Happening

Have I mentioned that last weekend my little brother got married? I was devastated not to be able to fly out for the wedding and miss out on all the fun. But here are the few first shots of the adorable couple (more to come)...

Jacob + Madeline

---

In other news, we've found a place to live in Chicago! I'll be honest, apartment-hunting from afar was a miserable process. It seemed like every place we'd get excited about would fall through because we weren't there to meet the landlord in person. Not to mention that Chicago is expensive and full of sketchy areas to avoid. In the end we got hooked up by an outgoing oral surgery intern and will be in the ground level of a two-flat townhome-of-sorts below another LDS oral surgery family. It's located in North Lakeview, not far from Wrigley Field and the shore (and a Trader Joes, Whole Foods, and Target, thank you). The place is definitely not glamourous. Let's just say it has some old Chicago charm. But we'll have parking, AC, a faux fireplace (maybe just staring at it will warm my toes), a washer and dryer, and an extra room for guests! What more could I ask for?

---

Oh, and tomorrow we're having a baby! Yes, this is really happening. While we're shocked she didn't come sooner, we manage to still feel totally unprepared. Induction is scheduled for 8 am. Wish us luck!

*I almost forgot- on Saturday Dustin took his last boards and is unofficially finished with dental school. (Clinic is open this week, but obviously he won't be there.) The timing couldn't be more perfect, really. In less than two weeks he'll be graduating a DDS.

I thought I'd share one last picture of this bump (I'm not sure what to call it, but let's be honest it's not just a bump anymore) I've grown, on my last day of pregnancy.

39 Weeks

These Few Weeks

A few pictures from the Easter Egg hunt last weekend...

Not much has changed with my situation over the last two weeks. (Besides that I'm walking better and in much less pain. Thankfully.) She's still in there, getting bigger. And now if/when she comes she won't be a premie! Contractions are still frequent and we'll find out on Thursday if I've progressed any further. 

If she doesn't surprise us sooner, two weeks 'till induction May 1st!

36-37 Weeks

I have to say how strange it is to know that you're going to be a parent in such a short time. That in an approaching instant life will never quite be the same. I keep feeling like we should be doing something more to prepare, or to take advantage of these last few days on our own. We're anxious (well mostly me- birthing is scary) and excited (Dustin is sick of just feeling kicks and wants to see her face), and realizing that we'll probably never feel ready for what's coming. 

35 Week Update

I had my 35-week doctor's visit and ultrasound this morning and thought I would share an update...

This time I was not admitted to the hospital and got to come home! 

The last few days I've started to feel slightly better. I'm walking  waddling around about twice as fast and can handle being on my feet more than just a few minutes. My butt still hurts 24/7 and rolling over/standing/bending, etc. are extremely difficult. 

We started with the ultrasound and while everything looked normal (apparently our baby has nice "pouty lips" and only a few tuffs of peach fuzz), she was a bit uncooperative. The tech was frustrated that she wouldn't move her head for better measurements. But since it's jammed down about as low as it can go in my pelvis I'd imagine that's asking a bit much. 

estimated weight: 6 lb. 8 oz.* !! 

(average for 35 weeks is closer to 5 1/2 lbs.)

*Because they had such a hard time getting a head measurement (and this is based on a combination of the head and belly), the doctor thinks she's probably not quite this heavy. 

I actually lost 4 lbs. since my hospital stay, which didn't surprise me too much since this is the first time in years I haven't been working out/lifting weights regularly. I feel like my muscles are shrinking away. Baby is also pushing on my stomach and lungs and its hard to eat more than a little bit at a time (even though I finally have an appetite- how annoying!). Nobody seemed too concerned though as she is obviously growing fine. 

Next we visited with the doctor and learned that I'm now dilated 1 cm and effaced 70%. She's still head-standing down there just as low. Contractions are often but not painful, too close, or regular. 

The plan:

No more bedrest!! (I'm allowed to do whatever activity I can manage comfortably. Which means not much. But at least I can walk around the grocery store without feeling guilty.)

No plan to stop labor if she comes early. (She's pretty big now and breathing well and should do OK outside of me.) 

If she doesn't come early (unlikely they say), induce at 39 weeks, May 1st. 

So things have progressed but not too rapidly. She looks healthy and strong. While I suspect she might show up on her own, the thought of dealing with the pain for another 4 weeks is a daunting. (I'm also scared that she could get rather large with another month of growing!) There is a chance that the pelvic issues/pain will not resolve on their own after delivery and I will have to undergo some physical therapy. No way to know until then, though.

Hoping she stays put a few weeks longer... but wouldn't complain if we have a baby in April instead of May!