37 Weeks

Another week down...37 weeks of pregnancy have come and gone and I am feeling GREAT! It is certainly a nice blessing to be able to say that. I have no swelling, just a twinge of (annoying) back pain that started a couple days ago, and I am actually feeling pretty rested; thanks to a weekend of "catch-up" sleep at my parent's house and Brian's schedule allowing for me to do less when it comes to picking up Sierra and other things around the house. Praise God for all these blessings!

Today I had my 37 week check up and all is going well on that home front as well. I met with our midwife, Blair and we had a nice chat about the impending labor and delivery. She had a little pep-talk with me about this delivery and seeing past (actually forgetting about) all the disappointments that we experienced with Sierra's delivery. Praying for God's hand on this delivery and knowing that we can experience what we have set out to do and welcome a 100% healthy baby into this world.

My blood pressure was great - 108/64 and the baby's heart rate was in the 140's; my Group B Strep test was negative, so that was good news to hear as well. I gained 1 more pound over the last week, hitting the "10 pounds gained" mark. I am not up 10 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight and very happy with that amount. That is how much I gained during my pregnancy with Sierra and although the ideal weight gain for me during pregnancy is 15-25 pounds, no one is concerned and we are all healthy.

Blair and I also briefly discussed our child care plans with Sierra once my labor starts because she is still not allowed inside the hospital. Generously, my mother has offered to come from Richmond to stay with Sierra when my labor starts to progress; but unfortunately, that is a 2 hour drive and so much is unknown about what will all happen and when. I am trying not to be concerned about all that and just trusting that God will work it all out.

Blair gave me the option at this appointment whether or not to have a cervical exam and I thankfully declined. We made the decision together on a few things:

1. Knowing that I carried Sierra to 41 weeks and I am only 37 weeks currently

2. Knowing that last week I had no progress and it is unlikely that has really changed this week

3. Sometimes (not often, but could) cervical exams can induce/speed up progression of labor and this weekend is not ideal to have a baby considering the fact that it is snowing non-stop up the East coast; specifically where my Mama lives and would have to travel to get here to be with Sierra. :)

So there you have it, all and all everything is great! I am feeling great and although we are not ready around this house physically (ah, em....still haven't moved Sierra to a "big girl bed" yet); I am feeling good about everything that is about to come and change in the next few weeks.

We are also enjoying a growing belly! :) Here's the proof: