Buying more time...

Well...  we got some very good reports today!  


The first appointment was a little disappointing.  My doctor did my examination and found that I hadn't dilated at all!  She also said that although the baby had dropped, it was not low enough to cause dilation.  I just couldn't understand how I'm not dilated with all the contractions I'm having.  She could tell I was disappointed and explained that I wasn't even 37 weeks yet so not to get too discouraged.  She also said that although she normally doesn't, that she would induce me if my body started progressing towards labor.  We agreed to just wait and see what kind of call MFM made today.  So even though I was not pleased with the zero progress I had made, I was okay with the overall plan.


This afternoon, I had my ultrasound at Maternal Fetal Medicine.  The baby did wonderful.  It practiced it's breathing and moving and got a perfect 8 out of 8 score after about 5 minutes into the test.  Then I held my breath as the technician measured everything.  She told me that the baby was estimated to weigh about 5 pounds and 3 ounces!  That's almost a pound of growth in a week!  So the baby is no longer very worrisome; still on the petite side but no longer critical.  So the doctor seemed pleased.  He said they would continue to see me weekly through the end of my pregnancy.  So we are buying time one week at a time.


On the other hand, the doctor does want to take the baby around 38 to 39 weeks via cesarean section.  I was overwhelmingly disappointed.  He said it is very unlikely that I would go into labor before that time and he doesn't want to leave the baby for the full 40 weeks.  He also said that since I will be considered full term next week, that if the baby looks even a little bit worrisome at any point that they will deliver it that day.  So he advised me to have me to have my bags in my car at every appointment. 


The other very stressful news is that my doctor is out of the office my 39th week.  So unless the baby is born next week, I forgo the luxury of having my doctor, my wonderful, compassionate doctor, deliver my Sweet Pea.  


I left the office feeling so blessed by the very good news about the baby.  However, I was in a new stress over all the disappointing news.  Maybe it was the hormones, but I was a mess of tears on the phone with my husband as I left the hospital. I was so happy and disappointed all at the same time.  Don't get me wrong, the baby's health takes precedence over my simple desires!!  I guess I just wanted an all around typical pregnancy since the my last one went every way but right.  But I keep reminding myself that planned sections and different doctors are very typical... and unimportant in the grand scheme of things.


My next appointments are on Wednesday, so we bought one more week to get ready for baby.  I actually went to Babies R Us to start slowly gathering things for Sweet Pea.  Jude had a lot to share... we already have a swing, bouncer, and we are debating on whether or not to use Jude's crib and put our big boy in a different toddler bed.  But a lot of Jude's stuff has been used for nearly FOUR YEARS and would need replacing anyway- I bought a new changing pad cover today since the one we currently have looks awful.  This weekend, Lane and I are going back to Babies R Us to buy bottles, a car carrier, a double stroller, and a few other gifts for our Sweet Pea as well as a toddler bed and a couple of new mattresses for our sweet kiddos.  I'm so excited but overwhelmed- I'm the MOST indecisive person in the world and I drive myself crazy!!  I have been to the baby store and test drove every double stroller and looked at every bottle at least ten times and still don't have a decision on anything :-/  Suggestions welcome ;-) {My indecisive nature is one reason we yet to have a name for our Sweet Pea.}  


We are also planning on shampooing all the carpets and painting the children's room (another thing I can't decide on- the right color of white to paint) before next week's appointment.  


All this is so trivial, but honestly I am actually welcoming trivial activities right now.  I have been through plenty of major activities for the week.

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Now for some Jude news:

He is still doing wonderful and crawling EVERYWHERE!!!  His development has just blossomed over the past few weeks. 

Tomorrow we will see his GI specialist because we think his reflux is getting worse and need to figure out something to do about it.  The reflux is making eating by mouth next to nonexistent lately..  Not very encouraging on that part.  So hopefully we will get some answers tomorrow.

It is an incredibly busy week, but I am so thankful for the path my Father has chosen for me.  Hope you all are in His path as well. 

Thank you for your prayers for today, and thank you for prayers for my friend!  The Lord hears our prayers!!