Week 36 - big decisions

Last week's ultrasound and appointment were so quick that I forgot to blog about them.  My fluid levels were better and our active little girl quickly and efficiently scored an 8 out of an 8.  My doctor's appointment was with one of the others from the same office, instead of my regular doctor.  So it was pretty much a 'keep up the good work' appointment.  I was feeling pretty optimistic about things.
This week, however, was a bit more 'exciting'.  I went to the ultrasound at 8 am and the baby was going to town.  She was moving so much that it made her heart rate spike enough for the ultrasound tech to call my doctor before I left.  My fluid levels weren't quite as good as they had been but Dr. M wasn't concerned.  Although I did feel a touch dehydrated on Tuesday.  Our last appointment with our doctor before the big day was at 10 am that morning.  We had a long list of questions, mostly about logistics, for him.  After he checked to see if I was dilated (nope) and if the baby's head was down (nope), he got this look.  You know the look, something just wasn't quite right.  So after some discussion, we decided to schedule a c-section instead of an induction.  There were just too many red flags pointing to an emergency c-section and I'd rather not take that risk.  Dr. M was a little concerned about the spiked heart rate so he hooked me up to a monitor for half an hour.  Of course for him, she was back to normal range and just fine.
The current plan is that we'll go in for our pre-op appointment at 2 pm on Monday, June 3rd, then get checked in for surgery at 3 pm and have our baby some time after 5 pm.  While I don't expect things to change in the next three days, I won't put it past her to mess with my plans.  But I can't wait to see her beautiful little face and hold her in my arms.

34 Weeks

Sweet little girl

Yesterday's ultrasound proved to be a little more optimistic.  Our fluid levels are up--very encouraging.  Little girl scored great on everything and is practicing her breathing regularly.  She wasn't moving quite as much as normal and seemed to think the ultrasound was the perfect time to take a nap, again.  But all her parts, girl parts included, are looking good.  I even saw a sweet little hand and confirmed that those are her feet tucked up in my ribs.  Thanks.
I had my steroid shots yesterday and today.  So far, it doesn't seem to be that bad.  The IV at the birthing center hurt worse because it was in longer and pinched every time I moved my wrist.  Some of the side effects from the steroid are itching (check), increased appetite (not sure), irritability (very true--very hormonal lately) and discomfort (yes).  I also seem to be experiencing a bit of scatter-brain-itis, more so than normal, after getting the shot.  Hopefully it won't last long.  I wish I knew if they work for her so I'd feel better about having them.
We are supposed to go for another ultrasound on Monday as well as the following Tuesday.  I'm checking with my doctor because that seems a little bit excessive.  I know it's "better to be safe than sorry" but still, too much?  I had a mid-wife for my pregnancy with Cade and she was more hands-off.  It's hard to switch gears after being in a more "let it happen" kind of mind frame. 
We also meet next week for a regular appointment.  Then the following week with my doctor for the last appointment before the big day.  Provided she doesn't do anything crazy between now and then, I am scheduled to be induced on Monday June 3rd.  I'm still trying for that 6/3 birthday (she'll share with one kick-butt Aunt of mine).
Last night we took Cade to the sibling class at the hospital.  He was the only one in the class but that worked to our advantage.  The RN was able to push the pace up for his shorter attention span.  He kept asking her "what's next? what's next?"  We made a toy tester out of a toilet paper tube.  He colored a picture that they will save to put in her crib while we are in the hospital (so sweet!)  He picked out a hat and burp rag for her.  We toured the birthing center and the hospital.  Unfortunately, there wasn't a single patient or baby in the birthing center so it wasn't quite as impressive for him.  Cade learned how to change a diaper.  They read a story and talked about what babies will need that is different.  He answered very well and seemed to be listening to her better than he listens to us.  He says he's ready for his sister to come.  At least the boys are ready.

PS. Here is a photo of the gifts we received from the baby shower.  Her name, by the way, is going to be Elise Nicole Wolf.  We feel so loved by all our friends!

33 weeks

We met with our doctor this morning for our regular 33 week appointment.  The ultrasound last week showed that things are a little better but there is still room to be nervous and take precautions.  It didn't help that the little girl was using my placenta as a pillow and napping during the ultrasound.  She wouldn't move and it made it hard to get good measurements.  She was sure awake this morning--heart rate in the 150s today for a change.  Next week I get to go in to get some steroid shots that are supposed to help with her lung development.  I'm not really looking forward to those, but if it helps her.  Then the doc wants to start weekly ultrasounds to monitor fluid levels and other measurements.  I did say I wished I could see more "photos" of her.  This just wasn't what I had in mind.  In two weeks we'll meet with our doctor again.  It's looking like I'm going to be scheduled for induction at week 37 so I'm shooting for a June 3rd birthday.  Cade is 3/6 and I think it would be fun if she was 6/3.  (Three is my favorite number after all.) 

Yesterday we had the baby shower.  My friends Tara and Jamie threw a book themed girly shower for me.  Everything was so cute!  Tara took lots of photos so hopefully I'll be able to post some soon.  There was a children's book everyone signed for the guest book, book references for all the food, decorations made out of old book pages and a raffle for a door prize if you brought a book.  Very fitting considering I'm a librarian right now.  I loved all the gifts but I have to say I really loved the owl themed items: a new boppy, diaper bag and crib set. 

We signed up Big Brother for the sibling class at the hospital next Monday night.  He is getting very excited about baby sister coming.  He told me last night that he is going to help me change diapers when she makes a mess.  And he's starting to understand that she will have her own things.

Now the only thing really for me to do is wait and, very carefully, start nesting.