36 Week Appointment

Yesterday was my 36 week, 3 day checkup. It still seems so weird to be going every week- feels like I'm ALWAYS there!!

Little man was measuring right where he should be, and I didn't gain any weight this past week. I will say I've gained a little more than I would have liked to this pregnancy, but I'm still within the normal range. I used to always stress and whine about gaining weight, and then Josh gave me a little "talking to" and I've since changed my ways. He made me realize that as long as I was being healthy and not going to extremes, I should be enjoying this opportunity to not stress about what I'm eating, how many calories I'm consuming, etc. It is my job to make sure this baby is healthy and growing appropriately, and my vanity falls to the wayside. So now, even though I hate the weigh-in at each appointment, I no longer stress or worry. I just chalk it up to the whole pregnancy experience.

The kiddo's heartrate was a steady 140 bpm, and he's still very much head down. I'm still only 1cm dilated, but now closer to 75% effaced. She did say his head is lower this week though, which makes him closer to coming OUT!

I also had a blood draw to test for Rh antibodies, and received my RhoGAM shot again (I received it the first time at 25 weeks due to my car accident, its only good for 12-13 weeks).

This Saturday will put us at 37 weeks, which is considered full-term. I still can't believe we're about to hit this huge milestone!!!

Back to the doctor next week for another checkup. I only scheduled through September 20th, which will put me at 38 weeks, 3 days. I neglected to schedule one for past that due to my wishful thinking that he'll be here by then. :) Let's keep our fingers crossed!

35 Week Doctor Appointment

I had my weekly checkup on Wednesday (so weird to be going weekly now!), and everything looked just great!  Little man was measuring right at 36 weeks, and had a heartrate of 140 bpm.  He was squirming all over the place!  I gained a little more than I had wanted to do this 2-week period, but oh well.  My doctor said my weight gain is still right on track, so if she's not worried, why should I be?

I knew I was going to be getting my Group B strep test that day, and when the nurse asked if I wanted my cervix checked for the first time this week or next week, I opted for this week.  I figured if I had to undress anyways, why not kill two birds with one stone?

The good news is, WE HAVE PROGRESS!  Not much (which I'm thankful for, because I don't want a too-early baby!), but I am (was) 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced.  She said its "a great start".  No indication on whether he'll come before or after his due date, but that bit of news made me feel like at least we're headed in the right direction. 

I go back in on Tuesday (which seems so soon!) for another check and some blood work.  I have to have my RHOgam shot again between 36 and 37 weeks (I had it at 25 weeks due to my car accident), so that will probably be given next week as well. 

My cousin (and BFF) Jessica and her husband leave for their honeymoon September 8th, and don't return until late on the 13th.  Josh's aunt and uncle leave for a vacation on September 10th and return on the 13th also.  So the kiddo has strict instructions to NOT arrive during that window!  Also, Josh's mom leaves for a business trip on the 20th until the 23rd, so that time frame is out too. 

So baby, if you're listening, let's shoot for the 14th - 19th, or the 24th or later, okay?  Thanks!

Pediatrician Meet & Greet

Today was our pediatrician meet & greet appointment. Josh saw Dr. S at this clinic from the time he was born until he was 22 years old. So when we discovered we were expecting, there was no question that Dr. S would be this little babe's pediatrician.

Until Dr. S decided to retire this month.

Which meant we had to find a new pediatrician. Luckily, there are multiple doctors in this clinic. Dr. S helped pick his replacement, Dr. H, and spoke very highly of her, as did his nurse. This nurse has been with Dr. S forever and is very familiar with Josh and his whole family.

So, we set up our appointment, and went in not knowing what to expect.

We instantly liked her.  She is young and perky, and very friendly.  She is not pushy of her opinions in the slightest.  She told us we would find a multitude of opinions between doctors, books, hospitals, etc., and that there really isn't any right answer on many topics.  We need to take all of the information we encounter, and use that to make the decisions that are right for our family.  This really struck a cord with me, and I appreciated the lack of a "my way or the highway" attitude. 

We talked about our plans thus far, such as breastfeeding, vaccinations, circumcision, etc., and she explained the schedule for her coming to see him in the hospital and our subsequent checkups in their office.

She answered all of our questions, and made us consider some things we hadn't previously.

Overall, it was a great visit, and I really look forward to working with Dr. H in the coming years.  Now we just have to wait for little man to decide he's ready to arrive!