The Day I Came ThisClose To Having Baby...

that would be yesterday. It started with going to my 2pm doc appointment. The place was packed, so I had to wait about 20 minutes.
I was called back...stop at the scale (still 1 pound under my "Daxton delivery weight") then back to the ultrasound room to measure the baby's fluid. Her heartrate was 130 (normal) and she had her arm across her face (of course).
While the tech was measuring the fluid I could tell she wasn't finding a whole lot, and I saw it said 6.6 on the screen. Yea, I knew that was low. She said the baby looked good, and when we finished she said she would be thinking of me and hoping I have the baby soon.
Off to the NST room where I was hooked up to the monitors. Sat there for a few minutes and the lady came back to check on things...said it looked like i had a contraction and did I feel it? Not really. Then she was saying how baby was looking too comfortable in there and would need a buzz to get some movement on the monitor. So, she buzzed the baby in two different spots. It startled baby, but didn't do too much, the lady said we would just wait and see how it went.
Just after she walked out, one of the other NST techs (I don't know what their job title is, so I will just go with that) came in. She didn't realize someone had just been in. She looked over the printout and said the baby was having variables in the heartrate (going down), but she said it was coming right back up. She had me turn on my side so maybe that would help out. She left for a few minutes and came back.
Sh looked at the monitor printout and said it looked like baby needed to be buzzed. I said "Again already?" She said "oh it does say you were already buzzed. Have you eaten anything recently?" I told her I had just had a candy bar before I came. She thought maybe water would help get the baby moving, so while I drank the water, she grabbed my chart to look it over.
She noticed the fluid was down from 14 on fri to 6 now on tuesday. She said that was probably the reason the baby wasn't too active (low fluid). She saw that I was 38weeks and 2days so she tells me that I will probably get sent right over. Umm...right over where??? TO THE HOSPITAL!!
WHAT?! That made me just a bit nervous!! Just a bit!
She unhooked me and sent me to the room to wait for my midwife. I had to get undressed from the waist down so I could be checked for any progress.
I sent Nick a text saying "today might be baby day."
Finally, my midwife comes in. She asked if I had been leaking any fluid. I told her that I was pretty sure I wasn't. She said she would test to make sure I wasn't. It was negative for fluid. She also checked my cervix for any progress. There was none. Still long and closed.
She told me that since my fluid level was quite low I was most likely going to the hospital. She had to talk with the on-call doc to get his opinion.
She came back in to tell me that he had STRONGLY suggested (about 4 times) that I go to the hospital, be given an IV and cervadil (sp) placed on my cervix to get it ripe for labor!
Yes, that meant I was going to be induced!!
WHOA!! I was not ready for all that on what I thought was a typical doctor visit!! She told me I was to go right over to Labor and Delivery.
Well, I didn't go RIGHT there...I stopped to get the older 2 from school daycare and fill them in on what was going on. Thank God Angela was at my house with the younger 2 and didn't have to work that night!!
So, I got to the hospital about 4:25. Of course you have to sign a bunch of papers and answer questions. The lady came in with the IV and all I could think was Nick better be here before she does that (I hate the IV!!). Luckily, he arrived just in time!
The cervidal was put in at 5:55pm. I couldn't get up to go to the bathroom for an hour. It's supposed to stay in for 12 hours.
The time was going by pretty fast...my aunt stopped by for a couple hours, so that made it go by faster. Plus I wasn't in pain, so I could talk. Nick and I went to sleep about midnight. Well, at least he did. I tried...and tried. Of course that's when contractions started. They weren't "grip the bed, I can't take it" contractions though. But they were coming 2-3 minutes apart.
The nurse came in and checked on me and was surprised to see them so consistent and said that maybe one dose of cervidal was all I would need.
I could NOT sleep, so just after 2am, she gave me a sleeping pill and I was out after that.
She came in around 6am and took out the cervidal and checked my cervix. She said it was at 1. She told me the midwife on call would come in about 7 or so and we would see what step would be taken next.
She came in just before 8.
She told me that since I wasn't active in labor, we would go have a fluid check to see if the fluid had gone up any. If it was still low, we would continue with the induction. If it was up, then I could probably go home, since I was still 2 weeks away from 40 weeks and there would really be no reason to continue the induction, since the problem would be solved.
Also, being that I was still 2 weeks away from being 40 weeks, induction time would probably take longer.
So, off to ultrasound. The fluid was now up to 10. And baby had been looking great all night on the monitors.
She told me the decision would be mine, but she recommended going home and waiting for nature to kick in or til I'm farther along to induce.
I called Nick (he had taken kids to school) and told him what was up and our choices.
We both decided that I would go home. It was somewhat a letdown, since I had accepted that I was having this baby, but at the same time...I had things to get done still!! And as long as the baby is doing well...which she is...we can wait for her arrival.
The kids were pretty bummed out (especially because Xandria was going to be spending the night at Angela's tonight, lol), but the baby will be here soon enough!!

Wow, that was alot of typing! But I wanted to have it all down :)

A Halloween Baby...

probably isn't going to happen. Unless, it happens on it's own. Tuesday was my 37 week appointment and we discussed induction dates and I was saying how I would love to have a Halloween baby. She was all for it, but had to check and see how far along I would be (have to be 39 weeks), of course I was 2 days short of 39 weeks. Oh well. I don't think I would be ready by then anyway...will I ever be ;)
I had my fluid check and NST before I saw the midwife. All was good :) No contractions. Measuring right on. Baby girl did have to be buzzed awake...twice! I know it's because she kept me up when I was trying to go to sleep the night before!! I don't know what it is with her and monday nights!! My lab results were back and there was no Group B Strep so that's good news! After we talked about Halloween, she looked on the calendar as to when she will be on call and said "what about Nov. 4?" WHAT?! NO!!! I told her that was the ONE day I absolutely was not going to have this baby!! It's my sister's birthday. And it can stay just that. She mentioned the 7th, but we didn't decide on anything. We'll see what happens. I just can't believe it's SO CLOSE!!!
And there's so much to still get done first! I got all the clothes washed last night, so I feel a little better about that.
Here are some pics that I took at the apple orchard by our house sunday. Daxton studying his apple. About the one and only time he actually sat still! Sigh...he's ALL about getting around and doing his own thing now :(

He LOVES the red apples the best!!

Helping Daddy pluck the apples off the tree. He managed to get this one pulled off.

I don't think I'm ever going to get a decent group shot of the kids again. This was the best I got and I had to crop it because someone's underpants was showing, lol.

I had my NST/fluid check today. Baby has enough fluid and was practicing her breathing again. That's so cool to see. Couldn't see her face really...just mainly the top back of her head, which the tech commented on "wow, she has alot of hair!" She did great on the NST...didn't need to be buzzed.

Munching on some of Daddy's apple.

Drake ate so many apples, I lost track. Of course he didn't completely finish each one. He would eat a strip or two around the whole apple, then toss it. He always had two apples in his hand at a time :)Xavier was on the hunt for the different kinds of apples and making us try them. Toots in the apple tree.

Doctor Visit and other happenings...

from last week. Tuesday was the growth ultrasound/NST/doctor visit. Gained 2 pounds, putting me at the weight I was when I delivered Daxton. Baby girl, still head down and had her arms across her face. The girl must be camera shy! She was looking good there...had her little legs crossed at the ankles :)
After the tech had all the measurements, she was able to figure out her weight. It was 6lbs 9oz. They say give or take 1/2 lb to 1lb. Baby's supposed to gain half a pound a week, so that would put her at roughly 8lbs 9oz if she came full term! If that was the case, she would be the biggest one yet...Drake's been the biggest so far, weighing 8lbs 80z at birth.
My fluid level was 10.2, so not too bad at all.
The results of my Group B Strep came back negative! But, that also happened last time...it wasn't until my urine was tested that it showed up in that, so she said to go to the lab at my next appt to have the urine tested.
The NST went fine. Baby was moving like crazy! I had some small contractions, but that was about it.

I had to go back friday for the NST/fluid check. Funny, that I was down 3 pounds, though I hadn't really eaten much yet. I'm sure it will be back up when I go back! Baby looked good on the screen and was pretty much positioned the same as last time. This time during the NST she had to be buzzed awake. It was funny, right went the buzzer went on she jumped! I was just telling Nick on tuesday at the NST that the baby has never had to be buzzed awake...this time she did! I know it was because she had kept me up the night before and was probably tired.
Thursday night was HORRIBLE!! She was moving like CRAZY when I was trying to go to sleep, which doesn't usually happen...plus the top of my uterus has been really bothering me lately. Feels like it's being stretched and pulled. Not very comfortable!!
On top of it, I've been SO EXHAUSTED lately and have had to take little naps when I get the chance. I told Nick last week, that it already felt like I had a newborn with the little sleep I was getting and being so exhausted. He had to let me know that's nature's way of getting me prepared.
Sorry, but I don't want to get prepared in that department!!

Yesterday we went to the apple orchard. It's about 20 or so minutes away. We were all excited to go apple picking! Yea. Well. We pulled up and the place was as busy as can be, BUT we noticed the lines for the tractors to take you picking weren't that busy. That was a good thing!

Or so we thought. We got parked and walked over...then noticed the sign saying that there was only pumpkin picking, NOT apple picking!!
The apples were done, except for some that picking starting on the 31st. Ugh. That sucked. Bad!

We did manage to get into the big barn, before the line was too big and get some apples, warm donuts and fudge, so it wasn't a complete waste ;)

There is a smaller apple orchard down the road from our house, so we drove back and went there. It was nice because there wasn't many people there, but their apples are more expensive and not quite as good. We ate LOTS of apples and had alot of fun. We came home with a bag full from there as well!

Nick and Drake really like the yellow apples best. I gave Daxton a small one of those. He didn't really get much of it in his mouth...just some teeth marks. Nick let him have some of his since the skin was already broken. He ate some...but once we gave him a red apple he went to town!!! He had the juice running all over him and Nick! He ate that whole thing COMPLETELY!! So, he obviously prefers the red apples!!

Well, that's all I have time for now...and my back is KILLING me!! I'm off to the doctor's again tomorrow. Twice a week from now on. Only 3 weeks left!!!

I have to get pictures posted SOON...don't let me forget ;)

Lots Going On

Wow, the past week has been a BUSY one!! I guess I can start with last week's doctor visit/NST. Tuesday was my appointment. Stepped on scale and was happy to see that no weight was gained :) Headed off to ultrasound to check fluid. Baby still head down...smashed up to the placenta. She was moving, moving! Her heartrate was 157. Only got one picture, not a very good one, but she's yawning in it. She must be a tired girl because that's the second photo I've gotten of her yawning :) She was also practicing her breathing.
After ultrasound, it was off to sit in the chair for the Non Stress Test for 20 minutes. This time I was checked on frequently and not forgotten about! No contractions and baby sounded good.
Time to go in the room and wait for the midwife. She came in and told me that everything looked good with the NST, but the baby's fluid was a little on the low end (9.7), but it wasn't bad.

The pants had to come off so I could be swabbed for Group B Strep. I have tested negative with the first 3 babies, but with Daxton the results were positive, so I was given antibiotics prior to his birth. It's not harmful at all to moms (and they don't know how you get it), but it can be harmful to babies if they pass through the birth canal and their mom's haven't been treated.
I could test negative this time, but was told that it will probably be positive.

The midwife also checked my cervix to see if anything was going on. Nope...still tightly closed. Just how I would like to keep it for a few weeks!! We talked about a "birth plan". Which basically consists of EPIDURAL, EPIDURAL, EPIDURAL :) Seriously though, that's about the only time I dilate. I can have painful contractions forever and not have any progress, until I get the epidural. Then I go QUICKLY!! That's when my body can finally relax and do what it's supposed to. I'm the one who gets in the way of it happening apparently.

She said we could probably plan an induction date. Which would be A-Ok with me. Makes things easier in general. Especially with the other kids. She said I would have to be 39 weeks and my cervix would have to be favorable. I can handle that! I'm not a fan of Pitocin, but I just think: EPIDURAL, EPIDURAL, EPIDURAL! With my other pregnancies I have been induced due to different reasons and the one time my water did break (with Xandria at 3am), I ended up having to have Pitocin later because labor had slowed down after a period of time.

So, we will see how it goes and if happens on it's own than GREAT, if not that will be fine too. I'm getting more nervous and excited as each day goes by!!

I'm off to the doctor again tomorrow. I will have the NST and also a growth ultrasound. We will see how the baby is growing and all that, so it's not just a fluid check. I'm excited to get to see her again.

Other things that went on this past week...real quick, cuz I need some peace and quiet before I'm headed off to bed...it's been a long, tiring day!

• Last sunday we had X and X's birthday party at the skating rink. It turned out to be alot of fun and everyone had a great time :)
• Thursday was a nice day with the kids, they didn't have school. We went out to eat at Beef A Roo and talked and everyone behaved so well :) Then we stopped at Target to get some things. Drake and Toots killing each other over opening the car door when we left :(
• Friday afternoon I took X and X to meet up with Heather for their birthday pictures. The kids actually had fun doing it and we got ice cream afterwards. The youngest two were with Angela, so that was helpful! I can't wait to see how their photos turned out!!
• Friday night we had a surprise birthday party for Nick! He turned 30 today! He didn't have the slightest idea and was definitely surprised...even though there was a couple things that I thought might have tipped him off!! His face was priceless and I'm so glad we did that for him!! His dad, Theresa and Christina are the ones who put it all together for me. :)
• Saturday we got to have an alone day!! The older kids were with my parents and my aunt stayed with Daxton (thank you!). My aunt even got some of my laundry done, which was a GREAT surprise!! Nick and I went to Spring Hill Mall and picked up a couple things...went to the gambling boat in Elgin to eat at the buffet and do a lil gambling...came back to Rockford and the two of us went and played pool. I was nervous about going to play pool...I never have and I have social anxiety in new places, but it was SO NICE and I'm SO GLAD we did!! We had a GREAT day and it was DEFINITELY needed!!!!
• Sunday (yesterday) we took the kids to Midway Village for the annual Scarecrow Festival. You go and make scarecrows. It was fun, though it was like 80 degrees out. Then we headed to Red Robin to eat and sit in the much needed air conditioning!!
• Today the kids and I went with Angela to Lockwood Park for Pumpkin Patch Day. Since kids were out of school due to Columbus Day, they had activities and games set up for them to play and do. It was nice, but there was so many damn bees!! I swear there was 3-4 on or around the stroller at all times!! Luckily, none of us got stung. Since today is Nick's actual birthday we got him a cookie cake and went to Happy Joe's to eat supper.

Well, that's all I have for now. WOW, that was sure ALOT! I plan on posting pictures of things I listed soon. Also, our little Daxton is officially toddling around. Just in the past week, week and a half, he's REALLY taken off with his walking! I think that is now his main mode of transport! He looks so cute doing it :)

If You Drink ALOT of Water...

your baby will have more amniotic fluid!! Had my doctor/nst appointment on wednesday. Gained 1 1/2 pounds. The ultrasound was first. The tech did all the measurements...I didn't get to see the baby for very long because there was someone else out in the waiting room having a fit because they were told to come in with a full bladder, and I guess she just couldn't wait...though the tech told me it was still 10 minutes before her appointment time. Grr. Oh well, I will get to see the baby again next week.
After the ultrasound, I was hooked up to the Non Stress Test machine. It was supposed to be for 20 minutes, but I was definitely forgotten about! I was in there for about 40 minutes before the midwife came in. It was nice to have some peace and quiet and read, but by then I REALLY had to go to the bathroom!!
The midwife said that drinking so much water helped the baby out tremendously as my fluid was at 10! Yay!! She asked if I felt any contractions and I said "No." Then she showed me on the paper that I had had some. I was shocked!! Didn't feel them. I was telling her that I definitely wasn't ready for the baby to come anytime soon and she asked if I was ever really ready for it and of course I never am :) I told her 40 weeks would be just fine for me, and she said that you never know, especially since it was just last year that I had a baby. EEK! I haven't planned for anything earlier than 40 weeks...I hope baby can hold out.
So, I will continue to go every week and have the fluid check and NST until the baby does come.

In other news...we have no heat. So that makes the house between 63-64 degrees. Fun. I noticed on wednesday that it wasn't working. The heating guy came and when he went to open up the heater (whatever it's called) water came pouring out. Yea, not a good thing!! So we have had to let it dry out. Not sure when he's supposed to be back again...hopefully soon!

Tomorrow we are having Xavier and Xandria's birthday party. It's going to be at the skating rink. Too bad I won't be able to roller skate! I love skating! Funny that last time we had their party there...4 years ago, I was pregnant then and couldn't skate either! Xavier is now 11 and Xandria is now 7. Really, WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?!
I hope to do a post on them soon...for now I need to go get ready. I'm having my maternity pictures taken today. I really hate having my pictures taken, but I figured I might as well get them done...I wish I would of had them done with the others...even though my face is fat and my butt is huge ;)