38 Weeks

Thursday, February 1 - 38 weeks
This is it, Brother! We're in the homestretch! You did excellent on your ultrasound today - you were breathing a lot, way head down and facing my back. The tech said "baby knows how to exit!" After the ultrasound, I met with the nurse practitioner who checked my cervix. She said I'm about 2-3 centimeters dilated, that my cervix felt a lot lower than two weeks ago, and she could even feel your head. I asked her if she could help move things along a bit, so she went back in a swept my membranes. This means she tried to separate the fluid sac from the uterine lining. Sometimes this helps encourage contractions and labor, so I'm hoping it'll work for us. Since having that done this afternoon, I've had several contractions and some cramping. But now that I've been sitting for a bit tonight after doing my treatments, it's seems to have slowed down. Part of me wants to go straight to bed, another part of me wants to walk around the house to get things moving again. I'm just so antsy to meet you! We'll see how it goes tonight...

Oh, and how could I forget?! Your cousin, Adler, was born this afternoon!! I'm so excited to watch you two grow up together with your other cousins. :)

Friday, February 2 - 38w, 1d
Well, unfortunately nothing happened overnight except me being uncomfortable while I slept. I'm still having some bloody, mucus-y discharge every now and then, so maybe being up and moving at work today will get things going.

Sunday, February 4 - 38w, 3d
I'm still pregnant! All signs of labor beginning have tapered away. I've given up that you're going to make your appearance this weekend. I'm still really uncomfortable, but planning on trying to keep busy today to keep my mind off of not going into labor, and maybe tricking my body into go into labor, haha! Either way, I have five more days of work and just over a week until you're being evicted, so there is an end in sight! Daddy and I have also narrowed your name choices down to two, which is kind of exciting. Now to discuss a middle name....

Monday, February 5 - 38w, 4d
I had my last non-stress test today which was fairly uneventful. I did have about 4 contractions in the half an hour I was hooked up, but they didn't seem to care. I also had them every eight minutes on the drive back home, but then slowed down once I was up and moving for the evening. Even if you decide not to come on your own, it's very reassuring to know that you'll be in our arms in a week! I'm actually starting to look forward to the induction because I know the end result will be SO worth it, even if I don't necessarily want to be induced.

Today also marks one year since our twin boys were born and left this earth. I thought about them quite a bit today, and a lot over the weekend. It's hard to believe an entire year has gone by since we were able to see their faces, hold their tiny little bodies, and kiss their little heads. I'm really glad that Brother did not make his appearance today because I really wanted our boys to have separate birthdays. I'm also very thankful that this pregnancy has been going so much smoother than theirs. It's wonderful to see that my body still knows what to do after such a tragedy. Not a day goes by that I don't think about those two little sweet faces. I am so happy to have their footprints permanently on my body to remind me of our two boys who are no longer with us, but never, ever forgotten.

Tuesday, February 6 - 38w, 5d
It's been a rough day for me. I woke up feeling very uncomfortable and basically remained that way all day. Brother was sitting super low, so I tried to balance sitting down at work for comfort, but walking/standing to try to help convince him to come out....no luck. This evening I tried to take a bath to relax, but with a 3 1/2 year old in the house, that didn't go over so well. I spent the next hour or so trying to catch up on work and homework -- got all of my work caught up, not so much my homework that's due Sunday night. I am SO ready to have this baby! Three more days of work this week and then we just have to get through the weekend. Monday cannot come soon enough right now!

36 & 37 Weeks

Thursday, January 18 - 36 weeks!
9 months pregnant, here we are! I didn't know if this day would ever come again for me after having the twins so early. I didn't know if my cervix would ever be able to carry another baby to term, but we've made it (technically, full term is next week, but still). I can't wait to see how big you are today, they're finally measuring you again. A month ago you were estimated to be just over 4lbs. I wouldn't be surprised if your'e right around 6lbs today, we'll see. A lot of people have commented on how big I've gotten over the last couple weeks, so you're definitely growing enough that people are noticing.

Thankfully, I'm still feeling pretty good. I have to waddle whenever I walk, but I'm really not that uncomfortable while at work. I've been pretty good about balancing my sitting, standing and walking around which helps. I just have to make sure I wear comfortable shoes, otherwise my back does begin to hurt after a while. Sleeping hasn't been too terrible - I think I'm just getting used to having to turn over several times a night. It's very uncomfortable if I wake up on my back, so I try my best to stay on my side all night. I just have to flip (which is a process!) back and forth all night because my hips get sore. My contractions are still very inconsistent, but I've noticed over the last day or two they are getting a little lower in my uterus and a little more uncomfortable. Brother is also getting so big that he sometimes stretches and/or kicks way down in my hips which does not feel good. Really though, these are all pretty small things. I am very happy that I am still able to work and plan to work up until I go into labor, basically. I've even joked with my coworkers about my water breaking at school! I'm going to start keeping mine & Brother's hospital bags in my car, I think, just in case that really does happen.

Friday, January 19 - 36w, 1d
We had a good appointment yesterday, Brother! I've gained about 16lbs this pregnancy and it seems like a good portion of that is you right now! You passed your biophysical profile - you were moving a ton during the ultrasound, practicing your breathing and you had a good level of fluid. The ultrasound tech also took your measurements and you're estimated weight is already over six pounds (6lbs 8oz, 64th percentile)!! Now, I know that ultrasounds are not the most accurate, and I did ask for a tech who could speed through my ultrasound yesterday because I had to get Anna to swim. I'm guessing you're closer to just six pounds right now, but we'll see. Either way, you're growing very well and the doctor said that you'd be just fine if you were born any time now.

After the ultrasound, they did my Group B strep test (a swab down below) and then she checked my cervix. She said it was way back there, but it's about half way thinned out and about one centimeter dilated. She said if she pushed a little harder, she probably could have felt your head, but she didn't want to make me too uncomfortable. You were way head down during your ultrasound, so that's good, too.

There's been talk of inducing me a little early due to my gestational diabetes, but I'm still on the fence about it. Although it would be nice to have an "ending date", I'd really like you to come on your own when you're ready. But, on the other hand, the doctor said that if we wait too long, it could cause some complications due to the gestational diabetes...plus, you're already getting big (but they are not concerned about your size, you are not "too big" right now). So, it's a discussion that we will continue each week at my appointments and just kind of see how things are going. I was scheduled for an induction with Anna and never ended up needing it because she came on her own, and I'd really like the same for you, but we'll see. Either way, you'll be here in just a matter of weeks!! :)

Friday, January 26 - 37w, 1d
37 weeks seems so close to the end, yay! As usual, I had an appointment yesterday and, as usual, you're doing great. Your head was way down low so there was no chance of seeing your little face. Your booty is up high and always wiggling around. Your fluid level still looked good, you were moving like crazy and practicing your breathing -- everything you're supposed to be doing.

I'm still hanging in there, luckily, still not terribly uncomfortable. I'm big, I'm waddling, but I'm not in pain. I'm just inpatient and ready to hold you!! My contractions have continued, but still irregularly. A couple days this week, I thought I might have been dripping some fluid, but it turns out I might have just been dripping some pee instead...oh the joys of the end of pregnancy!

My group B came back positive (did with Anna, too), so I'll be sure to get a round of antibiotics during my labor to help keep you healthy during delivery. We have an induction date set - I reluctantly agreed. Originally they wanted it to be at 39 weeks, but I pushed back a little and we compromised for a few days later. Doctors do not want me going past my due date because the risk of you being stillborn increases because of my gestational diabetes and my need for insulin. As I've mentioned before, as much as I can't wait to see you and hold you, I really don't want to have to be induced. I'm worried it'll not work or lead to a c-section. I voiced my concerns, but my doctors feel I'll do well with an induction because my body is already (very slowly) beginning to prepare for labor and because I've had a successful vaginal delivery in the past. So, if you could come on your own any time now, I'd be totally okay with that! :)

I'm very lucky to have an awesome maternity leave sub who's going to fill in for me while I'm gone at work. She's been coming in to watch me, get to know the kids better, and see what we're doing for the last week or so. It's wonderful having an extra set of hands around sometimes, and it's been really nice getting everything set for her. Unfortunately, I'll only be able to take six weeks off because that's all I have sick time for. So really, the later Brother comes, the better for me because it'll get my maternity leave that much closer to backing up to spring break.

Wednesday, January 31 - 37w, 6d
Tomorrow is officially baby month! I am so ready! Last night I was having inconsistent contractions for a couple hours, but eventually they slowed down and disappeared overnight. Brother felt a lot lower this morning and I was pretty uncomfortable at work today for the first time. I'm hoping the contractions keep up so that he can make his appearance soon. :) Tomorrow I am going in for my scheduled appointment and the NP should be checking my cervix. I'm hoping that'll help get things moving along, too.

34 & 35 Weeks

Thursday, January 4 - 34 weeks
You're keeping me on my toes, little one! Last night I was having several contractions - but I don't think these were quite the real deal as they were more up high and not down low or super painful. I probably had about 8-10 over the course of two or three hours. I made sure to sit, take it easy and try to drink more. I didn't notice any overnight while I was sleeping, but I've had a few again this morning. It's been hard to tell, this morning, if it's your positioning or if they're Braxton Hicks, so I'm going to try to stay hydrated today.

Today was supposed to be our first day back with students after winter break, but we're off for a "cold day" because the wind chills are expected to get around -20 degrees today. Anna and I are enjoying another day off together and will be heading to my MFM appointment this afternoon. I'll be sure to tell them about the contractions (or whatever they are) I've been having over the last 12ish hours. I don't think it means you're coming just yet, but it sure is getting me excited for that day! It's exciting to finally be at the point in my pregnancy where delivery (although still considered premature) would result in a tiny, but healthy little baby.

Daddy has been amazing and working on your room a lot lately! All that's left is hanging your new blinds, painting the baseboards, finishing your rocking chair and assembling the crib! Then I can organize, wash and put things away!!! Your room is so cute! I love walking past it because it is finally starting to look like a little boy's room. I love the colors so far and I can't wait until everything is finally together.

Update after appointment: Our appointment went well today. You are head down and booty up, and look completely squished. You were moving well, practicing your breathing and still have a good amount of fluid.

Your big toe is in your eye! About a minute before this, your big toe was in the other eye. 

I asked the tech if I could speak to the doctor before I left because I wanted to talk about the contractions from last night. She didn't seem too concerned and said it's to be expected at this point in pregnancy, especially because it's my second pregnancy. She said I'm likely going to feel them more and as long as I don't have them regularly for an hour, I should be good to go. She offered to check my cervix and told me that it's still closed, it's starting to thin out and it's still intact, so nothing to worry about there. As always, if things change, she told me not to hesitate to come in, but there was no cause for concern today.

Sunday, January 7 - 34w, 3d
We had a nice visit with Chris and Sammi this weekend before all of the school and Masters craziness sets in next week. After they left, Daddy assembled your crib and I did two loads of your laundry!! I have been dying to get things out of your closet and organized, and today I was able to make a dent in that - it was so nice! Anna and I also assembled your pack n play, so that's in the living room ready to go. All of your newborn clothes are washed and put away (although I'm sure I'll rearrange them a million times before you're here). Your crib has a nice new, clean sheet, your cranky blankie and two little sock monkey stuffed animals in it. Daddy still needs to put one more coat of sealer (maybe?) on your dresser, so that's not 100% ready yet, but it looks really good! Your rocking chair needs a cushion and we have some things to hang on the wall. Your room finally looks like a baby room and I'm so excited.  We also need to install your car seat in the car and I'd like to pack our hospital bags soon - hopefully this week.
It's still extremely surreal that you'll be here so soon. It's exciting to think about, to see your stuff out and to organize all of your clothes, but I still don't think the reality of it has hit me completely. It's like it's too good to be true that you'll be a part of our family within the next month.

Saturday, January 13 - 35w, 2d
We're just about a month away from your due date and things are finally starting to get ready around the house! Daddy finished the last coat of sealer on your dresser today. We bought some 3M things to hang up the map in your room. I packed your diaper bag for the hospital and started packing my own bag. I'm hoping I can convince Daddy to install your car seat in my car tomorrow. I also purchased a second base for Daddy's car today, should be here by Tuesday. Now if only we can settle on a name for you!!

Monday, January 15 - 35w, 4d
ONE MONTH away from your due date!
I was supposed to have a non-stress test on the labor & delivery floor this afternoon, but decided to cancel it due to the snow, wind and cold temperatures. I really didn't want to drive in that, especially having to bring Anna along. I figured since Brother's moving really well and I haven't had any issues, skipping one NST wouldn't be a big deal. The lady on the phone from the hospital was really nice about it and understanding. While I was on the phone, I decided I better pre-register at the hospital for birth. This should cut down on the paperwork and information I have to give whenever we do finally go to the hospital when I'm in labor.
Daddy also hung a couple things in your room today and finished your dresser. Now I can put your clothes where I want them and start pulling more stuff out of your closet. Your hospital bag is packed and mine is in progress. All that's really left is installing the car seat. :)

The Day I Became A Mother

I was scheduled to be induced at 7:30am on Friday, August 8th. Throughout my entire pregnancy, I always said how I wanted the whole "OMG my water broke, rush around the house dramatically and speed to the hospital" experience. The closer and closer I got to my due date, the farther away that fantasy seemed. I was having irregular contractions for two weeks which were slowly preparing my cervix for labor, but they weren't too promising. Tim always thought I'd have to be induced because I wouldn't go into labor on my own before 39 weeks. It sure looked like he was going to be right about that one...

Thursday evening, Tim and I went out to dinner to distract ourselves and so we wouldn't be sitting around the house just waiting to go to bed (and not sleep!) in anticipation of the next morning. Tim was suffering with his typical seasonal allergies, so he took some Benadryl to help him sleep, while I tossed and turned in bed. Around 11pm, I felt something a little weird...like I was about to pee myself, so I got up to use the bathroom. On my way, a small little gush came out, so I hurried to the toilet (because I thought I peed myself) and then a much bigger gush of something came out. It was kind of cloudy and didn't look like pee. I thought, Was that my water? Did my water just break? So what do I do - google it, of course! Google wasn't extremely helpful, duh, so I texted a friend who recently had a baby asking what it looks like when your water breaks. *All this time I'm in the bathroom, not wanting to wake Tim for nothing. My friend couldn't really answer because she was induced, so she didn't really know what it looked like. So I decided it was best to call the birth center for their opinion on what to do. The lady on the other end said she couldn't really tell unless I came in to get checked, if contractions started (which could take up to 4 hours), or if I continued leaking. I decided to just wait a few minutes to see what my body would do before waking Tim. Well, I didn't have to wait too long before I felt another small gush in my underwear. I was in shock - I couldn't believe that less than twelve hours before I was scheduled to be induced that my water broke! I was SO excited!!

I went into the bedroom and woke Tim up by saying, "Uh, my water broke!" He was so confused at first because he was so out of it. I told him that we needed to get everything and head to the hospital. Thankfully I had my bag and the baby's bag packed and waiting by the door. While Tim was packing his bag, I quickly waked around the house grabbing last minute things like chargers, filling the cats' food bowl, and getting towels for the car in case I leaked anymore. We were out the door by 11:15 and on our way to the hospital!! My contractions started in the car, so I started timing them. They were coming about every 3 1/2 minutes and lasting around a minute each. They weren't too bad, pain-wise, so that was good, but I could tell that these were "the real deal". They were nothing like the contractions I was experiencing over the last two weeks. We arrived at the hospital just around midnight and checked-in at the front desk, where they immediately made me sit in a wheel chair.

After getting checked in, we were brought up to the birth center and given a room. I was hooked up to an IV for fluids and was told they didn't like to give epidurals until I go through that first fluid bag. The contractions were manageable and I was dilated to 3cm, but it didn't take long for the contractions to increase in length and intensity. I tried breathing through them as much as I could, but

This was in between contractions, before the epidural.

they were getting more and more painful to the point where I was clutching anything within reach with a death grip to try to get through the pain. My nurse (who was AMAZING!) knew I wanted an epidural, but was waiting for the lab to go over my blood work, which was taking longer than usual. Finally, around 2:45am, the anesthesiologist came in!! The nurse asked Tim to leave the room and told him that I'd be a new woman when he came back. Of course I was told I needed to sit completely still through my contractions so she could do her job, and I tried my best. The epidural procedure itself wasn't too bad and my nurse kept assuring me that these were the last contractions I'd have to feel. Oh man....once that epidural kicked it, I was in heaven!! They checked me once it was effective and told me I was 5 centimeters now. My nurse was so encouraging and supportive the whole time. She kept telling me how great I was doing (especially before the epidural) and how quick she thought the baby was going to come.
Once I was able to relax and no longer be in pain, that's when the excitement set in. I realized that our daughter was coming sooner rather than later and that my body was doing everything right. I progressed quickly, each time they checked me I was a bit further along.At one point a bunch of medical staff all came quickly into the room and just stared at the monitors. They were all whispering to each other, but not telling me what was going on. Finally they explained that the baby's heart rate was slowing down a little (they thought she was laying on her cord), so they repositioned me to see if that would help, and it did. The awkward part...I couldn't feel anything below my belly. My legs were like jello so it took two-three nurses to move me each time I had to go to one side - I felt so helpless! Thankfully the repositioning helped and I was still progressing well. When I was around 9cm, her heart rate was still having its ups and downs, so three nurses flipped me onto my hands and knees! Talk about a weird position to be in when you can't feel the bottom half of your body! But it worked. Baby was able to make her final decent and I was starting to feel some pressure and a little urge to push. So the three nurses flipped me onto my back again and everyone started getting ready for delivery!!

It was about 5:30 in the morning when they started setting up everything - getting their gowns on, laying the tarp out and turning on the big overhead light. My nurse helped me get my jello legs into the stirrups and she held my right leg while Tim held my left. At this point, I'm pretty sure I was just grinning from ear to ear because I knew that this was it, this was the final stage, the final hurdle into mommy-hood. The doctor asked if I wanted the mirror down, and to my surprise, I said 'sure'. It was absolutely fascinating seeing the slow progression of her head appearing after each push. It was kind of hard at first to get the hang of pushing, especially when I couldn't feel much, but I really think the mirror helped. All of the staff were very calm, but very encouraging. Slowly but surely, her head started to appear. I watched it come out on the mirror and was in absolute awe. Then I looked down and saw her face all I remember saying was, "oh my god" and "awww" because I was in disbelief that she had just come out of me - it was the most rewarding and unbelievable amazing feeling!!

Anna Lily was born at 5:57am on Friday, August 8th. She was 6lbs, 7oz and 19 inches long.

She came out with the cord right next to her face (so she had two bruises on her left cheek), but thankfully it was not wrapped around her neck. Her little cries were the best sound! They took her over to her little bed to check her out and clean her up. Tim went over and got some pictures, but they did bring her back to us right away. They were just listening to her with the stethoscope for a while and whispering again. It freaked me out! I asked if she was okay, and they didn't really say much. Finally the doctor came over and said she was breathing quickly and that sometimes it takes a bit more time for some babies to regulate their breathing. Then they had a head NICU nurse come down and check her out and they decided they were going to take her to the NICU to be observed for a while and to get a chest x-ray to see if there was any fluid in her lungs. I wanted to cry, but I held myself together. They assured me that she'd be okay and that it wasn't anything too serious. Before they took her away, they let Tim and I hold her for a few minutes.

That blue box was hooked up to her monitoring
her heart rate.

They stopped my epidural, started untangling all of the cords and monitors that I had on, and I had to wait for the feeling to come back in my legs before I could get up to shower and go to the post partum room. It was strange knowing that I just gave birth, but she wasn't with us. Of course I should have used the time to rest/sleep, but there was absolutely no way that was going to happen. Tim and I discussed middle name and finally decided on Lily. It was the name I wanted all along, but we never officially agreed on it, but as soon as I saw her, I just knew that was it - she was always Anna Lily in my mind during the pregnancy, and it just fit her perfectly when I saw her.

After I finally gained the feeling back in my legs, I was able to take a shower, then we loaded up our stuff on a cart to go down to our recovery/post partum room. Shortly after, they called us from the NICU telling us that she was ready to eat and asked if I wanted to come feed her -- of course!!

Anna in the NICU

I could not have asked for a better labor and delivery experience. I was able to go into labor on my own, experience and appreciate the pain before relaxing and enjoying the rest with the help of the lifesaver epidural. I was able to give birth vaginally without any interventions (vacuum, forceps, etc) from doctors. Again, I am completely amazed by what my body can do!! It's absolutely fascinating and enjoyed every minute of it...after the epidural. :-)

37 Weeks - Full Term!

Sunday, July 26 - 37w, 2d

July 26 - 37w, 1d

Yay, you've made it to full-term!! Some pregnancy sites don't consider babies full-term until they're 39 weeks, but according to my doctors, you've hit that mark. They said that it's safe for you to come any time now...and since I'm writing this on Sunday, that means we made it through Tony and Brittany's wedding without going into labor!
Speaking of which, their wedding was a blast!! Daddy and I had so much fun with all of our friends, and I'm pretty sure you had a good time, too. I was out on the dance floor way more that I thought I would be, but how could I just sit and watch everyone have all of the fun?! I made sure to drink lots of water and take frequent breaks, and during those breaks you'd move around like crazy. Of course I was exhausted by the end of the night, but we all had so much fun.
This morning while Daddy and I were eating breakfast with friends in the hotel, I noticed that I was having frequent Braxton Hicks, but I wasn't surprised and they weren't painful, so I just assumed it was from my work out the night before. On the car ride home, I was having steady contractions about ten minutes apart, lasting 30-45 seconds, for almost two hours. They weren't super strong, but I was getting hopeful that they'd pick up during the afternoon/evening. But as soon as we got home and I started moving around and unpacking, they seemed to fade away or at least, slow down and become less noticeable. This evening, when I sat down again, I had a few more 8-10 minutes apart and a little bit stronger, but again, as soon as I'd get up to go to the bathroom or something, they'd become sporadic again or completely vanish. I'm planning on keeping an eye on them tonight to see if they return or pick up. Thankfully I have another doctor appointment tomorrow afternoon, so I'll have to see what they say. I'm also curious if they check me again if I've dilated anymore since having all of these contractions today.

Monday, July 28 - 37w, 3d
I had a few more contractions this morning, about 8-9 minutes apart, but they didn't stick around forever. My friend and I still went for our morning walk and it was gorgeous outside. Then this afternoon I had another OB appointment. You looked great on your ultrasound, even got a little profile shot of you...but that made me a little worried that you weren't as far down as you were on Thursday. Your heart rate was a nice, strong 159bpm, I saw you kick yourself in the head, make a fist, and wiggle your fingers around a lot. My fluid level is still good, so I did not have to have a non-stress test.
I met with the doctor after and he said that we'll do one more growth scan next week which should give us an idea of how big you'll be for delivery. He was very pleased with how I'm doing (weight:128.6) and as soon as I mentioned that I was having contractions yesterday and today, he said he wanted to check me. I'm now 1.5cm, my cervix is anterior and you're still very low (yay, you didn't move), so I haven't changed much since Thursday, but he was very pleased with where I am now. He told me to keep an eye on the contractions and that I should come in if they're five minutes apart for a couple hours, so we'll see. Aunt Linda has been predicting for a while now that you'll come this week...that'd be fine with me!


Tuesday, July 29 - 37w, 4d
Not much to report, but I did want to mention that my contractions have slowed down today. Last night Daddy and I took a nice, long walk, hoping to increase my contractions, but it didn't work. I've noticed a few today, but tried not to pay attention to them because they've been so sporadic. It's quite a tease having three days of irregular contractions - its been getting my hopes up that you'd be making your arrival sooner rather than later, but I know I need to be patient and that you'll come when you're ready....but I've been waiting all summer! I'd love for you to come before Friday so I don't have to drive six hours round-trip to my CF appointment, but I doubt that's going to happen.

Thursday, July 31 - 37w, 6d

Archie & I brushing up on our
breastfeeding info this afternoon.

Well, here we are...the last day if July with no signs of you making an arrival in the near future. This means I'll be heading to Chicago tomorrow for my last CF clinic appointment before your delivery. I'm curious to see if my lung function has changed in the last two weeks, really hope doing the pulmonary function tests puts me into labor, and honestly don't see the importance of me going to clinic again, but I gotta do what I gotta do.
My contractions have been pretty much non-existent since Tuesday, although I've had a couple people tell me how much lower I look, even just within the past couple days. You're definitely in position, I can feel you. You're starting to put a bit more pressure down below each day, which is sometimes uncomfortable, but I know its a good thing. I think I lost a bit more of my mucus plug today (and I think I lost the first little bit on Friday before we left for the rehearsal). I really want to experience my water breaking (I don't know why...for the excitement of it, I guess?), but if that doesn't happen, it'll be okay because I know you'll be here so soon! :-)

Late night update: Daddy and I went on a nice, long walk this evening and while we were gone, Dr. Dowell called me. I called her back and we chatted for a while, both agreeing that it's a wise choice for me to not drive to clinic tomorrow, yay! Since I'm doing well, she just wants me to keep her posted about when you make your appearance and how I'm feeling each week after. I'll be finished with Cayston next Thursday, so the plan is to not go back on Tobi (as long as I'm doing well off it) and to start alternating Cayston each month since that seems to be working well for me.

Also, a couple hours after getting home from our walk, I started having contractions again for a few hours. At first they were about 8-9 minutes apart, then they progressed up to 5-6 minutes apart, which got me a little excited, but they never increased their intensity. I stayed up til a little after 11 timing them, but once they started to fade and get further apart, I caved in and went to sleep. I'll just have to keep up those long walks, and hopefully one of them will bring on the real deal!