Monday, June 4, 2012

Countdown Time



Baby Boy's birthday is on my mind these days. That's what we're up to...waiting with great anticipation. His due date is 23 days away. Joshua is scheduled to arrive June 27th. In the mean time I'm becoming quite familiar with the labor and delivery staff and facilities at Piedmont Fayette (lol).

Two weeks ago I went in for monitering. I became concerned because I wasn't feeling him...at all. Usually when I lay down at night he rolls around, and I can feel him nudging me from one side to the other. But that particular night he didn't move...and didn't move...and didn't move. Every time I woke up I wouldn't feel him. Finally by noon the next day I called the doctor and went in. He sent me to labor and delivery so that they could check Joshua extensively. Of course as soon as I got out of the car, Joshua woke up and danced around all the way into the hospital. I can't describe the relief! So I was able to relax and just listen to his heart beat. I guess he just needed some extra sleep. :)

Last Thursday I went in because my Braxton Hicks were strong. I know everyone says that when you have a contraction...a real contraction...you'll know it. However, on this side of delivery as a first time mama, I just couldn't tell. All I knew is that the pain wrapped around and I couldn't stand up straight. They were also coming regularly. Well on top of that I knew that the hospital is 35 minutes away without traffic, and I want to deliver there...at the hospital. So we drove in. I was having contractions (I guess they were BH), but they weren't causing me to dilate. So again, we went home.

I'm not complaining though. I wouldn't take back having gone to the hospital:
  • I feel slightly more confident when I do feel pain and a little more aware of what I should be experiencing.
  • Now those beds and curtains in the prep. area and the monitering equipment are so much less intimidating.
  • I have confidence in the nurses. The ones I've met have been so extremely gentle and kind.
  • Because of last Thursday, my bags are packed. This one is HUGE.
Nathan has been telling me for three weeks now to pack my bags. I don't know why...I really don't...but packing my bags for the hospital was too overwhelming for me to start. I found a packing list on the hospital website. I still couldn't make myself pack. I made a personal list that included EVERYTHING I could possibly want at the hospital. I still couldn't pack. Finally one morning last week when Nathan and I prayed, he actually started praying that I would pack my bags for the hospital (poor guy!). That is what finally got me to start pulling things out. I laid everything I need on the loveseat in our bedroom, but still didn't pack things. SO, when we had our little false alarm last Thursday I kicked it into high gear and loaded the car.

So now we wait. I love to ask people to guess his birthday. We've gotten everything from June 14th to June 28th. Time will tell. What we do no is that he's coming, I'm 37 weeks, so the official countdown has begun. :)

4 comments:

  1. those last few weeks/days are SO hard. I went to the hospital with both my deliveries and was sent home, but I do think those early contractions are doing something, so be encouraged--your body is working on it!! I am so excited for you--there is nothing like seeing your sweet baby for the first time!!

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  2. Katherine, I am so excited for you and Nathan. I work in Labor and Delivery so I am so glad that you went in to get checked out. There is no harm in making sure everything is okay. I will be praying for you sweet friend and a very happy (yet quick) delivery. You and Nathan are going to be amazing parents. Let me know if you need anything.

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  3. Thanks friends! LB, I've been amazed at my impatience...lol, but thanks for your encouragement. So good to hear from you, Ashley! Thank you for your encouragement too! How cool you work in labor and delivery! I didn't know that :) I wish you could change work locations just for that day...;)

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  4. Katherine, I just found your blog! I'm so happy for you and Nathan and are excited for you and this journey. I loved reading this post because I was going through the exact same thing this time last year. Our baby Will was born June 28th and is almost a year old! June was an exciting month with a little impatience and anxiousness thrown in. It will go by so fast and precious Joshua will be in your arms in the blink of an eye....then he will be approaching his 1 year birthday...ah! It goes so fast. Use the next couple of weeks just hanging out with Nathan. It is such a sweet time!

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