We're Hangin' in There!

Week 39

Holy Moly, my last week before the B-I-G 40!

This week, Emerson should be about the size of a Wintermelon.

A what? What is a Wintermelon? She's so big now, they're just making up fruit!

"Baby keeps growing, despite being so crowded in there. She probably weighs around 6.2 to 9.2 pounds and measures about 18.9 to 20.9 inches."

She's probably able to flex her limbs now.

Her brain is still rapidly developing -- she's getting smarter by the week!

Her nails may extend past her fingertips.

                                                                                                                -The Bump

On Tuesday, we had our 39 week check up. I was also scheduled for an ultrasound to see her position, weight, fluid levels, etc. Of course, she had her hands in front of her face...again. So I guess we know where her hands will be when she comes out! The results of the ultrasound were...

• Her head is down and she's in the correct position.
• She's weighing in at a whopping 7 lbs, 14 oz, and gaining about an ounce each day! (The tech did say they the test could be off +/- 9oz. Lord help me if she's 7lbs, 14oz + 9oz!! WHOA!
• My fluid levels (in my stomach) were a little low. The number they gave was a 6.35. It needed to be at least a 7. So my duty for the rest of the day was to go lay on my side and drink a LOT of liquids.
• She's still a girl, which is good!
• All of her anatomy is looking good and organs are functioning like normal.

The next day, after laying down and drinking until I float, I went back for another ultrasound.

My fluid levels were at an 11!! Bam!

If they would have been less than 7, we would start planning for an induction on Monday.

If they were higher than a 7, we would "rethink" things.

So with the levels being up and good, we have decided to let her come when she's good and ready.

That's exactly what I wanted to hear. I don't want to force her out and I certainly do NOT want to have a C-section if at all possible. Of course, anything can change at any time, so all of these options are still a possibility. But we sure do hope that I go into labor on my own...and SOON.

Have you seen me lately?? Geez! Wobble wobble.

I love seeing people's reaction when they say...

"Oh, you're about to POP!"

"When are you due?"

And I reply,

"Tomorrow!"

Who knows what they're thinking, but it looks like they are thinking...

"Oh no, what if she goes into labor right now, standing here, talking to ME??!!"

haha

Well I know that I haven't posted not even one picture of myself this whole time.

So here I am, 2 days ago.....at 39 weeks and 4 days.

Thanks Abby Funderburk Photography for doing these:)

And thank you to one of her awesome Brides for letting her take these in the middle of YOUR session!!

We planned to do pictures like a week or two ago, with Danny, but I had a very bad day that day and ended up cancelling them. I wanted to have something to look back on, so we shot these in literally 5 minutes. No, literally.

So now, we wait.

Bags are packed and in the trunk.

Birth plan is written and typed.

House, well, it'll be cleaned by Saturday!

Bassinet ready, crib ready.

Who to call when something happens, ready.

"To bring" list on the fridge for those last minute items that can't be packed ahead of time.

Now, it's all up to the good Lord and Emerson.

Come on, lets do this!



Patiently Waiting...

WEEK 38

Emerson is about the size of a PUMPKIN...(dang girl!)

"Baby is about 18.9 to 20.9 inches long and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds.

Her head is now about the same circumference as her abdomen."

She may have about an inch or so of hair already.

She's slowly shedding that white goo on her skin (called vernix caseosa) but you

     might see some of it at birth.

                                                                                                             -The Bump

Well, it's getting close! I honestly thought "any day now"....literally.

But after Wednesday's doctor's appointment, I'm not so sure anymore.

I went in Wednesday morning for my 38 week check up. The last two visits, I had been 75% effaced and not dilated. I was SURE that the numbers would have increased by week 38. Nope. Not at all.

I have had no contractions, therefore, no dilation. So I have been at a stand still for 2 weeks now.

I feel so helpless and not in control whatsoever. Oh, that's probably BECAUSE I'M NOT!

Hello Kendall!

I have obviously forgotten who is in charge. Maybe that's why He's not allowing me to progress like "normal." I have had a schedule for all of this, this whole time, not really coming to terms that it's not on my time, it's not on her time, it's on His time. Once again, Duh Kendall!

So here I am, patiently waiting. I know she will be here very soon, so I better enjoy my free time while I have it, get rest while I still know what that means, and enjoy one-on-one time with my husband. Things will never be the same again.

A very good friend said to me yesterday, "She's still in there for a reason!"

Well dang, that's a good point! Never thought about it that way.

So I may eat a plate of eggplant Parmesan, I may walk around the block a time or two, etc. But I need to remember that she's already got a birth date and a birth plan, so sit back and enjoy the last few days/weeks of this ride! 

Until that day comes, it will be days filled with work, baseball, baseball, baseball, putting a few last touches to the nursery, getting a few more things together, baseball, and ....sleep.



Soon Soon SOON!

Week 36

Emerson is about the size of a Coconut...

"She's still in the 17.2- to 18.7-inch and 4.2- to 5.8-pound range and continues to beef up."

She's getting closer and closer to being able to breathe on her own.

Her skin is getting smooth and soft and her gums are rigid.

Her liver and kidneys are in working order.

Circulation and immune systems are basically good to go, too.

                                                                                                                -The Bump

Week 37

This week, Emerson is about the size of a WATERMELON! Wait, they are huge!

"Yay! Baby has reached full term. She likely measures around 18.9 to 20.9 inches and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds.She's gaining about 1/2 ounce each day."

She's practicing some skills: inhaling, exhaling, sucking, gripping and blinking.

She's getting her first sticky poop (called meconium) ready for her first diaper. (Really?!)

                       
                                                                                                                           -The Bump

Wow, FULL term. It has really flown by. Three weeks sounds like, yes, I have a little bit more time. But then I hear about the girl that's a week and a half ahead of me, trying to walk to begin labor.

Just a few days out from her due date. That freaks me out!!

Now, no doubt about it, if she came tonight, all would be fine, but I am not 100% prepared. Mentally or nursery, bags, and all the small details. I want to be completely over prepared and be waiting on her. I've been doing as much as I can each day to prepare.

So, we're getting there.

Continuing working has helped pass the time. My schedule has not changed much at all from when I wasn't pregnant. I still work in Abbeville, do events, run errands, clean the house, cook (sometimes), get in bed at the same time, get up each morning at the same time, etc. I think not changing your life schedule while pregnant is a good thing. Because sooner than later, everything is going to change!

I went for my 36 week check up last Wednesday.

• Have not started dilating yet.
• I am 75% effaced.
• Blood pressure is right on.
• Her heartbeat is as great as it can be.
• I have swelling in my feet, but it's normal.
• and the doctor said that it was very rare to see a patient still smiling and not complaining at 36 weeks:)

So all is well with me, and with her...:)

I have a "To Do" list the size of Texas, but getting smaller by the minute!

People continue to come in the chamber and look in my office and say, "You're still HERE!?!"

Yes, yes I am.

Would I rather be at home filling drawers, cleaning, and packing bags? YES.

Okay, so I am not posting pictures YET of the nursery since it's not finished. But I did want to post a picture of Emerson's bassinet and mobile.

This bassinet was slept in my me, my brother, and even my mom. So it's very special to me:)

The mobile was handmade by two very good friends, Holly Mitchell & Kristy Atkinson.

It's ready for Emerson!

Last Friday, the chamber was closed, so I had a craft day.

Emerson now has a place for her bows...

The fabric inside matches parts of her crib bedding (hint hint).

I also made closet dividers for ALL of her clothes...

...these are just a few, unfinished.

So in the days (weeks) to come, I'll be finishing up my to do list and hopefully I can get finished by the time "E" makes her appearance!