38 Weeks

I had my OB appointment today - not much to report. My blood pressure was lower than last week but still high (130/80). I am still only dilated 1 cm and am now 70 effaced. The doctor said "see you next week" at which point we will be setting a date to induce. She doesn't want me to go past my due date.

The Kindness of Strangers

I just ran into a lady in the elevator who felt the need to say, "wow, looks like your little one has blessed you with swollen ankles!"

Gee lady, thanks! Of all the things she could comment on? And silly me thought that surely my feet and ankles look worse to me than to anyone else. What if I always have fat ankles? How rude!

The picture on the left - I removed my shoes a little so you could see the indentations. It must be said that I've been wearing these shoes for 3 months now. I have these and a pair in brown. Flip flops with some cushion, so they do offer some support. This pair were pre-pregnancy and don't really fit anymore. Even if I could fit my foot all the way forward (which I can't due to the swelling), my new longer foot would hang off the back.

The picture on the right - this is what the lady could see. OK, so maybe it is a little bad and obvious...

Week 37 Doctor Visit

I had my last visit at the old OB office today. Mixed results. My blood pressure was the highest they have ever taken on me. The initial reading was 144 over 90 and when they took it later it was 130 over 88. So not a great sign. However, since I didn't have any protein in my urine or any other symptoms (other than continued swelling), she is still just going to watch me.

Not much progress on the dilation - she figured 1 cm and 60% effaced.

She did mention the word "induce" but said she would like to wait until my cervix has dilated more. I asked if I was still OK to work and she said yes, but that depending on how it goes that could change. She said she would see me at my appointment (next Monday), "unless I see you sooner."

We are definitely ready. Car seat installed - everything purchased.

Week 36 Doctor Visit

Uneventful doctor's visit today (yeah!). My blood pressure was good at 120/70. My weight actually declined a little since last Friday (likely fluids). And no progress on the dilation. Definitely good news. But there is a side of me that is ready to deliver this baby - and the sooner the better. I was up last night again with pains in my hands.

I'm continuing to hope I can hold on until after the 23rd. Everything is happening then:

- The doctor is moving offices and hospitals (to North Central Baptist). Because of the timing, we pre-registered at both hospitals but we definitely, would prefer to have the baby at North Central. It is closer to our house (5 miles away vs 12 miles) and is just a newer/fancier hospital. That's where we took our childbirth class, so we are more familiar with it.

- That's the day my mom gets here.

- And that's a key date at work. In talking with my manager, we think that if I can make it through that date they won't be in crisis mode.

Week 35 (31 days to go!)

I had my doctor appointment today. Mixed results.

Good news:
The baby's heartbeat sounded good. I was dilated a "fingertip" and about 50% effaced. She is still head down. The doctor thinks she has already dropped some since I am now measuring smaller than I did last time. Eric also noticed a change in my belly. (I haven't!)

Not great news:
My blood pressure was elevated and they were somewhat concerned about the swelling in my feet and ankles. These are some of the symptoms of preeclampsia, which is something we will be on the look-out for. Luckily, there was no protein in my urine and I haven't had any of the other symptoms. I also had a larger than expected weight gain that is likely attributable to all the fluids.

All in all, not terrible news. But the doc will definitely be keeping an eye on me. My next visit is Wednesday and she said that I may end up coming more often than once a week.

I then proceeded to return to work and noticed that I had some bleeding, hours after her exam. Needless to say, I was worried and called the doc. She said all should be OK but to keep an eye on things and to go rest. So I left work early and have spent the rest of the day in the recliner. What a day (I have also been up since 3am - unable to go back to sleep due to the pain in my hands)!

For those of you unfamiliar with preeclampsia, it also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension or toxemia. Like most things, if left unmanaged it can cause other complications. If I am ultimately diagnosed with preeclampsia, the treatment will probably include bed rest. There is no cure except for delivery of the baby, which would likely be recommended as soon as the baby is physically mature enough.

Week 34 (38 days to go!)

I must say that this week has been challenging for me. Most nights when I get home from work I am exhausted and not feeling 100%. But I'm also finding it hard to settle down and relax at night. It seems there is always something to do and yet, we aren't doing half of what we should be doing. I think our house is the messiest it has ever been. I'm looking forward to the weekend to catch up on everything - my own R&R and also housework. We'll see how much actually gets done...

My feet and now my ankles are swelling even more, so that has been tough. Some nights it hurts to walk because they are so puffy. And I'm torn on what to do in the evening - if I sit down and put my feet up, my hands fall asleep and are in bad shape. If I'm active and moving around, my hands are good but my feet aren't. Sigh, I guess it all just goes with the territory of being in the last part of your pregnancy!

I'm feeling much better about what we have done to get ready for Kaitlyn. While emotionally, I'm sure we'll never be completely "ready," the nursery is in good shape. Also the shopping is almost done. I plan on one more trip to Babies R Us this weekend to buy the rest of what I want to have before she comes. I need to do some more laundry this weekend and might think about starting to sterilize the toys, bottles, etc. I have even started to pack the bags for the hospital. I plan on having the bags ready, along with the list of all the last minute things to grab - like whatever book I'm reading, the hot/cold pack for my back which is in the freezer, etc.

There are a few projects I hope to accomplish at home between now and her arrival. Nothing essential, just things I hope to do:

• I need to clean out my closet - which includes pulling everything out so Eric can reinforce my shelves (crappy work by builder). Since my feet have grown (not just swollen, but in actual length), I plan on boxing up shoes that don't fit lengthwise. I'm assuming they will never fit again, but who knows? I'll hold on to them for a little while after the birth to double check.
• Decorating our "media room." We recently furnished our last room in the house with a big TV and seating. I want to work on finishing the room. We need to purchase a case for all of our movies, some shelving to display my shot glasses, and hang some pictures.
• Overall clutter reduction - don't even know where to begin there... but we have a lot to do.

My mom will be here on the 23rd. Exciting!