Looking for me? I've been letting hubby do the blogging over here for the last few days. Been a little busy nursing and not sleeping :)

messing with my head - part 2

Mike and I said a while ago that the most inconvenient time for me to go into labor would be Saturday night/Sunday morning... the Lord has a sense of humor!

Yesterday started out quite eventful. I awoke at 2am with contractions. I logged them for a couple of hours at about 10 min apart. When Mike awoke around 4 and I told him there was a possibility of labor. He showered and began preparing for church, just in case. After a couple more hours of slowly but progressing contractions, we called Pastor Tim to fill in preaching for Mike. Grandparents were called in to come get Jackson.

The contractions felt differently than before, but I didn't think much of it. I had back labor exclusively with Jackson because of his position in the womb. The doctors have told me she is not in that position, so I knew the contractions would likely feel much differently. They kept getting closer and closer - and increasing in intensity & pain [which is what the books says is a sign of true labor, not false labor]. It was frustrating how slowly they were progressing, but at least they were progressing.

Finally around 11am I reached the point of nearly an hour of contractions that were 3-5 minutes apart - the point when we are to call the Dr and head to the hospital. Mike loaded up the van only to come back in and find out that the contractions had stopped without explanation.

I cannot explain to you the level of frustration felt.

Praise God Jackson was able to spend the day and night last night with my in laws. We rested and caught up on sleep. Which is good because who knows when we'll be at the whole thing again.

Preoccupation Projects

Fact: I'm 39 weeks preggo today. [But who's counting?]
Fact: Time goes by faster when you are busy.
Fact: I have the inability to nap. Never have. Sad, I know.

Therefore... I am finding projects of preoccupation. And riding waves of energy when they come along. Currently, the wave has passed and I'm crashed in the recliner. In case you were wondering.

Where was I? Oh yes.... the projects.

Project #1 - Hannah's room. Furniture in place. Room cozy and decorated. Clothes and toys are organized, washed, and ready to go. This was the fun project. It's been done for a while.

Project #2 - The house. It's the continual project of keeping it up, yet I'm trying to keep it "guest ready" for when my folks come stay with us after Hannah shows up. (You know, the kind of stuff that hubby probably wishes I did ALL the time but would never say that.) Couple that with Spring Cleaning and a killer nesting instinct... it doesn't stand a chance. I have already re-organized the laundry room, all closets, my pantry, bathroom cabinets, Jackson's toys, winter clothes, and junk drawers. Bathrooms are clean. Laundry caught up. Baseboards dusted. Hubby and I scoured windows last weekend - we still have a few more to go. He's gotten into the game and really done a bunch of yard work. Even started a garden with tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber, and watermelon.

It's sick, I know.

Project #3 - A bow holder. Attention: I did a craft. By myself. With paint, glue gun, and ribbon. Yes, ME. Now, I know she'll likely be like Jackson and not have ANY hair for the first year, but here's to hoping. And for something to go on a blank wall. (picture to come)

Project #4 - Errand running. Last minute stocking up on anything I can think of. I know getting out and about after she comes will be difficult for the first little bit. And for some reason I am afraid my family will run out of food. Or worse - toilet paper.

When all else fails I revert back to the house project... because, let's face it, yesterday's work is already messed up. Which reminds me why I just don't get caught up in the 'my house must be perfect' thing in most cases. Just not this week.

Just messin' with my head

Contractions... I got 'em. Braxton Hicks all the time and a few of what I would call "real ones". Nothing like having 3-4 strong ones 10 minutes apart to get me thinking I'm going to meet my daughter today, only to have them stop. It's a fun game. Really.

My normal Monday appointment got pushed back {boo!} to Wednesday so that I'll get checked and have the ultrasound to check on the amniotic fluid level all in the same appointment and not have to go in twice. So, I have a little more wait to hear about the progress. I'm curious to see if all these contractions have added up to much.

I'm trying to find balance between doing projects to preoccupy me and resting up as much as possible, as I know rest, sleep, time to myself, etc will be very hard to come by as soon as baby girl arrives. My new routine is fluttering around doing various odds and ends and then sitting like an exhausted zombie until the next wave of energy happens to come.

I do have to give major props to my hubby who has given COUNTLESS back rubs without complaint. My love language...

baby watch

It has been an interesting week as far as this pregnancy goes. At my Monday appointment the doctor and I decided to go ahead and have another ultrasound done to make sure all was well with Hannah. There has been a several things different with this pregnancy than with Jackson and it caused a little unrest and red flags with me. I'm certain that my previous miscarriage had a lot to do with that... you just always wonder if all is well until you have that precious baby in your arms and can see for yourself.

I spent much time on my knees laying my daughter's health and my anxiety before the Lord. I am amazed anew at how He offers the peace beyond all understanding. And I can atest that the peace I felt was not something that could remotely come from this weak person that I am - only from the Lord. Health issues or not, I was ready to trust in Him completely.

I went into the ultrasound appointment knowing that if something abnormal was found I would likely be induced or scheduled a C-section as soon as possible. So, you can imagine the whirlwind mode of last minute stuff just in case...clean house, bags packed, shaved legs...

In the end, yesterday's ultrasound went well. Despite the small outer measurements and my lack weight gain, she is estimated to be about 6lbs 3oz (which is good for 37.5 weeks). Not as petite as they thought! And, we confirmed that she is indeed a she. Whew! I can't imagine changing over this explosion of pink that has entered my house. They are watching my amniotic fluid level as it is slightly low. I'll get another ultrasound next week to make sure all is well there.

So for now we have a new batch of pictures to linger over until she decides to come. Last night I told Mike that I am so relieved to hear that she is well, but a little sad to have to wait longer to meet her. In the end, I'll take her health a million times before that.

just call me tigger

Jackson: Bounce, bounce.
Mommy: Hmm? What's bouncing?
Jackson: Your belly looks like a GIANT ball. You can bounce really really high, Mommy.
Mommy: Uh, thanks.

37

Today I'm having a mini celebration for reaching 37 weeks. I'm officially "full term". And by celebrating I mean I am sitting on my tail and eating ice cream pie while the boys are out fishing.

Jackson and I had a little conversation with baby girl yesterday to let her know that she is welcome to come ANY TIME NOW... not that I really expect her to come this early. But here's hoping. The contractions have really revved up in the last week, but not with any consistancy.

Monday is the next DR appt - and I'm anxious to hear of any progress. Last week I found out that she/I am measuring a smidge smaller - not small as in a health concern they assured, but small as in she may be a petite thing. Which might explain why I'm not as big as I was with Jackson, who could have never been defined as petite in any way. I'm trying to take this as good news (easier delivery/less back pain??!!) and not worry. Easier said than done.

The past few weeks have been consumed with some last minute preparation for the arrival of baby girl. It's hard work... like deciding which outfit to bring her home in {grins}. The nursery is set, car seat in the car, essentials have been washed, and bags mostly packed (except for the things needed up until then). I've been shopping to get last minute necessities - diapers, wipes, diaper genie refills, new bottles/nipples, nursing pads, baby book, more crib sheets, etc. [thank you, thank you gift cards!]

I've also been a busy bee trying to get things squared away for the church while I am out with a newborn. It's hard for me. I hate asking people to do more when they already do so much. I really don't want to leave a burden for my awesome volunteers in the children's ministry. I am having to trust the Lord with a lot of this!