According to the professionals...

My due date is officially here on Monday......

Since baby (and mom) is quite comfortable, we're headed off to Leu Gardens on Monday morning.... daddy has to work anyways and it is a good chance to get some walking in.....lots of it! (Besides that, it is FREE ADMISSION on Mondays, which rocks!) It is going to be a high of 83 degrees tomorrow....a delightful day for walking in the park!

Checkup

My doctor's appt. this morning went as well as expected. I met with Dr. Crider today (which I was glad to do to get a different opinion from Dr. Marcantel---although we like them both). At first, they were concerned that my blood pressure had spiked. Last time it was 120/70, today they measured 144/78----but then we took it again and it was only 122/70. Nothing bad!

Dr. Crider was very honest about his feelings on induction. He feels that there is no medical reason to induce next week, however he is concerned if we DON'T have the baby next week. So, he HIGHLY recommended going ahead and scheduling an induction for the beginning of the following week. This would allow me to go past my due date and give baby a chance to come naturally, while not getting into "medical issues" of a too big baby. He feels that my chances of having to have a C-section would increase dramatically if we let the baby get too big. If we waited until next week's appt. to schedule, I'd be WAY overdue and baby would be 10+lbs.

After listening to his reasons, I made up my mind to let him schedule an induction for the week of May8-12, but I let him pick the date. I still don't necessarily believe in the whole "playing God" thing of inducing, but then, I don't want to have to have a C-Section either. I think we have a good, middle-of-the-road compromise!

He did "separate" or "strip" the membranes when he did the exam today. It is a simple way to perhaps speed up the labor process a little. Basically, stripping the membranes can be described as separating the amniotic sac (bag of waters) from the cervix, thus releasing prostaglandins into the blood stream. It isn't painful, just lots of pressure. Sorry, might be too much info for some, but I find it interesting. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't! Depends completely on if baby "feels like cooperating"!

People have asked about names.....boy's name is picked, girl's name is still on the table.

Have a sunny, Florida day!

39+ weeks!

Time has gone by way too quickly! We've enjoyed this pregnancy every step of the way and consider ourselves so lucky to have a healthy baby growing so well inside.

I'm really feeling great still--albeit my anxiety over having a LARGE baby. I've slept better these past couple of nights than I have for months. Swelling has gone down a little as well...although it isn't as bad as some, it can be annoying!

Today was my first official day off of work. It was bittersweet leaving on Friday, not knowing what is in store for me next year, but the R&R is wonderful! I slept in this morning, did some housework and ran some errands. Got a lot accomplished!

Next Dr's. appt. is on Thursday morning....we'll keep you all posted on any changing events!

Pictures

To Induce or Not to Induce?

We had our 38 week checkup today and the doc is already talking about scheduling an induction if baby doesn't come next week. According to them, baby is already topping out close to 8lbs.... Thanks, Adam's genes. Geez.

I'm not sure how I feel about induction. My instincts say, "NO WAY!" I don't want to "schedule" baby's birthday. I think some things should be left in God's hands. I also REALLY want to have the natural birth. But, on the other hand, I also don't want a gazillion lb. baby that looks like a 3 month old. I know, I know, as long as baby is healthy....

On other fronts, I can't have a med free delivery as previously planned. Bummer. I'm not adjusting well to that right now, because I was totally psyched to have a completely natural delivery. I have to have an IV for 2 reasons....one....my heart murmur. If I were to have to have an emergency C-section, I'd have to have the meds ahead of time. Also, I tested positive to Group B Strep so I have to have antibiotics for that as well. Hope they can find my veins. That's always the biggest drama.

Not much else---ultrasound looked good...baby is in the correct position (Yea!)
Still 1-2cm dilated but more than 75% effaced.
BP is 120/70
Baby's heart rate is steady and strong, but slowing down a little which indicates a larger sized baby. (Didn't know that one!)

Last day of work is on Friday---looking forward to some time w/o 170 kids so I can prepare mentally for 1 of our own.


CONGRATULATIONS TO SCOTT AND KATHY ON THE NEWS THAT THEY ARE EXPECTING!

ALSO, CONGRATULATIONS TO NATE AND BROOKE AS THEY FOUND OUT THEY ARE HAVING IDENTICAL TWINS! WOW!

In other news, Katie Holmes, Brooke Shields, Gweneth Paltrow, Gwen Stefani, Angelina Jolie and I are all due within 1 day of each other. Oh, but Katie and Brooke had their babies yesterday. Both girls.... "Suni" and "Something else really weird".


Taking thoughts....if the option comes up next Thursday, do we schedule an induction or not?

Optimistic?

Hi everyone--

We're so very excited as time is ticking fast! I'm down to my last 4 days of work and then hopefully I'll have some time off before baby arrives.

The ultrasound did not get done last week due to some backups, but will be done tomorrow at 2:15. We'll see the doc at 3:00. Last week, doc estimated the baby to be around 7 lbs. No good. That means that he/she is probably taking after Adam's side of the family. THANKS A LOT! But really, they could be off the mark, so we're (I'm) trying to be optimistic.

Last week, I was dilated 1-2cm still, but about 75% effaced. So, things are progressing. We figure we have between 1-3 weeks left. (or 4...if you are Meg!)

Everything is going well---I've had a cold all weekend, but it is clearing up.
Hope everyone had a great Easter! You were in our thoughts---miss you all!

I'll post tomorrow with more news and maybe a picture.....

Adam's 31st Birthday Celebration!

10 of us went to Buca di Beppo to celebrate Adam's birthday--mmmm.....

I'm pretty sure we each consumed at least a week's worth of calories, but it was INCREDIBLE food!

Even celebrities turned out for the event...

Seth Green was sitting with a group of friends at the table RIGHT BEHIND US! (Too bad the waitress was good at taking our group shot, or he would have been in it.) You may know Seth Green from Austin Powers: Goldmember, Rat Race, That 70's show, Without a Paddle or the Italian Job.

In person, he is SHORT---barely clears 5 ft.!

After we all gorged on food, the wait staff brought out a HUGE, delicious piece of cake (which we all shared) that looked like watermelon. Everyone in the restaurant sang to Adam and he blew out the candelabra candles. Very fun!

Next Friday we're going to go to the beach again (which we did last year for his birthday) because everyone wants to get some sun and volleyball in for the 4 day weekend! Good times, good food, good company!

Kickin' and Squirmin'

I think baby is excited to be in a new position (head down...yea!).
It is a newfound sense of space in the growing tummy de momma. "Kickums McSquiggles" has been doing some sort of bicycle movements for the past couple of days! Very fun, yet much more powerful!

Baby care class is on Tues., April 11
Next Dr's appt. is on Wed., April 12 (includes ultrasound...yea!)

Less Than Happy

Well, another predicament...

Our principal is, well, less than happy that I am taking my full maternity leave (which includes summer and Aug/Sept. as well). Furthermore, the plan was to stay home until January, when 2nd semester starts and then go back either full or part time.

His response was, "I can't guarantee that I'll have a position for you. That's a chance you're going to have to take."

According to my contract, (since I'm tenured), I believe that I can take up to a year's leave of absence and be guaranteed a job at my school, and up to 2 years I would be guaranteed a job in the district (but not necessarily at my school). Apparantly, that is not true. But I think it is...

SO--now we have to decide...do we take our chances and I stay home, or do I go back in Aug.?

Gosh! I think we should move to Europe where they give moms 6 months paid maternity leave.

Update...Probably More Info Than You Want!

We had our 36 week check up today...

It was EXTREMELY busy there today. I'd guess there were several "lunchtime" babies today because the office was more backed up than I've ever seen it. And...apparantly the tourists who visit the water parks sometimes get some nasty lacerations in places too private to mention. Yikes.

But, we REALLY wanted to meet with the doctor today, so we waited....and waited....and soon we were the last people in the waiting room...but alas, the door opened and the nurse called out my name! Yea!

We met with Dr. Marcantel today because Crider was busy with a tourist "accident". The doc said that the maternity ward is moving up to the new 4th floor facility this week--which is great because the new floor is pretty cool---bigger rooms and very pretty!

He went through some of the "when to come to the hospital" things and a little about what to expect from them.

Blood pressure was good.. 117/68 so they're not worried about the swelling that has recently started.

Tested for Group B Strep today, so we'll find that out next week. No biggie...just means antibiotics during delivery if I'm a carrier.

I'm measuring at 37 weeks...I've been toggling between measuring right on and one week ahead, so this wasn't big news.

Doc says I'm about 1-2 cm dilated and 50% effaced. He could feel the baby's head, so that means the THE BABY FINALLY TURNED! (It also means that Adam has been talking to baby's butt...hehehe) (Baby has been laying transverse, or sideways, for a long time now---as of 2 weeks ago, baby was still sideways, causing a little concern.)

He estimates the baby to be between 6-6.5 lbs. which is fine if it's 37 weeks, but maybe a little big if we go by 36 weeks. Of course, the ultrasound next week will tell us a lot more. (I'd like to verify the position as well as the size. Doesn't feel too big...hmmm...)

He pretty much just said that everything looks great now and the baby is well on its way...yea! We're getting excited to meet the little one!

The Greatest Invention!

My FL friends and I have found our new favorite thing....

It's called Dinner Done! It is a professional kitchen (just like those cooking shows) where you spend 2 hours making 8-12 meals for your family (each meal feeds 4-6 people and can be separated into smaller portions).

Everything made can go directly from the freezer to the oven or saute pan!

Basically, you pay $135 and show up...Adam and I get 16-18 meals out of it.

What I love most is the quality of food---these are not hamburgers, people! These are gourmet meals (see this month's menu below!) Also, they do all the prep work (dicing, measuring, etc.) for you ahead of time and they clean everything up at the end. You know what else is great?!?! If you want to alter the seasonings, veggies or anything else, you are free to do so. When you leave the kitchen, you have 8 (or 16) pre-made meals, packaged for the freezer and labeled with side item and wine suggestions.

HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!?!? (Now, I know Adam makes some mean tacos, but at least we'll have more than tacos and noodles when the baby comes!)

This is what I picked to make this month:

Chicken Marbella-chicken with white wine and brown sugar glaze, capers and fruit

Chicken Parmigiana

Gorgonzola Beef Filets-onions, bacon and cheese atop filets

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Asparagus

Pecan Bourbon Salmon-fresh Atlantic Salmon, brown sugar, pecans, bourbon, apple cider

Spicy Shrimp on Linguine-olive oil, onions, peppers, lemon juice

Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken

Yankee Pot Roast

YUM! YUM! YUM!

I found out they have a similar chain, "Super Suppers" if you want to check it out---no guarantees...the only one I've experienced is "Dinner Done!"

www.supersupperswoodbury.com (Woodbury, MN)
www.supersuppersedenprairie.com (Eden Prairie, MN)
www.ssnapervillesouthil.com (Naperville, IL)
www.ssnorthbrookil.com (Northbrook, IL)

The What Goes Where?

So....we had some extra time on our hands today and decided to decipher the mystery of installing the car seat base. We talked with the infant resource officer for the Kissimmee Police Dept. and found that they do car seat checks every Friday. We figured it would be best if we try to install it first, and then they can either praise us for a job well done or correct our mistakes.

Fast forward to 30 minutes later, where we are up to our knees in manuals...who knew there were that many types of seat belts and fasteners?!?! This clips into that/tightened against this/yadda yadda yadda.

Luckily, we have the new LATCH system in the CRV so it was quite easy (we think) to install the base and seat. Much easier than threading the seat belt through the seat.




On another note, we had a work shower last Sunday. It was an enjoyable time with good food and good company. All I can say now is that our child has more clothes in their room than Adam and I have in our closet. Actually, we received some lovely gifts---we have a nice library of books started and even got a few toys. Since many people decided to buy off the registry, we did end up with some doubles of things---not a prob...we returned stuff to Target and with the extra $$, put it towards a high chair.

Baby is doing well---still squirming about and making us giggle. I'm still pretty comfortable but have some swelling around my left ankle, which the doctor will probably check out on Tuesday, our next appt.

We have had a lovely weekend, the weather is beautiful---Education in the Park was on Sat. (basically a big carnival for schools). Adam was in charge of our school's booth and he did a great job! It was a long day in 86 degree sunshine though. Sat. night was a progressive dinner with our church friends---delicious food! Church and yardwork this morning and then some R&R for the rest of the day!