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.

*****************

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!!

Preparing for anything...

Good Morning!  I hope everyone is having a great week so far.

Today is the day that I go back to my doctors to check on Sweet Pea's growth and weight gain.  

First I will see my regular doctor this morning.  Thank heavens she is back because I am really not in the mood for someone new at a time like this.  Her appointment will be quick and easy.  I'll just get an examination to see if I have made any progress towards delivery.  Which I PRAY I have because I've dropped significantly over the past few days and have more and more contractions everyday... so I will be a little disappointed if I haven't dilated any- I'm still aiming to have this baby next week around the 4th through the 8th when my doctor is on call!

I have a few hours after that appointment- so maybe I'll get to swing by and see my cousin who was induced very early this morning, bring my redhead home for a nap, or get some items I need for Sweet Pea from Babies R Us.

Then this afternoon, I will see my doctor at Maternal Fetal Medicine again for another ultrasound and non-stress test on the baby.  I have a peace that everything is going to be fine... right now anyway.  I'm sure I'll be very anxious walking into the clinic.  

They'll be checking first to see if the baby is still growing.  Then, they'll check to make sure it is moving well and practicing it's breathing.  These little tests will all conclude if the baby is in distress or not and if the baby should be born soon or can wait a little longer.  

Now like I said, I do feel a peace right now.  I've been praying for this baby for a long long time, and I feel in my heart that despite the baby's size, it's healthy.  Plus the baby has been just as active as ever so I feel like it's not in any distress.

Nevertheless, it would be absolutely naive of me to not prepare to hear otherwise.  For all I know the specialist will feel that the baby is in distress and decide that today is the day it will come.  So I have my bag and Sweet Pea's bag packed in the truck... just in case.

I know I don't even have to ask for prayers.  You have all been so faithful to intercede for my family.  We are so very blessed by this fact.  

That being said, what I'm about to tell you, by no means, is a denial of your prayers.  I still covet them greatly!  But this morning, when you pray, their is another family that needs your prayers much more than my family.  If you would, please lift up the Garcia family in prayer!  Kim, my dear friend and one of my redhead's biggest fans, is battling cancer for the second time.  She has been given no hope, yet she praises our Father with a fierce determination!  Right now, the cancer is bringing her a great deal of pain.  Please pray specifically that her pain be taken away, a peace and strength be given to the entire family, that the Lord will do a miracle healing in her body, and most importantly that our sweet Father's precious name is glorified through all of this!  Thank you!

I will update on Sweet Pea's status as soon as I have the chance.  Lots and lots of hugs to all of you!

Nestings, Sprinkles, and Blessings

Today has been a very, very nice day.


I woke up before the alarm went off with a need to clean.  I was so surprised by this because I taught at Vacation Bible School all week; I figured I would want to sleep in.  Instead, my poor sweet husband woke up to his pregnant wife making a "to do" list for the day.  From that moment on, I didn't stop... my need to nest was just way too strong.  


I dusted, vacuumed, wiped down window seals, mopped, steam cleaned the sofa, cleaned bathrooms, defrosted a freezer, organized, and so on and so on.  My mom came by (when I say came by, it's really a planned visit because she lives almost an hour and a half away), but I didn't even stop to sit and visit with her.  I kept mopping and talking to her all the while.  Actually I was so thankful she stopped by.  My redhead was at his limit with cartoons and was about to require some Mommy playtime, but his Maw Maw came in and played with him.  All the while, my poor husband was following behind, trying to keep up, and scratching things off the list too.  He was so sweet to just give in and let me go nuts.


Next I gathered some tiny little outfits and a couple of blankets and packed them in a diaper bag for the hospital ;-)


Then, while my mom played with Jude, I got ready for my Baby Sprinkle-- I put on my blue dress and my sweet hubby painted my toenails for me since I can't reach them these days.


I headed over to my sister-in-law's house where I was welcomed and loved on by some of the sweetest ladies I know.  


I was "sprinkled" with some cute gifts including a precious sweet pea themed baby book and a pedicure from one of my best friends, an awesome Thirty-One bag full of goodies from my girls in the church nursery, some adorable gifts from my Bible Study teacher, a cute sweet pea themed layette from a very sweet lady, the most beautiful diaper cake I have ever seen (I'll never have the heart to take it apart) made by a precious friend who is becoming more dear to my heart everyday, and an abundance of diapers, wipes, and way too generous gift cards from family and friends who love me too much! {I plan to have some pictures up soon!}


Lane, Jude, Sweet Pea, and I are incredibly blessed by all the outpouring of generosity and love!


Tonight, Lane and I were treated to a pancake breakfast dinner by his parents.  {I have been craving pancakes for a while now.} We got some good visiting time in and some good food in our tummies.


This week, Lane and I are going to pick up a baby carrier and double stroller, along with some other goodies needed for Sweet Pea's arrival... I can't believe my baby will be here so soon.  I have actually had three contractions while typing this post!  



Speaking of the baby, I have been feeling much better and much more encouraged about the health of the baby over the past few days.  I really believe that everything is fine with the baby.  We go back to see my doctor and Maternal Fetal Medicine Tuesday and will find out if the baby is picking up on its growth.  


I know everyone is praying hard for us and I could never put into words just how much this means to us!  Please keep praying for us.  Please pray the baby picks up its growth rate! Please pray for a safe delivery without the need for a cesarian and most importantly for a healthy baby!  However, please join us in giving thanks that our Father is who He is and the His plan is PERFECT!  We want His precious name glorified through all of this!