In about a week I will feel safe saying we're in the home stretch on the baby front. I'm scheduled to deliver five weeks from tomorrow (September 17), which sometimes feels like forever away and other times kind of puts me in a panic. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait for the baby to get here and for our life as a family of four to start, but I'm also enjoying every adventure with my curious, fun, happy 2.5 year old and want to soak up these moments alone with him while I have them. Plus, we're still preparing the house for a baby and need some time to get it all in line!
Despite the Texas heat, I'm feeling as good as can be expected at 34.5 weeks pregnant. I haven't had any swelling, sickness or pregnancy scares. I'm having what I'm thankful to call a "normal pregnancy". I do get completely exhausted in the middle of the day and again in the evenings, but these times fall during when Mason naps so there's a little reprieve.
I've never written about Mason's delivery on the blog. The abbreviated version is that my water broke at home the day after my due date, and 17 hours later I wasn't even dilated at one centimeter (you deliver when you're at a 10, which once you reach a 6, takes about an hour a centimeter). If 24 hours pass between the water breaking and the baby coming, the baby is at risk of infection and at the rate I was progressing, we would have definitely crossed that time period. Plus, every time I had a contraction his heart rate decreased, which could mean a number of problems (the only one I remember is that the umbilical cord could be wrapped around his neck). Although I originally wanted to do all I could to prevent having a c-section, it was clear that the best way to get Mason here safely was using that method, so we agreed to the doctors plan without hesitation. It took me a while to mentally get over it, but I have finally come to peace with it and am happy I live in a day of modern medicine where both Mason and I were guaranteed our health and safety.
This is why we've scheduled baby #2's delivery for a c-section on September 17, three days before my September 20 due date. We had to put a date on the calendar to ensure we could get my doctor, but choosing my baby's birthday is a huge source of anxiety for me so I may let that day come and go so I can go into labor on my own. It's a very difficult decision for me because I know the scheduled time is the safest time for ME to do it, and I would be 39.5 weeks pregnant (a compromise from my doctor - he wanted to do it at 39 weeks and I squeezed an extra four days out of him), which is completely full term and many women go into labor before then anyway (as I might, too). A little voice in my head tells me that the doctor knows best and to follow his orders, but the other side of me tells me the baby knows best and will come when he's ready. I'm stressing myself out just typing this!
Ok, enough about my worry. Here's an updated pregnancy survey and belly pics!
How far along: 34.5 weeks
Total Weight Gain: 20 pounds
Sleep: Could be worse, but not ideal. I wake up several times a night, struggle getting comfortable, and lately have a sweet, stinky-breathed red head coming to say good morning at 6:30 AM.
Best Moment This Week: Buying the carseat and double stroller! Oh, and my friend Dorrie had a baby. Holding that little girl gave me huge excitement. She is so sweet, small, and adorable!
Movement: All the time. He hiccups a lot, too. He kicks, rolls, and readjusts all day long, sometimes all at the same time. Today while listening to the heartbeat at the doctor, we heard a whoosh! sound which was a clear kick. Pretty cute.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button: About half-in, half-out. Kind of funny looking to be honest. ;)
What I Miss: Sleeping in any position I want
What I am Looking Forward to: Painting the nursery this weekend. Sean will do it while Mason and I amuse ourselves out of the house. For those interested the main nursery colors are light gray and robin's egg blue, and the "theme" if you will is skyline.
Milestones: Babies born between 34 and 37 weeks with no other health problems generally do fine in the long run. Very reassuring!
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| Taken on our last day in Gulf Shores, AL |
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| One of the bigger 2-week belly differences I've had |
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