Baby Hanna

Ok, I've FINALLY caught up on all of my pictures. I will have to go back to edit them to explain what's going on, but loading the pictures took a huge amount of time, and time is of the essence right now. We are (mostly me) anxiously and impatiently waiting for the baby's (in the pics below) arrival. My due date was yesterday, so I'm trying to not let frustration get the better of me. However, I have never been more uncomfortable in my life. I don't remember ever feeling this way with Sofia. And, it didn't help that this past July was the hottest on record since the beginning of time, or something close to that. So, I am more than ready to hold this baby in my arms instead of in my midsection. This pregnancy I didn't take any sideways maternity poses just because I've felt so crappy and in no mood to pose for the camera. But, I wanted to get these pictures on here because if this baby doesn't come on its own (and it's looking like it won't), my doctor has scheduled an induction for Sunday, so I do have an end date. The reason for the induction is because Sofia starts Kindergarten next Wenesday. And, I didn't want to take the chance of being in labor or in the hospital and missing her first day of school. Nothing like cutting it close and making it interesting. Story of my life. Anyhow, next time I post, hopefully I will have a baby at home and a little girl in school. I don't think it will be sooner. :) Wish me luck!

40 Weeks - Today's My Due Date!

Well, I finally reached week 40. Today is my due date, but no baby yet. I had an appointment with my doctor today. The baby is still active, the heartbeat was in the 140's, and is still headdown. I'm dilated about a centimeter, but not a full centimeter, and I'm about 50% effaced. I've lost a couple of pounds, which is a little confusing since I'm eating about the same. Oh well. The doctor set me up for an induction on Monday, June 25 at 6:30 a.m. But, he and especially I are hoping things will take a more natural course before then. He wants me to come back in about a week for another checkup. He wants to run a Fetal Stress Test and check out the amniotic fluid. I'm sure this is just to make sure the baby is still within a healthy environment. I guess we'll just have to wait and see and be patient, which isn't always easy for me. I'll try my best, but keep Lee in your thoughts. :)

39 Weeks

I had my 39 weeks' checkup yesterday. I met with the nurse practitioner again. Everything is good. The baby's heartbeat was in the 130's and was still headdown. I was dilated just a little bit. Not much, but it's progress I guess. So, not a whole lot has changed since last week. When I went to make my week 40 appointment, my doctor was still all booked up. They scheduled me with the NP again, but they made sure my appointment coincided with him being at the clinic. They figured the NP and he could get together to discuss me if I haven't delivered by that time. But, today when I got to work, the girl at the clinic called me and said my doctor had a cancellation next Wednesday and I could see him if I wanted. I didn't hesitate to say yes. If I'm going to have to be induced, I want my doctor to tell me to my face instead of having someone else do it over the phone. And, next Wednesday is my due date, so that works out just fine by me. Maybe the baby will decide to make its appearance before then, but I'm not going to hold my breath. Not that I could. I've developed a cold since last week and have been so stuffed up. But, the heartburn has gotten a little better. Still feeling really well also, aside from the cold. Anyhow, taking it one day at a time. 5 days until my due date!

38 Weeks

I had my 38 weeks' checkup yesterday. I didn't get to see my regular doctor, but I saw a nurse practitioner. Everything was normal and looking good. The baby's heartbeat was in the 140's, and movement has been good. Sometimes it feels like he/she is going to poke right through! But, lots of movement is reassuring. The NP also did a check and found that the baby is still head down (good), no dilation yet (okay), and the baby hasn't dropped yet (not great). Hopefully, he/she decides to make their move soon. But, she said everything seemed good, so that's all right by me. Then, I was informed that my regular doctor won't be in next week for my 39th week appointment and he's booked solid during my 40th week. :( So, they told me to meet with the same NP next week, and when we schedule my 40th week appointment, they'll have to do some rearranging so I can get in to see him, so we can talk about his feelings on induction and such if I haven't delivered by then. Which is looking like a good possibility. So, playing that by ear. Anyhow, still feeling pretty good but getting more anxious as each day passes. Will try to get a new belly picture up, just have to corner Lee to do it. :) 12 days until my due date!

37 Weeks

I had my 37 weeks' appointment on Thursday. Everything was normal. The heartbeat was in the 130's and the baby is still head-down. My Group B Strep results were negative, so I won't have to receive antibiotics during labor and delivery. Pretty routine appointment, which is always fine by me. My doctor says everything is looking good, which I always want to hear. I still have heartburn every now and then, but a Tums usually takes care of that. I'm feeling really good but am more anxious than ever for D-day to arrive. I want to see our baby in person and can hardly wait. Patience has never been my strongest virtue. But, everyone keeps saying it will be here before I know it. I hope so. Less than 3 weeks until my due date! Happy Memorial Weekend!

36 Weeks

I've finally reached month 9! Yippee! I had my 36 weeks' visit yesterday. The baby's heartbeat was in the 140's. I was also informed that I wasn't dilated at all yet (which is okay by me) and the baby was in the head-down position, which is good. So, everything is going well. Lee and I also attended Lamaze class this past weekend. It was interesting. Learned some breathing and relaxation techniques, although when those labor pains hit, I'll be lucky to remember any of it. But, the class was informative, and we got to tour the labor and delivery wing of Meritcare, so that was cool. All in all, things are still going well. Fingers crossed that it stays that way. 4 weeks until my due date!

34 Weeks

I had my 34-week appointment on Tuesday. I should have updated sooner, but it's been crazy at work and I'm still doing homework at night, so I keep forgetting. But anyway, everything was good. The baby's heartbeat was in the 140's this time. My weight gain is good, and my abdomen measured 34 cm. Dr. Rondeau said to keep up the good work. It hasn't been too difficult. I'm still pretty comfortable, and the heartburn hasn't been as bad lately. Knocking on wood for that one. :) The baby has been pretty active, so that's also a good sign. Every now and then I can feel a knee or something sticking out, so that's a little weird but in a good way. Anyhow, I will try to take another profile picture sometime soon. Just another thing I keep putting off and forgetting. Well, I shouldn't complain too much. If I think I'm busy now, just wait... Only 6 more weeks until my due date!

32 Weeks

My 32-week appointment was yesterday. Everything was normal, which is always good. The baby's heartbeat was in the 120s, which is lower that what it has been, but I think the baby was just sleeping. The doctor said everything looked fine, and he'd see me in another 2 weeks. I'm starting to get anxious now, and time can't go by fast enough. Less than 2 months to my due date. Yay!