Monday, November 21, 2011

The Final Stretch

Well, we are 34 1/2 weeks pregnant, and assuming we make it to Dec. 23rd, that means a little over 4 weeks left.  Ahh!  So many emotions run through my body as I even type those words....such love and excitement to meet my little girl, such anxiety over her birth and my hopes and prayers that it all goes so much more smoothly than last time, and pressure to finish up everything around the home and be prepared for the holidays!

Last week we had our 34 week appointment.  We go back at 36 weeks, and then every week from there on out.  Everything was fine at 34 weeks.  It was a quick appointment-blood pressure, urine, weight, heart tones, and belly measurement check and that was about it.  I can tell you that this little girl is still sideways, so it's still looking like a c-section as of now, and she is still quite active!  Her movements are more like thrashes in my opinion.  I just picture her coming out and me swaddling her and her kicking and flailing and having no part of that.  Hahah!  Don't get me wrong, I looooove feeling her move about and that is by far my favorite thing about pregnancy, but she seems much more wild and crazy than I remember MJ feeling!  I've gained 24 pounds so far.  I definitely gained more than that with MJ, but I remember gaining a lot in the end-lots of swelling and water weight.  So far so good in that department, but I know it can happen quickly at the end.  I think not working on my feet all day though and not being in hot, humid FL is making a difference.  I'm not really having any swelling at all yet, am still able to wear my rings (umm, yea-who remembers me losing my wedding ring when pregnant with MJ?!?), all my shoes, etc.  I am SO thankful that it's November and not August, because I am HOT!  I can't even imagine having a summer baby.  Being really pregnant this time of year is good with me, thank you very much! 

At our next appointment, 36 weeks, they will do an ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid levels.  This is due to my previous history and baby being in distress with low fluid levels.  If the level were to be below 5, the baby would have to come out right away.  If there is still plenty of fluid, then it probably won't be checked again at all.  If it's borderline, then they'll check it again the following week.  I am really praying that the fluid levels will be good, baby and I will stay healthy, and she can stay in as long as possible.  BUT, I am feeling like I need to be prepared for her arrival in less than 2 weeks just in case they tell us otherwise at our appointment.  This means packing a bag, finishing her room, lining up child care for MJ, etc. etc. all just as a precaution.  Yes, these are the things I lie awake thinking about!  ;) 

We look forward to sharing the final part of our pregnancy journey with you over the next month and can't wait to welcome our Christmas miracle into the world before long. 


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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I can't believe it's already here!! You must be feeling a flurry of emotions1 I'm sure everything will go smoothly & work out just perfectly! xxo, Mindy