Sustainable Mommy

Our appointment went well this morning. We got to do lots of new things! I had an ultrasound first, which isn't new, but we got to see our "big" little boy and measure his head and belly, as well as make sure he still has enough fluid in there. So far, so good. The tech/computer, based on those measurements, estimates that the baby is 9 pounds, 11 ounces. I am not letting this scare me - I know those estimates can be off by a lot (in either direction, but still ...) and I trust my body. That's all there is to it. After the ultrasound, I did an NST, or non-stress test, which makes sure baby is "reactive." Basically I get a monitor strapped to my belly and the machine prints out the strip, and I click this little button whenever he moves. I passed. Yay! Well, WE passed, I guess I should say, hehe. Then we finally saw Dr. Graves. She has said before that nothing scares her more than a big baby - she can handle anything, but when it comes to big babies, she doesn't like to take chances. First she told me about all of the dangers with shoulder dystocia (when the head fits but the shoulders don't) and then offered me an elective c-section. I said no thanks. Then she said she'd like to schedule an induction since I have a "favorable cervix," and I asked if we could compromise and strip my membranes today, then maybe discuss things again if I make it to my next appointment - which is on Thursday. I am determined to not make it to that appointment! :o) But Dr. Graves agreed to the compromise, so that's what we did, and we'll see how the next few days go.

Somehow, I pulled a muscle in my back last night. At first I thought it could be "back" labor, but this is a sharp/grabbing pain, and not a dull "contraction" pain, so I let go of that thought. I made it through the night, had some difficulty moving around this morning, and things seemed better at the doctor. It's still hurting when I move the wrong way, but I'm trying not to let it hinder my efforts to get this baby out. Mom and me walked around the mall after lunch, and I will hopefully get some more walking in before the day is over.

Please send some labor vibes this way! We are ready to meet our little boy. :o)