:::mandy dawson:::

Time for good news, now.  If you have read this blog for long you have seen only two references to the fact that there is a disease in my family of which I am an obligate carrier.  

If you want to read the mentions in previous posts on this blog they are here and here.  There is also a post on my old blog sojourn to transformation about the disease.  I wrote it in 2006.  It is on this page and titled Claiming an Inheritance.  Before I tell you the whole story, you will notice a huge shift in my thinking from the post in 2006 and the ones from this year.

I have known I was a carrier for the disease called spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda since shortly after graduating high school.  It is a disease in my family that is passed along an X chromosome.  Women who have the affected X chromosome only carry the disease, but men who have the X chromosome will have symptoms of the disease. Here is a description that I found online-- Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda (SEDT) is an X-linked recessive disorder characterized byshort stature due to defective growth of the vertebral bodies. In addition, deformities of the femoral heads result in early onset secondary osteoarthritis of the hips. The disorder affects males only with heterozygous female carriers showing no consistent abnormalities.

Basically, it is a chronic pain disease.  My dad lives with chronic back pain every day of his life and has had since he was a teenager.  The disease further mutated with my cousin who has pain as severe as my dad's or more and has already had a hip replacement.

Dan and I have talked about the disease and how it would effect our decision to have children from very early in our relationship--before we were married even.  I have always felt a weight knowing that physically, naturally and scientifically my sons would have a 50% chance of being born with the disease.  This is the case because half of my eggs have the effected X chromosome I got from my dad and the other half have the X chromosome I got from my mom.  I think I felt an extra responsibility because my generation had more information concerning the disease then my parent's generation did due to a study done by doctor's in St. Louis.

I almost always felt that we wouldn't have biological children unless there was a scientific or medical way to prevent passing on the disease.  In 2006 when Dan and I began to discuss having a family seriously, I searched to see if there was a medical intervention.  It turns out that one option was IVF with PGD, which is invitro fertilization with pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.  Fertilized embryos could be tested for the disease before being transfered.  However, this would have involved destruction of diseased embryos which is something that we could never, ever consider.  I wished there was a way to test my egg and not an embryo, but at the time there wasn't. 

So, we talked and talked and prayed and prayed about what to do.  It was during this time that the women prophesied over me saying, "I hear a baby crying over you and God can do anything."  That night, driving the hour and half home from the meeting, I felt strongly that God was telling us He wanted to heal this disease and break the generational curse and that it was His place to do so, now man's and that He would receive all the glory not man or science. When I shared this with Dan, he told me he was hearing the same and feeling the same.  From that moment, we believed with all our hearts that we would conceive a biological child and trust, believe and have faith in God to prevent the passing of this disease.  What a 180 degree turn from my original thinking.

I won't lie.  Because we had faith and believed we heard from God didn't mean there were never any doubts or fears.  We prayed and prayed, talked and talked, believed and believed. In fact, we found out Zeke was a boy in part because of the disease.  (You didn't know we knew, did you? :wink:)  At our 18 week ultrasound, the presence of Holy Spirit came over Dan.  When the tech left the room, Dan shared with me that Holy Spirit spoke to him concerning our baby and how God was in control and would be glorified in his life.  Dan said to me, "Our baby is a boy."  Later, we opened the envelope from the tech which confirmed Zeke was indeed a little boy.  Interestingly enough, we were not filled with fear, but rather excitement and peace knowing God had spoken to us way before Zeke was conceived and now again the day we found out he was a boy.  Throughout the rest of the pregnancy, God continued to speak to us and fill us with peace.  We envisioned our baby boy being disease free and actually having an anointing for healing.

Everything was set up.  We saw a geneticist at the same 18 week appointment, and she spoke with the doctor who did the study in St. Louis.  She got all the information she needed for Zeke's cord blood to be collected and sent to a lab for genetic testing.  A few days ago, she called me saying, "I have good news for you."  And, the test confirmed that Zeke does not have the disease.

This miracle is confirmed.  And for further information, just to put things into perspective.  From my dad's mom on, there has never been a boy born to a carrier who does not have the disease.  For a disease that has 50/50 odds, it has turned out to be 100%, and Zeke is the first to whom it was not passed.

Of course, my dad was ecstatic and said, "He can go ahead and be six foot tall, now."  My dad would have been that tall if the disc between his vertebrae had not deteriorated and left him being significantly shorter.  He also said, "He can take after Poppa Perry in other ways!"

We are all overjoyed and praising God.  I really don't use the word miracle flippantly, but not only was Zeke's conception miraculous, so was his delivery and now the fact that he is disease free.  No wonder there have been such battle's over this little guy.  His life will bring glory to God for all his days--of that, I am sure.

Dan is away on a trip to Kansas City for medical school.  I'm taking care of Zeke tonight by myself.  My mom stayed with me and has been helping during the day.  I miss Dan.  He'll be home tonight.

I have mastitis.  Zeke lost all of the weight he regained after birth and is back down to his discharge weight.  I breastfeed this child all day long now with the help of darvocet for my trashed breasts.  Eleven hours yesterday and he only gained one ounce. I feel overwhelmed and discouraged.  Poor Zeke.  God help us.

For the first time since his birth, I put Zeke in my peanut shell carrier.  Oh, how I have longed to wear him and go for a walk or do something normal.  Normalcy has eluded us in the midst of marathon breastfeeding.  Somehow, I stole a few moments today to try it out and oddly enough, I felt so happy.  He loved it in there and went right to sleep.  I adored having him right there on my chest.  I kept staring at his sweet face peering up at me and it thrilled my heart.  How nice to have a bright moment in the midst of all the other struggle.  Pray for us.  I know we'll make it through eventually, but this battle is wearing on me.

Speaking of battles--Holy Spirit spoke to Dan and said, "Do not underestimate the battles I will fight for this baby." That was during a bout with jaundice.  So, that explains to you why I continue to use the word battle.  It also reminds me of God's promise.  He has never failed us.  I must lean into Him for His strength as I have not my own.  His strength is perfect, though...

Here's me and Lil Zekie in his peanut shell...

Isn't he cute?

I wrote this over the course of the last few days....beginning on Saturday, July 26.

Here I am sitting with Zeke during some awake time. He's just eaten to full capacity had a poo and pee, and is now sitting in his boppy checking everything out while we listen to Misty Edward's newest CD. I'm going to seize this opportunity to tell you about our labor and delivery experience. Some of this will be a recap of the few updates I was able to post before Zeke was born.

Wednesday, I had contractions all day and was dilated to 4cm at the OBs office, so we expected to go to the hospital sometime that day. But, the contractions tapered off by the evening and we went to bed around 10:30 wondering what may or may not happen. Then, I was awakened to regular contractions between 2 and 3am. While Dan and I were puttering around trying to decide what to do, the contractions picked up to being 5 minutes apart and the intensity and pain increased so much that I started to get scared. At that point, we left for the hospital.

We were admitted to labor and delivery and told that I was 5cm dilated. We got situated in the natural birthing suite and discussed when they might come and set up the birthing pool. The contractions continued to come, but were bearable. After a few hours, my cervix was not dilating past 5cm and was posterior or behind Zeke's head. The OB filling in for my doctor began talking intervention around 8am. I was frustrated because we just got there and already there was talk of pitocin and breaking my waters. At 10am, there was still no progress and the OB came to our room to discuss the situation. She told us that my labor was not progressing normally as my contractions were in an irregular pattern and they were not moving the cervix forward nor dilating it. After hearing this, we agreed to having the waters broken. At this point, the contractions became more painful and I was having to breathe through them. I was able to get into the birthing pool for about an hour and was amazed at how much bearable the pain became, but the contractions did slow some while I was in there. For that reason, I decided to get out as to not further slow progress.

At the next check, my cervix had dilated to 6cm, but the OB wasn't pleased with the progress and wanted to start pitocin. We agreed and the pitocin caused the contractions to increase further in intensity and pain. I was sad to learn that once we started pitocin I could no longer use the birth pool for pain relief. I labored for a few more hours as the pain became almost unbearable. I was breathing through each of them and unable to move or bear weight during them. My goal was always to make it through to the next check. As the 4pm check grew near, I was telling Dan that I couldn't continue if there was still no progress. Sure enough they checked and I was still stuck at 6 with the cervix behind Zeke's head. Apparently the cervix being posterior was preventing the cervix from dilating and causing tremendous pain because all the pressure from the contractions was on only the back part of the cervix. When we found this out, we asked to speak with the anesthetist. I couldn't believe I was actually contemplating getting an epidural, but was feeling so overwhelmed and exhausted that I didn't think I could handle the pain through to 10cm. When the anesthetist came, he told me I needed to get the procedure immediately or risk waiting for another hour and half as he was due in surgery at 4:30. So, I said, yes to the epidural and all the while he was preparing it I contemplated whether I could do it without.  "Wait, wait...maybe I can do it, do you think I can do it ?" I asked Dan. "I can do it,  I can do it.."  I was so afraid of the needle in my spine I could hardly think straight.  Even as I felt it tapping on my bones, thoughts of paralyzed lungs were racing through my mind.  The anesthetist had some trouble, but eventually it was in and the relief was unbelievable.  I actually felt somewhat normal, again.  However, I continued to breathing through the squeezing contractions.  The nurse asked me why I was breathing that way and wondered if I was in pain.  I explained to her that I was still feeling scared from the epidural.  After 20 minutes or so though, I was finally able to relax.  At the next check, they told me the cervix was now 7cm.

For the next  hour were all feeling relieved and more at peace.  I forgot to mention my parents had been with us from around 10am that morning,  I'm glad they were there because things were about to get worse and their strength and spiritual leadership became invaluable to me and Dan.  At 6pm the new OB on call came to check me.  Incidentally, he was the OB I lefft at 24 weeks.  He walked in with a slight grin and mentioned the word karma.  I remembered our phone conversation well.  "I just want you to know that I take call for your new OB and I could still end up delivering your baby," he said.  To which I replied, "And if that turns out to be the case, it will be no problem."  So glad I said that because there really weren't any awkward feelings.

After the new OB's check, he gave us some grim news.  He felt my cervix was still only 6cm and wanted to monitor the contractions  inside the uterus to measure their true strength because he felt they were to weak.  Sure enough the monitor revealed woosy contract\ions.  This meant I needed a lot more pitocin which increased the risk of further complications such as hemorrhaging and hysterectomy were I to need a c-section.  If increasing the pitocin didn't work to strengthen the contractions and dilate the cervix, c-section was the next step.  It is important to note here that it was only possible to try the pitocin method still because Zeke was holding up fabulously through labor.  Everyone who watched his monitor remarked how well he was doing,

The next 3 hours were somber and quiet as we all watched the contraction monitor and the intensity slowly rise.  My dad made some phone calls asking people to pray and I cried wondering if Zeke and I were going to make it through alive.  Somewhere in the mix there was an encouraging check that revealed my cervix dilated to a true 7cm even though the contractions still needed to strengthen.  Still, it was a short celebration and we waited.

During this time, there were a few anomalies with Zeke's heart rate.  It appeared that the cord was being compressed, but was alleviated by my changing positions.  However. it continued to a point that the OB re irrigated  my uterus so the cord could flot freely around Zeke's body.  Meanwhile, that  thought Zeke was face up, so we maneuvered my body in ways to promote him turning face down.

Miraculously  by 9pm or so my cervix was fully dilated and Zeke was face down at -2 station.  At this point, the OB wanted my body to labor down the baby until it was time to push.  They instructed me ti let them know when I felt a continuous need to push. bear down, or basically have a huge bowel movement.  For the next hour, my body shook uncontrollably as Zeke passed into and through the birth canal.  The "walking" epidural had wore off to the point that I felt some pain, but it was bearable.  I started itching on my abdomen and arms and was scratching like a mad women.  From the epidural, the nurse nodded.  "See, Dan, I told you I always have weird reactions to pain medicine!"  Quickly, I concluded, though, that I would trade the itching for that terrible pain any day.  My body continued to shake and soon I felt the need to poop just as they said.  It was overwhelming during a contraction and subsided a bit in between.  Then the moment came that it did not subside and I felt it continuously.  I informed the nurse who got the doctor and after being checked I was cleared to begin pushing.

Amazed.  Dan grasped my hand and we stared at each other eyes wide.  We were about to push out our baby.  It looked like I wouldn't need surgery after all.  I started pushing.  It was difficult because it felt like nothing was happening.  Well, okay, it felt like I was pooping, but nothing was happening with the baby.  Seriously, I was so distracted by the fact that it felt like I was pooping.  I told Dan to please wipe it away so I could concentrate.  I kept pushing, but couldn't tell if I was doing well or not.  They asked if I wanted a mirror.  "Yes, please.  If I see the poop, maybe I can just get over it," I thought.  They brought the mirror.  There was no poop.  Finally, sweet relief.  I could concentrate on the real thing and get the distracting poop thoughts out of my mind.  Now--there will be no more mention of poop in this birth story!

With the help of the mirror, I could see the vaginal opening changing with pushing and eventually, I could see Zeke's head coming.  I pushed with all my might and breathed in oxygen between contractions.  A few times, they lost Zeke's heart rate on the monitor, so the OB put a scalp monitor on him.  Near the very end, Zeke's heart rate dropped.  I don't know how much because no one told me, but I could see the nurses looking at each other and I kept asking if Zeke was okay.  Eventually one of the nurses left to get the OB and I thought it was over and we had to go to surgery after all, but the doctor put on a huge mask while other nurses rushed into the room with lots of equipment.  "We're having this baby, right now."  the OB said.  "Okay", I nodded.  "We can do this."  I pushed and saw Zeke's head trying desperately to come through.  The OB made a small episiotomy and there it was on the next push, his head all the way out.  Next push and his shoulders came through with a rush and there he was in the doctor's arms.  Blue, black and covered with slime and white vernix, he took a few minutes to let out an enormous cry. 

They placed him in my arms, slimy and wiggly and I stared at him in disbelief overwhelmed that he was here and alive and so was I.  Quickly, they snatched him and took him to the warmer to be weighed, cleaned, clothed and apgared while the OB delivered the placenta and stitched up my episiotomy and 2nd degree tear.  Zeke's apgars were 9 and 9 and poor Dan stood between the hospital bed and the warmer suddenly torn between the two loves of his life.  It was sort of cute and I had to chuckle at him right then.  Dan and mom were taking pictures and video.  Dad was calling everyone with the good news and thanking them for prayers.  What a whirlwind and rush of emotions and activity.

Zeke was born at 10:37.  He weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces which I love because I kept telling people I thought he would be between 7 and 8 pounds and he was exactly!  He squalled and squalled.  About 45 minutes after his birth they handed him to me and we looked at each other as I held him close to my skin.  After all this time inside my body, I was amazed to see his tiny face.  I offered him a breast and he latched on almost immediately.  His first time and mine and we did great!  Finally, something went well that day!

A few hours later, my parents said goodbye and headed back to their nearby hotel room.  Doctor's and nurses left the room and we were left with the night nurse, ourselves and our new baby.  I got to eat my first meal in well over 24 hours at 2am.  Zeke got his first bath at 3am, and I realized we had been awake 24 hours at that point.  Around 4am, Zeke was swaddled and ready for bed, Dan and I as well.

It had been a long and arduous day.  Nothing like we had expected.  We closed our eyes that day knowing yet another battle had been fought for our miracle son, and surely, God will yet again be glorified by this testimony.  It is a miracle that we did not have surgery.  I know surgery doesn't really seem like a big deal, but I know it was not God's best for our birth and he did intervene.

I want to also say this--I believe it was God's intervention that the OB I left ended up delivering Zeke.  I couldn't have asked for better care.  Yes, there were interventions, but they were obviously necessary.  And, all the while this OB remained calm, positive and optimistic, yet realistic in explaining to us what was happening.  He stayed outside our door the entire night which I only know because Dan left the room and saw him waiting there.  He couldn't have taken better care of us. 

In the end, we felt exhausted, traumatized, yet eternally grateful for all the prayers and God's intervention on our behalf.  It was the most difficult experience of my life.  The moments that I thought we would not make it were very scary and real to me.  Dan was a rock and supported me beyond my expectations.  We were truly united as one and fought together and clung to each other as our son made his appearance and we are continuing to do so as there have been battles fought and won since his birth and those that are yet to be won ahead.

I just breast fed Zeke for the hundredth time tonight and he finally fell asleep so hard that I could actually place him in his cradle and he did not wake up.  Before I did that, I found myself sitting up in bed Zeke sleeping soundly in my cradle hold and Dan crashed at my feet asleep holding his glasses in his stretched out hand.  I got them both situated before seizing a moment to myself.

Here I sit in Zeke's room with the sound of crashing waves all around.  (from his noise machine).  I wish I had time to tell you more, but I really need to get to bed myself.  Let me just say this.  After 48 hours of labor and 28 hours straight with no sleep the day of Zeke's birth, we are finding ourselves beyond exhausted, but every day is filled with a moment where Dan and I hold our little boy and we stand together looking down at him in our arms and weep over him.  We weep because we are filled with wonder and awe.  It is beyond comprehension that this beautiful little being grew inside my body and found his way out despite a battle in the heavens and earth.  And while the battle has taken it's toll, the battle belongs to God and victory is assured.  We are aware of this every time we stare into Zeke's eye's and hold this living miracle.  Just now, I realized that I will treasure forever the moment my husband crashed at my feet and my son crashed in my arms.

I hope I can share with you the complete account of Zeke's birth very soon...

DAY ONE--10:37pm: Born

 

 

Second Time with Mama

 

With Nana

 

Nana and Papa

 

 Skin to Skin and First Feeding

DAY TWO

Daddy's Gift from Mama

 

Peaceful Zeke

 

 Daddy and Zeke

 
 

Sweet Red Head

 

Update #5 7.18.08, 3:46am- Just want you all to know that after a horrifying labor and delivery, Ezekiel Perry Dawson whom we will call Zeke arrived with apgar scores of 9 and 9, a full head of red hair and weighing in at 7lbs 8oz.

We've now been up for 24 hours straight, so I'll update tomorrow with pics and the full story.  We gotta get some rest.

I appreciate your positive thoughts and prayers.  It was a miracle that we made it through finally with a vaginal delivery.

UPDATE #4-7.17.08, 11am-- Next updates will be short.  At Hospital.  Labor was stalling at 6 cm.  Doc broke water.  Contractions are now more frequent and intense.  Hopefully no further intervention will be necessary.  I'll keep you guys posted. 

Update #3-Sorry to keep you hanging.  We are now a bit more than 24 hours since the first contraction, and last night things got a little slow.  I was feeling a bit frustrated.  My parents came up to the hotel next to the hospital and here Dan and I were at home and contractions were not getting much closer or any more intense.  So, we just went to bed.

I was awakened in the night by contractions here and there, and just now, have had 3 or 4 scary contractions where I felt like the baby was coming out or I was going to poop myself.  They are coming fast and because of the intensity, I am hoping the OB on call will send us to the hospital.  I don't think I can handle more of the same just here at home by ourselves.

Will keep you updated.  Thanks for your love and prayers.

Beth's Blog
Ha! Has the word toilet in it!

UPDATE #2-Hopefully these little updates won't get annoying!  :oops:  Been home since 3pm and just had a great nap.  Woken up with intense contractions and they seem to be getting a bit closer.  Will be heading to hospital when they get so intense I can't talk through them or 5 minutes apart for 1 hour.  Until then, will be laboring at home.  

Oh-funny story.  We went for a long walk at the mall and it was sort of embarrassing because I am walking like a woman in labor.  Sooooo SLOOOOOOW.  Dan said and I quote, "It would be faster if we put you on your side and I rolled you around! "

UPDATE #1-Back from OB appt and she sort of threw us for a loop.  Dan stayed home today after he saw the bloody show, so we are together which is good.  Basically, the OB says, I'm 4cm and 75% effaced and will be going to labor and delivery at some point today.  She offered to send us straight over and break my waters at lunch because she thought the Baby could be born by 5 or 6pm.  She isn't on call tonight and has the day off tomorrow, so the offer was so she could deliver us.  

We took an hour deliberating, but in the end feel uncomfortable with that sort of swift intervention.  It would have been great if she could have delivered us, but more importantly, I don't want to "mess" things up so to speak.

I'm having some French onion soup at Panera and then Dan and I are gonna go for a walk at the mall.  Contractions are super intense, but still a ways apart.  

I'll continue to keep you guys posted!  Keep us in your prayers that we will make right decisions and everything will go smoothly!  I'm so nervous and excited, too!

Been having regular contractions since 2am, and just found some blood when I went to the restroom.  I have an OB appt today at 10:15, but I just called the on call number anyway to see what my OB thinks...

I'll keep you guys posted!

Here I am 39w4d.  Dan and I had a great walk downtown tonight and he obliged me with another little photo shoot.  Probably this won't be the last belly pic cause I'll want one at the hospital, so hopefully it's next to last.  This baby grew me quite a belly I must say!

 

 

Sorry for not posting earlier.  I thought you might get bored with more of the same!  Each morning I feel hopeful that Baby will come, but my contractions always taper off.  Yesterday, I had them consistently during the day and here I am at 2:47am still having a few, but they aren't the real deal, yet.

I had a long day yesterday and pooped out around 8pm.  Now, I'm up in the middle of the night getting caught up online and painting my toenails.  Well, attempting to paint my toenails!  Ha.  It's much harder than it used to be.  Sunday, I cleaned out our fridge from top to botton.  Huge job.  I don't think it had been cleaned out since before I was on bedrest!  It was sort of yucky.  I promise I am telling you the truth when I say the only task left to be completed around here is to clean the two toilets.  That is IT!  

During some downtime, yesterday, I got my eyebrows threaded.  Yeowtch!  Boy did it hurt.  Baby kept moving around and I felt so bad like I was sending pain hormones and stuff to the Baby.  I've never had them threaded before.  I think the big con was the pain was longer than the one or two yanks with waxing.  Pros--my skin was not red from the wax pulling.  Just a bit pink, but really not noticeable.  Also, the arch is incredible.  Much more precise and nice looking than with waxing.  I don't have much to work with in the first place and most people give me a sloping arch instead of the nice angle I'm looking for.  So, anyhow--see how boring this is?!  :smile:  At least, my eyebrows will look good in our labor and delivery pics and while I'm cooped up with Baby for 3-4 weeks I'll have a fabulous arch!

Anytime, now, Baby--even Daddy's ready!

Okay-quick, cute story.  Dan has been asking me and Baby to hold off for delivery until after th 14th because that was a big day for him at the hospital.  BUT-Saturday, Dan was speaking with someone on the phone who asked him if he had ever seen miracles.  I was camping out on the toilet (most comfortable seat in the house ;) and heard him relaying a testimony about his Dad being healed from terrible joint pain that had him almost completely immobile.  But, I'm thinking--what about our Baby?!  Baby is such a miracle.  So, I'm saying "Dan, the Baby!" over and over from the bathroom.  Dan hurries up and ends his conversation, all the while I'm still saying "Dan, the Baby!".  Then, he rushes into the bathroom.  "Your water broke?!"  I say, "No, our Baby is a miracle!".  To which he replies, "Oh, I thought we were going to the hospital!"  with disappointment in his voice.  At that point, I just had to smile because he was disappointed.  So, I said to Baby, "Okay, now even Daddy's ready for you!"   

Don't worry...I'll let you all know the moment something exciting happens.  Remember, our hospital is the best because they have free wireless AND Starbucks!  Come for a visit, but bring me an iced chai tea latte! 

Probably not, but I guess you can never know for sure.  Of course, I wake up every day wondering this!

Had an OB appt. yesterday and am 3cm dilated, 50% effaced and baby is at 0 station!  We talked about her standard operating procedures for being overdue which basically is scheduling an induction for no later than one week past due date and an ultrasound to check on baby's size and amniotic fluid.  I asked her if my cervix was favorable for induction and she said YES.  Then, I asked her if she thought I would need an induction and she said, NO.  Next thing she said was she is on call today and Sunday!  So, I took that to mean it could be any day between now and due day!

Woke up feeling tired and crappy today which hasn't happened much.  For the most part, I've been feeling amazing!

So, will keep you posted if baby decides to make a big appearance today, but regardless, it will be soon.  39 weeks tomorrow, so only 8 days to due day! 

It is so hard to shift gears after working so hard on preparations for Baby!  Wednesday, I had the whole day off.  No appointments.  No nothing.  I tooled around on fertility friend for an hour or so.  Baked some bread.  Seriously, it requires a whole day home to make homemade bread.  I started the bread to the point where it was rising which takes 2-3 hours, then left for a walk to the farmer's market.

I love the farmer's market.  This was my first trip this summer so sad to say.  I had seven dollars and I spent every one of them!  I bought a potted rosemary plant, 2 cut sunflowers that are still looking lovely on our kitchen table, and I gave 1 dollar to street musician's.  They sounded so good.  A drummer and a sax player.  

When I got back, I had a long, cold, refreshing shower.  Then, I folded some laundry while watching a movie.  That's it.  Sort of relaxing.

Next day, I had an appointment for an NST, and afterwards I wanted to walk to the library, but it was pouring down rain.  So, I went to the mall, walked around, ate lunch.  Then, I went to the movies and saw G.et Sm.art.  Funny movie.

Today, I'm back to work mode.  Cleaning the kitchen, vacuuming, and cleaning the bathrooms.  I can only take so much relaxation!  Ha.

Woke up feeling crampy and have loose bowels, too.  Feeling sort of excited about that!!  Also (TMI COMING)  been losing lots of mucous!  Yay!  Hope to see you soon, Baby! 

Well, I had another internal today and not surprisingly, I haven't made much progress since last week.  I'm 2.5 cm dilated!  I knew this was likely though because those contractions had backed off significantly.

In other news, I uploaded my entire CD collection to my new ipod!  It took me 6 hours and I was up until 2:30, but I'm so glad it's done.  We got some external speakers to use for labor and delivery and also for the baby's room, so I can play lullabies, classical, jazz and worship music for the baby.

Dan and I took a walk today and he was kind enought to take a couple pics.  So, I'll leave you with those!  Will be back when there is something else to update you on!!!

 

 

Today, I we are 37w2d by last month's period and 37 weeks by ovulation and Baby's first measurements.  So, either way, we are TERM!!  I am so excited about that.

Today started off a bit shaky, though.  I had a rough night's sleep.  Dan and I walked to the mall and out for dinner last night.  I felt fine while we were walking, but not so great while sleeping.  I was aching in to many places to mention and up and down all night, tossing and turning.  I felt the baby hiccuping in the early morning hours, but couldn't get Baby to move when I woke up.  I mean, I was poking and prodding, but nothing.  Not one little bump in return.  So, I ate breakfast and drank some gatorade hoping that would get Baby going, but still nothing.  Dan started talking to my belly and then played some music through headphones and finally I felt a few movements.  They were so small, though, I was kind of second guessing.  At last, there was one that was certain and we got ready for church.  (At this point, we had already called my parents to tell them they would have to get started without me, the worship leader, because we hadn't felt Baby.)  So, we rush out and lock the door behind us.  I look at Dan, he looks at me and neither one of us had our keys.

We spent the next hour breaking into our condo.   Luckily, it wasn't that easy and was very conspicuous.  It involved a ladder, the second story window and a couple of screwdrivers.  Since then, we have made some strategic decisions regarding extra keys and decided to get the window lock fixed on the second story!

Things got increasingly better from that point forward!   My friend gave me an 80 gig ipod last week.  Can you believe that?  I've never had my own mp3 player even.  So, I've spent the evening loading this thing up with almost my entire CD collection.  Everything from IHOP stuff to Thelonius Monk to U2 to Mozart is going on this ipod.  I think it will come in handy for labor and delivery!  Also, after a trip to the hospital on Saturday morning to check for membrane rupture (it was negative), I realized we needed to pack some movies and music in case we need to go to the hospital much earlier than I'm planning and endure long, long labor at the hospital. 

I didn't get a belly pic today, but I'm hoping Dan will take one tomorrow.  I got the top half of my linea nigra recently, so that's sort of cool!  So far, only 2 little blips of new stretch marks and I think they are at the end of two old ones, so I'm pretty happy about that.  I need to think about that everytime someone mentions how small I look.

Overall, I'm still feeling great and excited, but after the little scare today, I just want my baby to be born and be with us and be healthy.  I know it's gonna happen soon enough, and I trust that this miracle baby is still being protected and sustained by God and will continue to be outside of the womb, so until Baby makes the big appearance, I'll be resting in that understanding!

I'll be keeping you posted! 

I forgot to mention that my OB did an internal at my last appt.  She wasn't planning to at first, but I was telling her that I'm still waking up with cramps and having contractions throughout the day as regular as 7-15 minutes apart.  So, she offered to check things out and to her surprise she said, "Oh, you are 2 cm dilated and 25% effaced and I can feel Baby's head!  So, that is what you are feeling!"  I have to say that I was not surprised because I knew what I was feeling was different from the other braxton hicks type contractions I've felt throughout the pregnancy.  Can't really go into details here, but suffice it to say it has just been different.  There are many pre-labor signs that I've been experiencing including the cramps, contractions that are timeable, low back pain, increased nesting :), and TMI warning* 7 days straight of loose stools with no stomach ache or any changes to my diet. 

Anyway, I was excited to hear my body is making progress towards labor.  Now, I don't want Baby to come too early.  Later than 37 weeks would be ideal considering lung maturity.  In truth, girls walk around for weeks 2 cm dilated, but still I couldn't help but get excited knowing that my body is responding dynamically to the contractions.  It has to as some point, so the fact that it's starting to now makes me feel good!

So, we'll see what happens...  The contractions have actually eased some since the internal.  Baby is still low in my pelvis and the low back pain is persistent.  I cannot believe we'll get to meet out Baby, soon.  It's gonna be fantastic!