Full moon fail.

Umm... Stella, maybe you didn't get the memo. Last night was a full moon, and as previously discussed, now that we've officially reached full term, you have been cordially invited to your birthday party. Yet, you were a no-show; imagine my disappointment. I was totally ready nuzzle your sweet little head, kiss your perfect little nose, and count your ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes. I could still do those things today... today is good, too. No? How about tomorrow?

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Okay, okay... so I know I haven't really earned any right to be this impatient or perturbed about Stella's impending arrival. I am just 37wks and 2 days still, and lots of women go as far as 42wks. I don't think my doctor would let me go that long, but just for reference's sake, that's how premature my anxiety really is.

Still, knowing that, I can't help but feel seriously, overly anxious, impatient, and perturbed that I'm still pregnant. I don't know if it's because my mommy instinct is telling me she'll be early, thus I'm sitting around expecting it to be today... or if it's because I'm so stinking uncomfortable that I don't know how much longer I can really go. I talked to a couple of moms this weekend who confirmed what I have experienced so far: second (and subsequent) pregnancies just get harder and harder on your body. I worked a full time, high-stress job during Henry's pregnancy, and I wasn't this run-down, sore, and uncomfortable all day every day in those last weeks.

I think I'm so expectant of her coming sooner, rather than later, that I've really built myself up and find it highly disappointing every morning I wake up still pregnant. In the grand scheme of things, I can find solace in knowing that most likely it will all be over no more than three weeks from now. Yet, I'm still borderline obsessing at this point about every change in my symptoms, and every cramp or contraction. The days between doctor appointments drag on, and then when an appointment finally comes, I go in hoping against hope that some progress will be evident. Tomorrow is my next appointment, and I'm not sure whether I'm looking forward to it or dreading it. I'm certain that I will be bummed if nothing has changed from last week, considering how many nights of uncomfortable contractions I've endured. Yes, childbirth is supposed to be painful... so I'm not simply complaining about it hurting. I'm just griping about how slowly things seem to be moving, and how inconceivable it is that this discomfort and pain isn't fruitful.

I went grocery shopping on Saturday and I actually wished my water would break as I waddled my way up and down the aisles. I'd sacrifice my dignity, at this point, to get things started. I'm beyond ready to meet my little girl, and am a little bit desperate for some relief.

1 cm closer!

Had an OB appointment this morning and I have to say I went in feeling rather optimistic for some news that things were happening. If what I'm experiencing physically is any indication, and if you throw in my intuitive belief that Stella isn't planning to wait until her due date, I just knew there would be some sign of progression. I tried to prepare myself for zero progress at the same time, just so I wouldn't be obviously disappointed when she told me Stella was renewing her lease.

The report is that my blood pressure is excellent, my physical miseries are normal for second and subsequent pregnancies, and it doesn't look like her arrival is super imminent. I'm dilated to somewhere between a fingertip and 1cm with no notable effacement. On the one hand, it's a real bummer. On the other hand, I know 36wks is still really too soon, and no matter how miserable I am, I don't want her to come until she's really done baking. 37wks is when most of the medical community agrees a baby is full term, so if we can make it just one more week, then I'll be drawing up the eviction notice to vacate the premises effective immediately.

With such good blood pressure, it's looking an awful lot like I'm not going to be induced. We're still going to consider her size at the sonogram scheduled for next Friday, but even today she measured at more like one week ahead instead of two - maybe because she isn't so big after all. This all leads to the realization and excitement that this labor and delivery might be a lot different than my last. With Henry, the induction was planned, and since my body wasn't really ready, it was a long, hard labor. It appears Stella's arrival is a secret known only to God right now. The day, the time, how it feels to actually go into labor on my own, and the anticipation of waiting for it... all makes for some real excitement. I'm actually kind of looking forward to it, I think. Labor won't be fun, but I think, now that I've been there and done that, I'm at least more prepared for it. I can better appreciate what a miracle it really is, and that at the end of something difficult, there is a true gift from God to hold in my arms. What a blessing.

My next appointment will be Tuesday. Anything could happen between now and then, so stand by!

Henry is Fifteen Months

You wanna come and read with me?


Stacking is my specialty.


Aren't you going to applaud?


Yeah, I know I'm that cute.

Henry turned 15mo old yesterday. It nearly came and went without our even realizing it. He amazes us every day. His sweet personality is more evident all the time, and he is just so bright. He picks up on things so quickly now, and has a slew of tricks to show off. He loves to gives hugs and kisses. He can easily entertain himself, but is also beginning to blossom socially. He and Amelia have play dates weekly, and Mandy and I have really noticed how they're actually interacting with one another instead of just parallel-playing. A couple of weeks ago, Henry followed Amelia around trying to talk her into playing with him. Last week, the kids were in rare form, running around the kitchen, hollering, and scattering toys everywhere. You can't buy this kind of entertainment!

We went today for his check-up and another round of vaccinations. He weighs 27lbs 4oz and is 32.5inches. I had her double-check his length because that was only 1/2in. gain from three months ago. I was just sure he had grown more than that, especially because I know he's had at least one good growth spurt since then. Maybe the measurement was wrong last time. Anyway, he is in the 75th percentile for weight and length, and is holding steady at better than 95th for head circumference. The kid is well-endowed in noggin. Dr. Miller said he is perfect in every way, and at or beyond all milestones and development for his age. She thinks he's going to be very intelligent and advanced, but she is particularly fond of Henry, so she can't help but say nice things about him. Of course, she might be right. ;)

If I could only share one new cute thing Henry is doing today, it would be his impersonation of Jimmy Johnson. Scratching your head? He was the long-time head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. How, might you ask, is a fifteen-month-old baby imitating an NFL football coach? Well, when Zac and I attended a recent game, we bought Henry a souvenir mini-football. When you drop or catch the ball, it plays one of three recorded soundbites. One is the old fight song from way back in the day. The other two are of Jimmy Johnson's most memorable quotes: "Touchdown, Cowboys!" and "How 'bout them Cowboys?!"

So, now Henry is trying to say, "How 'bout them Cowboys?!" It is SO cute!! *swoon*

Baby Update

We had an appointment last Tuesday and as they say, no news is good news. The first appointment is typically exciting and informative (ultrasound, comprehensive physical and blood work, etc.) but the next two or three appointments can be, well, uneventful. We were in and out in under 30 minutes, and that includes waiting room time, and taking time to ask Dr. M several questions.

I had not expected to be, but I was vaccinated for the regular flu at this visit. Immunity takes about two weeks post inoculation, so within another few days I hope to be better prepared to face the flu season which is already rearing its ugly head here in Texas. Zac reported that prescriptions for tamiflu are already coming through the pharmacy - a sign that the flu bug is biting. I also plan to get the swine flu vax once it becomes available later in October. Pregnant women are in a special risk category for this illness, and I don't want to risk picking it up, thus endangering myself or my family.

Otherwise, the appointment consisted of the usual: tinkling in a cup, getting on the scale, checking my blood pressure, and answering basic questions by the doctor about how I'm feeling. The highlight: finding baby's heartbeat on doppler. The heart rate was 155bpm and I have to say it's about the most amazing thing to hear. In these earlier weeks, before feeling baby, it's so nice to have that confirmation of well-being. It also is just a marvel to ponder that this little life is growing in there without my really being aware of it, physically.

I'm still awaiting baby to make his/her presence known soon. I'll be 14 weeks this Saturday, and that's just a three week difference from when I first noticed Henry moving at 17 weeks. I look for flutters to start any day now.

We made our appointments for the next regular check up and our next ultrasound. We'll see the doctor again on October 6th and will get another look at baby on October 27th. Look for an exciting post shortly thereafter - we'll be announcing the impending arrival of our SON or DAUGHTER!! So excited!

I am feeling better overall, thankfully. Still get a nauseous episode, but no more all-day yuckies. Heartburn is still daily, but I don't expect that to get better before it gets much worse, and for now the meds are still controlling it fairly well. I spent the first trimester baffled at my energy level; when pregnant with Henry, I was SO wiped out for the first few months, but have really not felt that drain until just the past week or so. Strange timing, but it would have been stranger to have really escaped it altogether. When you consider that my body is literally manufacturing another human being, it's all too understandable that I'd be dragging a little. It helps when I get to bed at a decent time - still working on that.

That's all for now - stay tuned.

A peek at baby!

**I can't understand why this picture keeps uploading sideways, and I can't seem to fix it. So, forgive me for any strain incurred at the necessity of craning your neck in order to see it in it's intended orientation.**

Here is our first glimpse of the new baby. This was taken today at 8w5d. We had our first sonogram and OB appointment this morning. It was surreal to see the little "gummy bear" on the screen moving, his/her little heart just beating away (182bpm!). I think it's especially difficult to grasp this early, as it's too soon to know a baby is even there (except for all the nausea, heartburn, and digestive issues.) I was awe struck, and immediately felt humbled by God's miracle growing inside of me.

Henry went with us to the doctor's office. He elected not to take his nap beforehand, against my advisement and insistence (you can put a baby to bed but you can't make him sleep - you can quote me on that). I feared the worst, but of course he really is such a great baby and did really well considering. He wanted to run around, and so was squirmy when we were holding him, but he wasn't fussy or difficult. He even had to go longer than usual before lunch, and was such a trooper. I'm so proud of my little man. And, thankfully, he made up for his missed nap and took a nice long three hour siesta this afternoon. Rest time for Mama, too!

My OB says everything is measuring right on track and looks good so far. We're continuing with progesterone therapy for at least two more weeks. We'll do one more draw at that time and reassess. Meanwhile, I have another 4 weeks ahead of me before we get another status update. My next appointment is September 8. At that time I'll be almost 13 weeks and at the end of my first trimester. We won't see baby that day but we should be able to hear baby's heartbeat on the doppler. September 8th doesn't sound that far away, but I know the days will go slowly as long as I'm counting. And I will be counting. :)

My due date got bumped up a day to March 20 instead of 21. What I really think happened is that the doctor read the little dial correctly where the registrar didn't. I knew it was the 20th, but I didn't argue when I was originally told the 21st. What difference does one day make? This means I will be 9 weeks on Saturday. Woohoo!!