that makes for a lovely picture.

Getting closer!

Slow progress is still progress, right? I think we'll still be waiting around through this weekend, but at least we're seeing that things are moving along and hopefully will not have to start making plans for eviction. If I go to next Thursday's appointment, the doctor will want to talk about it, but we won't have to make any final decisions. I was thinking today that I should just have them make a date for an induction, since that's what finally got Jacob moving. Anyway, I'm even more thinned out (80%) and about 2 cm dilated. We're getting somewhere.

Jacob has been trying to make the most of this last bit of time with just the 3 of us. We are enjoying all the hugs and snuggles he gives us now. He's always been too much of a wiggler to sit with either of us, but he seems to know that things are going to change. He's also been very clingy to Mommy lately. We know he'll do fine, though. He's ready to be a big brother!

Getting nervous about your guesses?

I'm sure the 4 people who guessed next week for the baby's arrival are starting to get excited. Well, I hate to rain on your parade, but there appears to be a good chance we are going to be waiting at least one more week. We can't predict exactly what will happen, but as of today the baby seems ready to stay for the entire time that she booked. That's Daddy's girl, get as much as you can for your money.

I had a good checkup this morning. My blood pressure is good, the baby's heartbeat is strong, and Jacob was very well-behaved (always helpful). I am only dilated about 1.5 cm, but the OB said my cervix is about 50% effaced (thinned out). As it thins, it will dilate more easily. We'll see what next week brings. At my final checkup with Jacob, I was dilated 3 cm and went into labor 2 days later.

Jacob wants it noted that he got a sticker and a car from the doctor. He usually gets a sticker, but he's never gotten a toy. He was very, very excited to have a new car. We just don't have enough of them at home, I guess.

I'll be here all week

I came across a funny pregnancy Q&A on the internet that I think I've seen in e-mails too. I'll share some of the ones I like best after my appointment update.

I'm just a couple of days shy of 38 weeks today. There is no real progress to report, but the doctor said that with how soft my cervix is, the "practice" contractions I've been having could get things moving along soon. Or we could be waiting another 2-3 weeks. That's the great part about all of this. No one can predict anything, except for maybe Jacob. I'm expecting that he'll wake up one morning and let me know that Baby Sister is coming. At least I know it's not today. I was concerned when he woke up at 5:30 this morning, but he must have just been worried that he would miss the sunrise.

OK, now for the funny stuff. You might not find it as funny as I do, but that's too bad.
Q. Should I have a baby after 35?
A. No, 35 children is enough.

Q. When will my baby move?
A. With any luck, right after he finishes high school.

Q. The more pregnant I get, the more often strangers smile at me. Why?
A. 'Cause you're fatter than they are.

Q. My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.
A. So what's your question?

Q. My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
A. Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q. Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A. Yes, pregnancy.

Q. What does it mean when a baby is born with teeth?
A. It means that the baby's mother may want to rethink her plans to nurse.

Q. Do I have to have a baby shower?
A. Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.