2.28.2008
Day three of testing
The most uncomfortable thing I did today was get my eyebrows waxed on one of those form-fitting table/beds that curve. They had to get a crane to get me out of there; man, I'm big!
2.27.2008
More tests!
Everything looks great, I had more contractions today than yesterday (although not technically labor contractions - and they don't hurt), and everything else looked good, so they sent us home (with our bags still packed in our trunk), and we'll have some more testing tomorrow.
Looks like BabyW is taking after Mommy, liking all of this attention! Just as Jeff got the camera out to take photos of my giant belly with the sensors attached, they came in to release us. Lucky you, you don't have to see those!
Today was my last day in the office, so I'll be couch-ridden for a few days; who knows how long, depending on what Baby & Doc decide. He's still keeping the induction option at the forefront, although of course he would like me to go into labor on my own. One of my labs from yesterday was a little higher than he would've liked, he said, so that for him was one more reason to keep a close eye on everything.
Stay tuned!
2.26.2008
Last day of work - Scheduled!
Based on increasing protein levels and blood pressure (still normal blood pressure, but "high" for me), the doctor remains concerned about preeclampsia. So he decided to do a non-stress test on the baby - which involved hooking me up to a couple of monitors to check the baby's heart rate and the activity levels. Everything looked A-OK with both of those. As we were wrapping up the 30-minute test, he said "So, you're not still working, are you?" Um, yes. So, tomorrow is my last day in the office! Yikes!! However, my boss has been way cool (he has five kids of his own, plus I'm a superstar), so I'm working from home for a few days until either a) I can't do it anymore, or b) I go into labor. When I asked the doctor what it means to stay home (like what can i do? what can't I do?), he said he doesn't want me up & about, and doesn't want me driving. So, basically, a form of bed rest - if you consider hooking up a laptop as part of bedrest....
Next step? Another non-stress test on Thursday, and if things look the same, we're good - but if anything with my protein or my blood pressure changes, he is talking about inducing on Friday! He mentioned several times that he wants me to go into labor on my own, without induction... but he wants to continue closely monitoring me. He predicts BabyW will make his/her arrival by mid-week next week, one way or another!
Preeclampsia.....
How would preeclampsia affect my health and the health of my baby? The more severe the condition and the earlier it appears, the greater the risks for you and your baby. Most women who get preeclampsia develop a mild version near their due date, and they and their babies do fine with proper care. But when preeclampsia is severe, it can affect many organs and cause serious or even life-threatening problems. That's why you'll need to deliver early if your condition is severe or getting worse. Preeclampsia causes the blood vessels to constrict, resulting in high blood pressure and a reduced blood flow that can affect organs throughout the body, including the liver, kidneys, and brain.When less blood is being delivered to your uterus, it can mean problems for your baby, such as poor growth, too little amniotic fluid, and placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery).
2.25.2008
Countdown has begun
Our poll is up to 11 boy and 16 girl votes; I'm starting to sway a little bit in my guess, but I still don't honestly have a "feeling" as to what we're having. I'm sorry to say that Laura didn't pick the date correctly, as BabyW would've been here on Saturday if so! Next doc appointment is tomorrow, so we will see what the progress is.
We definitely want visitors at the hospital; so if you're reading this and live in the area (and are not some weirdo reading this who I don't know), please come by once you hear BabyW has entered the world! Unless you're sick. Then you can meet him/her later :)
Hopefully I'll have some kind of update for you tomorrow after the doctor appointment. I don't feel much different, the main difference I can feel is when I'm getting up from a lying-down position. That is the toughest maneuver with this big belly. I'm still walking a couple of miles a few times a week, in the hopes the baby will shift down further with every step I take :)
2.19.2008
Doctor update
We're going out to dinner (spicy Mexican; maybe it will induce labor!!) and then rooting the Boilers on for a big victory tonight against IU and their dirty cheating coach!!
I'm at 38 weeks......
Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)
2.18.2008
Jeff's day off
I think my husband is a keeper. You decide....
He had the day off today for President's Day. Is this a new thing? Suddenly, everyone I know had the day off today. I don't remember anyone having this day off up in Chicago.
So, this is how he spent his day....He put together the nightstand for the nursery (which my coworkers generously gave us). He drilled holes in the back of the baby's dresser to attach the changing pad. He cleaned all three restrooms (including the toilets and floors), washed all of the "hardwood" floors, vacuumed the downstairs, and installed our new mailbox. And he went to the gym and got his hair cut (so at least he felt like he did something for himself, too). This is more than I would've gotten done in four days off. Yep, I think I'll keep this guy around for a little while. Isn't he awesome??
We also went to dinner tonight with our friends Kelly & Toby; so he was done with all of these fun activities by around 5pm. It was great to see the Parkers, and to eat yummy pasta at Macaroni Grille!
2.17.2008
Another Baby Weekend
Sunday - after joining our church and going to lunch with my family, we hit Babies R Us and Target pretty hard, and now are fully equipped for BabyW! (well, as fully equipped as we're going to be until we bring BabyW home; then I'm sure we'll think of the other 85 things we need!)
Still no contractions - but we see the doctor on Tuesday, so I'll keep you posted on my progress!!