(Necklace from The Vintage Pearl, Sugar Land, Texas)
Oh.my.gosh. We have officially made it to full-term. Although, there are some doctors out there that now consider full-term to be 39 weeks rather than 37. I am still very thrilled that if Josie was born now, she would be just fine to thrive on her own. This is huge!
This week marks a very emotional time for me. Not only because I’m completely exhausted (from the lack of sleep), or because of the hormones that are out of whack (waterworks hello!) but because it is April already!
Only 19 more days until her anticipated arrival date. Aka: due date. Yet I think she may come sooner.
At today’s appointment, my cervix was still at 3cm’s (with my membranes so close to exiting). And the good news is she has moved down a bit (I guess that birthing ball has been helping). As well as the other methods we have been trying as well (but I will just keep those details to myself). I am dilating quite rapidly (according to my very sweet doctor). And she is very thrilled that I am dilating on my own without the help of medication and intervention. But I told her not to speak too soon. She did not mention the c-word today, and I was not about to ask her about it either. I felt it was better left unsaid. And I think Josie is doing what she needs to do since her and I had “the talk”. She knows she’s gotta come out the way she went it. No if, ands or buts about it. I have been, however, having quite a few painful contractions the last few nights. After much research, I’ve determined it to be Prodromal Labor. You can read about that here.
No, I didn’t time them. Because quite frankly, they are so irregular and all over the place I sometimes cannot tell when they begin and when they end. But they suck, I can tell you that. Bobby says that I’m “too tough” and it is probably normal contractions and I’m going to birth Josie like a champ. Yeah, probably not. I think he forgot that I was manually dilated back in 2006 and in 2007 for cervical cancer cells. It was no walk in the park. Ask my Mom. She was there. Not a fun experience what-so-ever.
Doctor told me she would be much happier if I had Josie sooner rather than later. Since she is gaining weight quite rapidly and may be too big to pass through my pelvis. She says my pelvis is small and I am petite. I always thought I had childbearing hips. But I guess I was sadly mistaken. I just have the ghetto booty, that’s it.
She said that she wanted me to walk around. A lot. Move around. A lot. But man, I feel so much pressure down there that it makes me run for the bathroom to pee about every 30 minutes. So how do I go for a walk outside if I have to use the bathroom so often? That is the challenge I must face. So this afternoon, I’m going to take that walk and see where it gets me as far as progression. Would it be wrong if I popped a squat behind a tree? Just kidding.
However, as I’m walking around today, doing my normal day to day activities, I notice some contractions. But they aren’t nearly as painful and long lasting torture like at night. Maybe it’s because I’m not lying down resting, who knows?
She’s getting tight in there. I’m quite sure she is running out of room. Because I know I am running out of room for food. My appetite has been non-existent for the past week. And my acid reflux is horrible! The worst it’s ever been in my life (and I have Barrett’s Esophagus-you can look that one up too). I’ve been eating tums like candy, which has caused a slew of other issues down south. Let’s not go there.
Anyway, the best part of today? This necklace in the photo above. I am obsessed to say the least. My husband bought it for me after I showed him the one I bought my mom (very similar) and told him how much I wanted one too but couldn’t bring myself to spend the money on ME. Every time I go somewhere, I buy something for Josie. But I must say that I love it and it would look so much better in a photo with her cute little face next to it, right? So soon, so soon.
The weekend is almost here and I feel like I may be coming down with a cold. But hoping it’s just my allergies since there is this green powder floating around in the air here. Fingers crossed. Either way, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
A Pair of Socks 
Hi!! I’m sure you’ve had your little one by now, and you’re probably quite preoccupied, but I was wondering if you could help me?! I stumbled across your blog when searching info regarding Barrett’s esophagus. I have recently been diagnosed and I’m a wreck about it!! I’m only 34. Not to mention I have postpartum depression as well. My baby was born February 15th. How bad is yours, how are you treating it and what do your drs. say about it?? I’d love to hear from you! Thanks!!! Hope all is well with your new little one.
Kerri
I was diagnosed at age 27. It was a shock but not a death sentence. Be easy on yourself. First, I’d recommend a second opinion if you haven’t already done so. Two, all it is is finding a diet that works for you. And possibly taking a PPI or H2 Blocker if necessary. Mine was caused by celiac disease. I had undiagnosed CD which when I ate gluten, I had acid reflux which in turn caused the BE. I go this coming August for a follow up to see how much worse/better it’s gotten. If you research it, you can read which foods to give up. And to be honest with you, I didn’t give up a lot when it came to THIS disease. I felt I was already giving up SO much with celiac disease that it was literally hard to cut out all the stuff they require you to cut out with BE that I told myself that I only live once and to enjoy my coffee, my chocolate and my onions. Period. And if at anytime I had a hard time with any, I’d cut back or slow down. Since being pregnant, I haven’t had an issue. I feel better now than I did before my daughter. Oddly, but it’s all about trial and error. Find what works for you. But don’t stress because you should know that other issues, health issues and worsening can be caused from unnecessary stress. As far as PPD, I hope you are getting support and help. It is a very serious health concern. I am a registered nurse and during my nursing school career I did a huge research project all on PPD and it is nothing to ignore. Get the help you need girl because there is SO many people out there willing to help and the help is totally worth it, I promise. Hang in there. Do your research. Listen to your gut instincts.
Thank you sooo much!! Trying not to stress. Keep me posted on your progress! I’m also starting counseling for the ppd and will possibly go on antidepressant if needed. I saw the pics of your little Josie. She’s amazing!
Happiness!!!!!! Time to bring the bun out of the oven (LOL) I love you. xoxo
Work in progress. haha I love you too! xoxox
So excited for you!!!! Youre stronger than me, I would be freaking out..lol The necklace is pretty. Love the Bobby. Its good. 😉 Love ya
Thanks! Yes, it’s crazy but I’m actually really excited to go through the process of having her. Scary, I know. But it’s going to be a lifetime changing event. 🙂 Love you too!