I Won't Be Pregnant Forever!

I'm at a 3! After a 3 hour long wait for the doctor (he had an emergency C section), we found out that I have progressed more. I was so happy to hear this! He said that my body is ready to go at any time, but if I don't go by Wednesday then I'm being induced at 7 am! That's tomorrow people!!! He thinks that when I do go into labor, I will go quickly (I did with Rylie).
I have lots on my mind, but it is 4 am and I need to get back to bed. Thank you Mom and Dad for keeping Rylie so I could sleep in for one last time! Thank you to everyone for all of your prayers and encouragement!

Going To Church

I really didn't think I would be getting ready to go to church this morning! I thought for sure I would be at the hospital! Friday night I drank raspberry tea and played lots of Wii bowling and baseball hoping that would help speed things along. It did progress somethings (I won't go into detail for my male readers) and the web sites say that now I should be going into labor in the next day or two (which would be yesterday or today). But, I have learned not to count on such things and I'm really trying to be patient and content with waiting until whenever it is that God wants her to be born. He has the perfect timetable anyway!

We've had a good weekend and I'll try to post some pictures later today of some of our fun. Until then, Happy Lord's Day and Happy Birthday Stephanie!

Waiting. . .

Well, I had my membranes stripped yesterday (ow!) and I was really hoping that would send me into labor last night or today, but so far nothing new is happening. I'm having my usual contractions. People keep telling me that today would be a great day since it's leap day, she would have a unique birthday. Ryan thinks that might be a good idea then he could tell her she could date on her 16th birthday (she'd be 64!).
If nothing starts happening with our little Anna banana, then we have a fun evening planned (not that labor wouldn't make for a fun evening). We are going to our good friends Book Signing party! I have written before about their other book, Gid the Kid. Tonight, they are signing the second in the Heroes of Promise Series, Ten Gallon Sam. We have already bought the book and Rylie loves it! She also loves that they signed it for her, she always shows me where it says her name! Everyone should check it out on Amazon or other book retailers, or on their website!
After that, we are planning on going to a Wii party! Maybe that will get labor going! At the very least, I should prove quite amusing for my friends as I try to bowl, etc with my rotund shape!
I also can cross one more book off of my list, The Great Divorce, by C.S. Lewis. He is one of my favorite authors. I will work up a review of this book as well.
Hopefully the next post will be the announcement of our baby girl!

Progress!

My doctor gave me some hope today! He said I am now dilated to a TWO!!! I know that's not a ton, but after weeks of painful contractions with no dilatation, a two is wonderful progress! He also had me on the monitor for a non stress test and her heart was doing great and not in any distress. He did another ultrasound and my fluid levels remain the same as last week, in the high normal range. We were able to get a glimpse of her adorable face and the top of her head. Ryan thought maybe he saw hair! (When I had my last ultrasound with Rylie they were able to see hair on the ultrasound and she was born with a ton of it!) I have another doctor's appointment on Thursday, when he is going to strip my membranes (moving the bag of waters off the cervix). Usually people go into labor within two days of having that done! He said we would also discuss induction at that time. Things are progressing and we might have a baby this weekend! My sister-in-law, Pam, is very excited because she's been predicting the whole time that Anna will be a leap year baby, and now there is a real chance that may happen.
After my exam today (in which he tried to push her head down some), I started having stronger contractions, so Ryan and I went and walked a mile to try to get her lower. I'm not sure if it worked but I'm still having some contractions. If nothing else, then we're getting good exercise!

Pregnancy Buddies!

Still no baby! I am having contractions (what's new?!) and her bassinet is now set up in our bedroom! Thank you to my friend Apryl who sent me these pictures of her, Keren and I when she was in town visiting a couple of weeks ago!

Mall Walking

Ryan and I walked four miles today! I'm not sure if it accomplished anything or not, but I really enjoyed spending the time with my husband. As we were eating lunch at a 50's Diner, we both realized that it might be the last time we had some alone time. We decided to count it as a date, we even held hands! I'm having some contractions now, but it doesn't look like it will happen tonight. I'm praying that my water will break so we will have a clear sign and they won't send me home from the hospital! I think Anna's enjoying the bean burrito I just ate, she's moving like crazy!

Me And My Girl!

When I opened up my blog yesterday, Rylie saw her pictures and said, "Look, it's my blog!" I told her it was actually my blog and she said, "Well, it can be yours and mine". It's so nice of her to share with me!
(Sidenote: I had contractions on and off all day yesterday and several all through the night last night. I've been having more today, not as frequently, but more painful ones. They could be not doing anything like the ones in the past, but I'm thinking optimistacally since I'm 38 weeks now! My darling husband stayed home with me today just in case. He has been doing a great job of taking care of Rylie so I can rest since I was up most of the night with the contractions. He also bought me some treats to make me feel better! Thanks honey!)

It felt like Spring!

It was such a beautiful day today! We even ate ice cream outside (an "ice cream pic-a-nic on ice cream day" as Rylie said).
My appointment went well, other than the fact that it will take dynamite to open up my cervix! I have been having painful contractions every night this week (including right now), but they have not done a thing! On a positive note, when he checked my cervix, I felt him push Anna's head and she did too, she moved right away. That means that her head is lower, so that is a good sign. He did the Non Stress Test again (put me on the monitor), and Anna's heart rate was wonderful. She continues to not be in any distress, praise the Lord! He wants me to come back on Thursday and do the monitor again. The monitor monitors her heartbeat and also my uterus so it can tell if I'm having any contractions. Apparently, it also notices if your husband makes you laugh uncontrollably! Ryan kept making me laugh and the harder I tried to stop, the harder I laughed. It showed up on the monitor as a big spike. We had to explain to the doctor, that that wasn't a contraction!
He also did another ultrasound to check my fluid level. Last week, I was at a 25 which was on the line for being too high. Today, it had gone down some and is now at 23, so that is a praise! We didn't get to see much of Anna because the ultrasound was focusing on measuring the fluid. We did get to see her ribs and her practicing with her little lungs. My doctor said that if I haven't had a baby yet by next Monday, he wants me to come in for another ultrasound to check the fluid levels again. I'm now having two appointments a week. When we were leaving, the nurse asked me, "Can you please try to be dilated next week? I keep starting to get excited for you!"
Before our appointment we went out to lunch with our friends, Becky and Jenaya. They offered to watch Rylie during the appointment, since Jenaya only lived a few minutes away from the doctor. I was getting worried when the appointment lasted about an hour and a half longer than we had anticipated. I knew Rylie loves them, but she had never been to Jenaya's house, and it was nap time. I was thinking she might be missing us or needing us to help her feel secure in a new enviroment. After the appointment we called them and they met us at Cold Stone for ice cream. When Rylie saw us she said, "What are you guys doing here?" I told her that we came to get her and have ice cream together. She said, "I want to stay with Becky and Jenaya. I didn't miss you guys." So much for her needing us! Later on during our visit, she told me that I wasn't her Valentine, Becky was! Little stinker! I am actually very glad that she does have other people that she loves and that love her back!

Craving. . .

Snowballs and Funyans! (and having contractions)

Yet Another Doctor's Appointment. . .

. . . and no change in my cervix! My doctor actually found it amusing! You would think that experience would have taught him that you don't laugh at a pregnant woman! Of course my husband thought he was amusing too when he suggested that I ask the doctor for an extra large gown so it would go all the way around me. If looks could kill . . .
We had the privlage of seeing our precious Anna on the ultrasound. She was sucking on the umbilical cord. The doctor thinks she's doing that because she's bored! Apparently, I have a large amount of amniotic fluid. The normal range is between 5 and 25 (millaleters?) and mine is measuring at 25, so he said it's "right on the line". Because of this, he wants me to come in on Thursday and have the baby monitored and then have another ultrasound next Monday to see if there is any change or any distress to her. He said that if there is too much fluid that can be an indication of Diabetes, or infection, or Down's Syndrome, or other "fetal abnormalities". He said that since I'm right on the line, he doesn't want me to worry, but he also wants to do the monitoring in case there is something wrong. Hopefully, I will know more on Thursday.
I woke up this morning with a lot of pelvic pain and could hardly walk. As the day has gone on, it has gotten a little better, but I am now officially waddling! I did have some contractions last night and a few tonight, but nothing regular. When I have the hard contractions, it leaves me with a killer headache though, so that's not too fun.
Something that is fun though, is going to my pregnancy buddy's Baby Shower tonight! Becky M. has been on bedrest for over three months, but her doctor let her come to her shower at the church. I think she enjoyed being out and seeing everyone, but she was also exhausted by the end. It was so good to see her though! Keep praying for her and for her little baby, Haley to grow and stay in for a few more weeks!
I went to Old Navy today and used my gift cards. I am sitting her now in the comfort of pink fleece pants! I love them! I also got the cutest little jeans for Anna and some matching shirts and pajamas for my girls! I can't wait to see them together!
I want to thank my husband for cleaning the house for me today while I was gone! It was quite the disaster after our "Rachel and Luke are in town" party! He worked very hard, and I am very grateful! This was after he spent the morning in the cold praying with some other folks outside of the local Planned Parenthood. He truly is an amazing guy!

What A Belly! (36 Weeks)

9 Months!

Hard contractions from 11:00 - 4:00 last night, but none today!

Doctor Appointment

Ryan and I went to see my Doctor today, we are now at that point where we go every week. He didn't check me because he doesn't think anything has changed with my cervix. He did a blood draw, and listened to her heartbeat (which sounded great!), and measured me. She is now measuring a little bigger than she was. All along she has been measuring at whatever week I am at. This week she was measuring 1-2 weeks bigger. At the same time, my weight this week is actually a little bit lower than last week. Go figure! Several people at church yesterday, told me they thought my belly looked much bigger this week! It's funny that it's the only time in life people can tell you that your belly is huge and you're not offended by it!
She continues to move a lot and is very strong! Rylie loves to hug her and give her kisses. Lately she has been showing me how she's planning on holding Anna when she's born! It's too cute! She also told me tonight that she is planning on holding Anna on the potty when she is born! I have to explain to her why that won't work, quite yet!
In potty news however, Rylie has been doing a great job with potty training! She wore panties to church yesterday for the first time. She had no accidents! Now we just need to get her trained for naptime and nighttime. Anyone have any good ideas on how to do that?
I'm so blessed my two daughters! I had a special time with the Lord last night, thanking Him for them and praying for them!

Update

I had my doctor's appointment this afternoon. He checked me and said that basically nothing has changed. He said that he still thought I would deliver early though. I now go back every week to be checked, so Monday will be my next appointment.
I'm having mixed emotions about it all. On one hand, I am frustrated that my body did alot of work (with alot of pain) with hardly any result. It makes me wonder what it will take to deliver this baby. I'm also disappointed because I was finally feeling ready and wanting to hold her. On the other hand, the longer she stays in the better for her, so I'm pleased that she'll continue to grow bigger and stronger. I need to focus on this and that God is in control of it all. I guess I'm feeling bummed out, but happy for Anna at the same time. Her health really is our main priority and concern. It is a praise that she will be able to grow in her safe little cocoon longer!

In Limbo

Well, Anna is still in here

and not in here!

I have been having super intense contractions all weekend, combined with lower back cramping, and some other labor symptoms that not everybody wants to read about! I have been having all of the signs and symptoms of labor other than regular, consistent contractions. Last night I had them five minutes apart for almost an hour, but then it went back to every thirty minutes, then ten, then two, then twenty . . . I can't go to the hospital until they are five minutes apart for over an hour. I thought for sure we were going to be going in last night, but then they subsided. I had over forty hours of contractions and now today, hardly any! I've been having little ones, but nothing worth timing. I know I've been having contractions for months now, but these ones have been different. This whole weekend, my body has felt "different".

I have a doctor's appointment scheduled for Wednesday, but I'm going to call them in the morning and see if I can get in tomorrow. I'm very curious if I'm dilated at all and if my Doctor will know any kind of timeline. I am 34 weeks, so hypothetically I could have 6 more weeks to go!

I'm feeling very confused about it all. Yesterday morning, I was panicking because my house was nowhere near ready for Anna to come, I didn't have any bags packed, and I was worried about her coming too early. My wonderful husband came to the rescue, as did our friends Aaron and Becky! (Thank you so much guys!) Ryan spent almost four hours deep cleaning the bathroom, Becky did all our dishes and sweeping, Aaron took out recycling and fixed Rylie's new car seat (thank you soooo much Dave and Michelle!) and generally let Rylie hang on him! Then they all moved furniture around in the girls' room and set up Anna's crib. I was able to pack our bags, but that was about it. Every time I got up I had big contractions and everyone yelled at me to sit back down! I was hurting so much, I knew if I had to go through that pain every day for six more weeks I would go crazy. I felt much more reassured that things are ready for Anna to come and I was finally feeling ready. But now, my body has calmed down and I'm feeling in limbo. On one hand, I'm ready to be done with it all and hold my precious baby. On the other hand, I want Anna to be able to stay inside as long as possible so she can be as big and as healthy as she needs to be. Hopefully, I'll know more tomorrow! Please pray that Anna is safe and healthy!

Gratitude

I am so thankful that my family extends beyond my biological family (who I love very much) into my church family. I am constantly blessed by them. As I write this, my friend Michelle has dropped Rylie off from spending the morning at her house, and is on her way to buy me some groceries! She already brought me lunch and prepared dinner for us for this evening. She is also going to help me with some dinners in the next couple of weeks. Thank you Dave and Michelle for what a huge blessing you are to our family in these and so many other ways!
I am thankful for the others in my church family that have helped by providing meals and play dates for Rylie and housecleaning! And of course I know that my own family is always here for me and has helped tremendously as well.
I am very grateful for the prayers for myself and my little Anna. I can't wait to introduce her to you all who have cared for her so much before she even knew you! What a visible illustration of Christ's love!
It has been hard for me to accept help because I don't want to be selfish and I don't want to be a burden on anyone, but I know some of this is also due to my pride and stubbornness. God is working on that with me! He is also working on my "poor me" attitude and my impatience. I have been pretty miserable this week with almost nonstop contractions and getting little sleep, but that is no excuse for me to wallow in it. Why is it when I need the Lord the most, instead I go to my corner and pout?! These last three days have been very hard so what do I do, I skip my devotions! I turn away from the source of my comfort, peace, strength, and joy.
I apologize to those of you to whom I've been complaining, whiny, and impatient with. I'm off to spend some much needed time with the Lord!

31 Weeks!

Third Trimester!

Cravings

Did you know that chocolate and sourdough bread go together wonderfully? They do when you're pregnant! (Thank you Heather for the chocolate!)

25 weeks (from Babygaga.com)

Fetal development in pregnancy week 25:fetus in sixth month Your little grower’s physical proportions are evening out at this point and most of their remaining development will largely be weight gain and lots and lots of nervous system development. The good news is: if your child is born premature now they’ll be more likely to survive without too much trauma as their lungs began to produce “surfactant” last week, which means their tiny respiratory system is getting stronger with each passing day. Yes, now’s a good time for a minor sigh of relief and a quick pat on the back. All that hard work and conscientious living is really getting your child prepared for a healthy delivery. Keep up the fabulous work mama! This week they’ll be scootching slowly out of the old breech position and start rotating (already!) into a better position for exit during their birth. Their head and feet are slowly rotating so that the head is pointed down towards the birth canal. Time is short (or really long, depending on who you ask)—just (still!) 14 weeks left before you can go back to being a single-resident human.