Tuesday, July 28, 2009

The Waiting Game: Week 37

Teresha: So last week I experienced a period of manic activity otherwise known as nesting. I washed all of Marlie's cloth diapers and hung them to dry, organized her drawers, packed the bags, got the car detailed, and had Damon install the car seat. Last Wednesday I had some intense Braxton Hicks contractions that felt different. Hubby told our midwife about them at our prenatal appointment on Thursday while I was in the ladies room checking the PH and protein levels in my pee. She asked me to describe them and silly me says, "they are spasms 'inside,' but they kind of hurt." I guess she is used to clients who lack a grasp of medical terminology because she turned around without a puzzled look and said, "it sound like your cervix is opening up. Let's take a look." Sure enough I was almost 2 cm dilated. She tells me this is unusual for first-time mommies, but great news because I will probably have a fast and easy birth. Yay me! On the other hand, she prefers the babies she delivers to be at least 37 weeks, so no physical activity for the next 7 days (this meant S-E-X too in case you are wondering). She ended the visit by predicting our baby will come in the next two weeks. My heart soared. I could be seeing our honey bunny soon, which was my hunch anyway. Since our appointment, I have on hyper-vigilant watch for signs of labor. This week, a weird calm has come over me, and I have been taking crazy, long naps like a lazy dog in summer! Is this a sign? I have also been looking for the telltale "biological" signs such as shedding of my mucus plug or 'bloody show' and the obvious breaking of my water. But I have a feeling that it will be more subtle for me, like I will start with a slow leak instead of a gush. Several people have also told me that their bodies "cleansed" themselves just prior to going into labor. This would be a welcome change for me! Okay, enough of the over-sharing. I set up a baby birth date pool. The widget is located on the upper left-hand sidebar (the one with the teddy bear graphic). So go take a guess as to when Marlie is going to be born. Will she stay put or will she make an early escape?

Damon: I was kinda worried that Marlie would be a bit early. I think we are physically ready for her to show up, but I don't know if we are mentally prepared yet : ) I still need my three weeks! Butters also wants to have a little more time as a single child. All I can say is bring on the baby.

12 comments:

Amy @ Six Flower Mom said...

These weeks are so fun and can seem to drag forever ... enjoy them!

The Quattlebaums said...

This is SO exciting! How ever it happens I'm sure it will be perfect for you two!

joanofalltrades said...

I love the name Marlie. She definitely will come on her on time.

jmt said...

You sound like such a happy pregnant person. I wish I'd have read this before my second child. LOL I was calm with the first, relaxed. But that second baby kicked my butt INSIDE the womb and now he's doing it outside! It's amazing how the "same" experience is so vastly different for all of us. Keep taking those naps if you can. I remember those days.....

I think this is my first "blog birth" that I'll be able to say CONGRATS!!! How exciting. Happy Wednesday.

Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice said...

I haven't read the post yet but I will be back! I just wanted to say that pic in the sidebar of you both is DARLING! DARLING! DARLING!

Darcel said...

Ooohh...it's getting close!
Aren't you so excited, nervous and just ready for her to get here?

Robbie S. Redmon, LPC said...

I am so excited for you! Rest as much as you can. I know Marlie is blessed to have the two of you as parents!

Dee said...

Just checking in to find out more.

Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice said...

Wow you are so close!
The last few weeks are full of excitement!

Maureensk said...

It's almost time, lucky you! My first tried to be early, so I was on bedrest for a month, that stunk big time! Persephone was early and I just knew she would be. Out of all five of my kids, she is the only one whose water broke for me. It was just like a movie, all over everywhere. Then I had this idea that I should clean it up before we left for the hospital. So I'd bend over to wipe some up while more gushed out of me. It was not working well, but for some reason my brain couldn't figure that out. I'd probably still be trying to clean it up except hubby told me to get my butt in the car, he'd clean it up later. He was freaked out that he'd have to deliver the baby in the car since I have such fast births. Good luck! Be sure to post photos when you get a chance!

The Redhead Riter said...

Teresha...

http://theredheadriter.blogspot.com/2009/08/secrets-friends-and-sharing.html

Marrdy said...

I'm a little late getting here. But thank goodness I have missed the grand entrance! Hang in there. My baby is 15 so I really don't remember...sorry!