Baby Update

Amidst the unpacking and getting settled, we had our first baby appointment in Greenville on Wednesday afternoon. I was already having an emotional day, as it seems the whole moving process (combined with my raging hormones) had finally caught up with me; so, I was not prepared to be so affected by switching OB's. The whole experience from driving to a new town, to signing in at a huge group practice felt totally overwhelming to me. Because Jonathan is now employed at a secular job, this also meant it was his last baby appointment with me. He has been at every baby appointment I have ever had (for all three pregnancies). These are the kinds of things that do not normally affect me, but I found myself fighting back tears as I met with my new doctor (for this week--I'll see someone different each week). I had a good cry in the car on the way home.

Though I was an emotional basket case on Wednesday, I pulled myself together on Thursday and thanked God for the positives: Jonathan was able to go with me to my appointment after only two days on the job, there is a group of OB's who were willing to take me at 35 weeks, the doctor's office and hospital are less than 45 minutes away, and I am healthy and my pregnancy seems to be progressing naturally.

As it turns out, I am about 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced. This means I am probably further along than I was when they induced me with Hannah on her due date (due to her size). I know these measurements vary depending on which doctor is examining you, so I will be interested to hear next weeks report. This was a little unsettling for me, as I would like the baby to make it to 37 weeks if possible. But, I know that there are women who walk around dilated and effaced for weeks. The baby's heartbeat was good, and mama gained about 3 pounds--in my defense I was wearing winter clothes and a long sweater. Haha. I'm still a few pounds shy of my final weight with Hannah and way past the acceptable 30 pound weight gain. From what I gathered, they may do an ultrasound at 37 weeks (if I don't go before then) to determine the baby's size and whether or not I should be induced.

I've carried this baby so low for the entire pregnancy, but at this point I look like a woman whose baby has dropped. So people look at me like they should be prepared to catch the baby if it falls out. I feel great though, and I have had lots of energy and drive to get the house organized. I'm down to our bedroom and the baby's room-- and then of course all of those homeless things that are just floating around the house. Thank you for your continued prayer support. Our prayer now is that baby girl will stay put until she is fully developed, and that everything will flow smoothly. We know that God is in perfect control, and it will all work out according to his divine plan. I do not know what I would do without that assurance.