Tuesday, December 12, 2006

better than nothing

I wish I could tell you that I had a baby to report, but no such luck!

Our appointment yesterday brought the announcement of a head totally engaged, cervix effaced, and half a centimeter of dilation. I'm ecstatic to have any progress at all, because my worst nightmare was that we'd walk in there and she would say that I'd made no progress whatsoever. Over the weekend I had several nights of contractions, some of them enough to wake me up and keep me up for an hour or so, and then slowly fade away. Friday night they came often and steady enough for us to time them (at 5-6 minutes apart), but by midnight they were gone again. I'm still feeling pretty good, and I'm definitely okay with the baby not coming yet, but I wasn't okay with all those painful contractions doing nothing at all. So any news is good news, I say!

The unfortunate news was that yesterday's appointment also brought with it news of highish blood pressure. Definitely high for me, who errs on the side of super low blood pressure. So starting today I'm supposed to work from home in the hopes that it is just the stress of being in the office and running around like crazy that is making my blood pressure high. Today I wrapped everything up at the office that cannot be brought to my house, and tomorrow I'll be working hard, I'm sure, but at least it'll be from my couch.

On the too much information front, last night and today I've had some bleeding, sort of like a light period, and I'm not sure what to make of it. Is this the bloody show that people talk about? The mucus plug? I called this morning and my doctor said that it is nothing to worry about, especially since the baby has been moving around. I'm also having consistent cramps, much like menstrual cramps, and these feel slightly different from what I've been feeling the last few days.
My mom doesn't arrive until next Wednesday, and my inlaws don't arrive until Monday, so everyone is telling this baby not to make his or her appearance until next week. I think that whenever this baby is fully cooked, he or she is welcome to come. Just make it short, sweet and painless. And healthy. Very very healthy. Those are my requests to my baby.

Last night I also stopped in for a "pregnancy tea" at our neighborhood maternity store. It was a room full of pregnant women, sitting around chatting and enjoying tea and some light yoga. The woman leading the tea had us create a small memento for the baby, a little nest that we built out of twigs and string to symbolize the nest we were building for our babies in our lives. I found some parts of it rather cheesy, but the sitting around listening to other women talk about how their lives are changing or how they feel was nice. The pregnancies ranged from 16 weeks to mine at 38 weeks, and I thought back to how I felt at the very start of this pregnancy and marveled that I am so close to the end of this journey.

I can't wait to meet this baby, but I can already tell that I will desperately miss this closeness. I love the kicks and rolls and punches. I love the surprising little twinges from inside. I know I'll love everything that is to come, but I can't help but cherish these last few days, even with the discomforts of late pregnancy.

I will definitely keep you updated if we go to the hospital or if anything changes. For now, Josh is done with finals and he is working his way through the "honey do" list that I put together for him. Maybe we'll be lucky enough to get a few days of relaxing together time before this babe makes his or her appearance!

21 comments:

Montreal Mama said...

My apt yesterday with my OB gave me the news you were glad not to hear! Baby too far up and I have a long way to go... I am 2 weeks behind you though, but I was hoping for an early bird! Even though I have an early January due date, I was hoping for a December delivery. I'm sooo ready. BUT, I understand how you feel about being okay with the baby not being born yet. I bet you are excited to know if it's a girl or boy though! Anyhow, lucky you getting to work from home... I'm not allowed doing anything until my pulled muscle is healed. And being swollen everywhere, it makes it even harder to do things. I can't believe you were still working at 38 weeks! You go girl. BUT - get the blood pressure down! It'll soon be all worth it!

ccw said...

Thanks for the update!

It sounds like you are getting close. Try not to work too hard!

jo(e) said...

That's terrific progress! You are getting so close.

mc said...

Hang in there!! Enjoy those last few days of having that little one contained.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the progress! This is so exciting!!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the progress! This is so exciting!

Anonymous said...

It sounds to me like your body is getting ready for the baby to come! Rest when you can and SLEEP now, while you have a chance. LOL!

GOOD LUCK!!!

Phantom Scribbler said...

Call if you need anything, OK? I mean it!

We're so excited for you and Josh!

nancy said...

You are so close now...very excited for you.

Anonymous said...

I thought I would miss feeling the baby's movements once she was born, but I've been so busy being competely smitten with her that - honestly - I hadn't even thought of it until I read this post!!

Try not to freak out about the blood pressure - it's probably just a bit high from all the work your body has been doing! Keep us updated :D

Kris said...

With all three of my kids, a little blood was followed by a baby within 48 hours. Every one is different though! You sound so great, and so peaceful. Sending prayers your way for a healthy baby and a quick, uncomplicated delivery.

Yankee, Transferred said...

So, so happy and excited for all three of you!

Liz Miller said...

When I had bloody show, my water broke (slow leak) 24 hours later.

Hugs and kisses and lots of wishes for quick, painless, and healthy!!!!

Crunchy Domestic Goddess said...

i'm so happy to see an update from you. i've been stalking your blog the past few days. ;)
thinking lots of positive thoughts for you and the babe.

Anonymous said...

Based on that description, I don't know if it's your mucus plug or not ... mine was almost like a clot [no mucus]. But everyone is different! Good luck with everything. I'm really excited for you and I don't even know you, haha :) Wishing you all the best! You have a *lot* to look forward to ... motherhood is the best thing EVER.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like you're getting close! I'm a terrible person to ask-- I never know when I'm pregnant OR in labor, which leads to craxy adventures, but I will say my 1st was due the 2d week of Jan (1995--holy moly) and one day in Dec I left a hearing (ok-- waddled from a hearing) and went home and told my husband I felt like maybe someone wanted out. He did!!

(12-22)

lovely said...

Good luck you are well on your way!
Healthy, happy baby is what I'll be praying for

jean

Anonymous said...

Healthy, happy babe; happy, healthy mama! Good luck -- I'm due in twelve weeks and I realized the other night that while we can't wait to meet our little one (sex is a surprise -- yeah to you for holding out!), I'll miss all the private moments I get to share, just me and Baby.

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear that things are moving along at a nice clip! I know that you're on the one hand SO ready to meet your baby, but on the other hand, you'll miss the special closeness you get being pregnant.

The baby will be great! You take it easy, and rest as much as you can, because you won't be getting much sleep in the near future! I'll keep my fingers crossed for an easy delivery (with NO complications!!!) for you!

Anonymous said...

If Greta can do it with 5 you can do it with one! Not too much longer now!
Good Luck!!!

jo(e) said...

I would like to point out that when you are getting this close, you can't go a whole day without a blog post and not get everyone wondering .....