Week 40

So this is the "last" week of pregnancy. So far it has been a busy one.

Yesterday I was feeling a little off. Over the weekend I had pulled a muscle in my back/shoulder, and you all know that takes a little spunk out of your step. But I hadn't been seen by the doctor in over a week, was feeling a little swelling in my limbs and a few occasional moments of a racing heart. I called the doctor's office to see if I could move my scheduled appointment up to be seen that day.

The nurse called back to get a little info on what I was experiencing. I explained, she said there were no appointments, but that I should head straight for Ingham Regional for an assessment. It sounded to her like the beginnings of preeclampsia. So off we went to the hospital. I was strapped to monitors, explained symptoms to a billion people, and within an hour was told that I just felt "yucky," which I agreed with. Within a few hours of leaving work, I was back at my desk, happy that everything was OK. Yucky I can deal with.

So today I had my scheduled appointment. It was a usual quicky appointment with a short exam. Sparing you all the gory details, some things are progressing quickly; others, not at all. I know those values of effacement, dilation, and station don't mean a whole lot until I'm in active labor, but it would have been nice to be a little further along.

So many people have given statistics on how many babies are born/on time/late, it makes my head spin, but the conclusion I've come to is this: she'll come when she comes. So far we haven't had any contractions, not even Braxton-Hicks. It seems that this first-timer will get all the "fun stuff" at once with no practice. Oh well, it doesn't make it any less exciting!

The current plan of action? My next appointment is next Tuesday, if we make it that far. If I make it to one week past due, we will schedule for inducement. Elena is active as ever and seems perfectly happy, if not a bit cramped in her current home. If there are any changes, we'll be sure to get the word to all of you.

Last trip to Ann Arbor

I had my last regular exam in Ann Arbor yesterday. Everything was normal, nothing amazing or interesting to report. Elena is still head down, which we like. No ultrasound this week, so no weight estimate, but the doctor's pelvic palpations lead to the comment "Normal sized baby."

We're at 15 days and counting until Elena's due date. Pretty much everything here is set and ready to go. Everything is washed and in place. Bags are packed. Contact lists are written.

Yesterday the doctor requested that I schedule inducement at 1 week overdue, so Elena will be here within 3 weeks for sure!! Yay!!! Actually, 3 weeks feels like forever. I swear this baby girl has been trying to claw her way out for the past 2 weeks. Either that, or she's throwing a MAJOR tantrum in there.

In the meantime, we will stick close to home and await her arrival. We intend to enjoy one last Thanksgiving as just the two of us.

Hope everyone out there has a great holiday!!

Kiki's Bedroom Toursplosionpalooza 2007

Here it is. Enjoy!