Free at last!

I never thought I'd make it...I've been on a self-imposed bed rest for the last 4 1/2 days (to give the Hulk more time to grow and to wait for my doula to come back from vacation). These have been the LONGEST 4 1/2 days ever - doing nothing is not all it's cracked up to be. My hat really goes off to those that have to be on bed rest for months on end. Finally it is over - starting tomorrow I will be resuming my walks, gym visits, and all activity in general.....I may never read another book or watch TV again! :)

The early bird gets the worm

Today was the 36-week appointment. I told the midwife about the low back pain I had Sunday night and she said she'd go ahead and 'check' me to see what was going on. It turns out the walking has been working because I am 70% effaced, 3cm dilated, and the Hulk is at a -1 station (translation: he's moved down into eject position). Then she measured my stomach and it was measuring small (31-weeks), so she sent me in for an ultrasound, just to be safe. The ultrasound showed everything was fine (I measured 36w1d - Hulk heartbeat was at 131), including the amniotic fluid levels (her concern), so the small measurement was just the result of the Hulk moving so far down. This is great news to me because all along I've felt that he would be here before 8/24. However, both my doula and her back-up are out of town at the moment. So until Monday, I am putting myself on modified bed rest (no more walking or gym visits). I am anxious for this guy to get here, but I'd rather wait until my support staff is available.

The Homestretch

I had my 35-week appointment with the midwife today, but there is nothing new to report. From here until the end I will be getting weekly check-ups, but no more ultrasounds.

Tonight Lehr and I took a baby sign language class. For as long as I can remember I've wanted to use sign language with my kids, and for the last 8 months, I've been learning via books and the Internet ASL Browser. The class was pretty informative and dispelled any misconceptions regarding sign language delaying speech, etc. (not that we had any). (The name of the organization teaching the class is Little Signers).

You hired a what?

Tonight we met with our doula and her back-up (in case she cannot be at the birth). The meeting went very well, and we feel very confident either of the two women will be a strong support throughout the labor. However, this was the last 'major' meeting/class/appointment we had before the birth. From here on out, it's just routine midwife appointments and one sign language class (obviously not a necessity for the main event). It's all becoming very real!

BTW - for those of you who, like my dad, are asking "What the hell is a doula", our doula has a web page.

System Overload

This afternoon we met with the pediatrician, and then went right on to the hospital tour. Talk about overload! I was fine until we passed a labor/delivery room that had not yet been cleaned from it's last occupant. It really took my breath away that I'm going to be in one of those soon. Add that to the fact that the beds are high off the ground - how am I supposed to get in and out of bed?! I guess I need to pack a step-stool in my overnight bag.

Happy 4th of July

I had my 33-week appointment with the midwife today. Yet another ultrasound, but this time I went solo. The Hulk wasn't nearly as active as he usually is for the ultrasounds, so although he is shy with his movements, he obviously likes having an audience. He is (as am I) measuring right on target for 33 weeks, which means the 8/24 due date is sticking. Today his weight was estimated at 4lb 7oz. The midwife said everything else looks good also: blood pressure still low (110/70), baby is head down, placenta is healthy and where it needs to be, umbilical cord is sending enough of what it needs to be sending to our little guy...

Yesterday Lehr and I walked the Atlanta Peachtree Road Race (10K). I couldn't bear to give up the tradition, so I took all necessary precautions and went for it. I still finished with a respectable time of 1hr 30min (4 miles/hour 15 min. miles). We were lucky it was overcast for most of the day, so I had to battle the humidity, but not the sun. The toughest part was the walk (after the race) back to MARTA. Lehr offered to carry me, or get a cab, but because I'm so stubborn, I refused. My feet were a little sore, but not enough to keep me from taking the Hulk to his first Cubs game last night. Unfortunately the Braves won, but we were there to support, nonetheless.