Week 37

We're getting down to the nitty-gritty.... I feel like we're just cranking away at the Jack in the Box handle...

Yesterday we had our 37 week appointment... in just a few short days we'll officially be 38 weeks along. Last week Dr. Jensen was getting concerned about my blood pressure, because it had gone up a bit. This week they checked it, and it was 140/80 - which is exactly what it was last appointment. So, it is higher than 'usual', but not dangerously high. Dr. Jensen said if my bottom number would rise, that's when he would start getting worried. So far so good on that! Also - they found no protein my urine this appointment (last week there was just a trace)... so, again - we were successful there!!

The baby has really begun to respond to Gabe's voice, and even the touch of his hand. He can almost instantly wake the baby up, and get it rolling/kicking around. While we were sitting in traffic on the way to our appointment, he woke up the baby... so it didn't surprise me when baby's heart rate went up again - this time to 144 bpm. The baby also hates having cold hands touch it... so when they squirted the cold 'goo' on my tummy to find baby's heart rate... I think it goes as far into my stomach as it can!! It took the nurse awhile to track down the little monster!!

Dr. Jensen measured me - and baby has gotten larger, because I'm now measuring 43 weeks... so I've grown 2.75 cm in just one week. That's probably one of the biggest 'growth spurts' we've had.... which is saying something!! It's amazing how 2.75 'cm' can make you feel so much larger. This last week I think I'm officially creeping into the 'miserable' stage.

Dr. also checked to see how my 'progress' was doing... and as of yesterday we're 50% effaced, and 1.5 cm dilated. He said that he touched the baby's head while he was up there! I don't know why but that just excited me (like the baby officially has a 'head')!? I kept saying, "Wow, you touched it's head!?" Which of course - Gabe & Dr. Jensen got a kick out of. Dr. Jensen said... "Yes, you're pregnant! I hope you have names picked out!" Which sounds so silly... but I couldn't believe that the baby's head was that close - for some reason, at that moment... it all seemed so real to me!!

This appointment was so much different than last time. Last time Dr. seemed a little more interested in talking about inducing, and maybe taking the baby early. This time, it was way more relaxed. I think since my blood pressure had not risen any, and all my other tests had come back ok, we got back onto cruise control. Gabe & I had decided, and Dr. Jensen agreed... we're not letting baby go 'over due'. Since baby is already in the 90th percentile a week ago... we really don't want to keep it in there getting larger and larger for too much longer. If baby isn't here by November 4th or so - we'll probably get a date the following week to induce. But - I have a feeling we won't have to wait that long. I'm guessing the little one will be here within a week to a week and a half. But - what do I know?? :) If it's a girl... it's going to be stubborn, and late - just like it's mother!! Sorry Gabe!!

I'm starting to have lots of pain on/off... I really don't think they're contractions, because they're not consistent by any means. But just since our appointment yesterday... I can tell things are different. My emotions are currently going crazy. Gabe brought me lunch today, but I didn't like what he brought. I felt horrible for not eating it, and then felt like I was being a jerk... so I ended up crying, and telling him I was sorry!! Ohhh - my poor husband is really in for it!! I don't remember being that 'emotional' since the beginning of the pregnancy. Maybe that's a sign?? I'm also starting to get a little nauseous again - like my first trimester. I've been drinking a glass of Gingerale before bed, and that's helped a lot. Otherwise I wake up in the middle of the night feeling icky. Also helps with the acid reflux - which has been a blessing!!

Last night I got my hospital bag packed. So, we'll just need to grab that, and the car seat when it's "Go Time", and we should be all ready!! I think Gabe was disappointed that we didn't have the baby last night - but I'm sure the baby will make it's debut sooner than later. We just have to sit back and be patient. It's encouraging to know sometime between today, and November 12th... we'll get to meet our son or daughter!!

If we make it - our next appointment will be next Tuesday (November 1st). I'm curious to see how much I will progress by then. It sure feels like 'something' is going on down there, but we'll just have to wait and see!!

Lots of Love,

Tasha, Gabe, & McBaby