Finally...A Date!

I saw Dr. Rosen yesterday and what do you know...I'm still not dilated. Not even feeling any contractions. So, he and Dr. B decided to induce me Sunday night at 6pm. Lily will most likely be born Monday evening, December 3rd! Of course, if she decides to come out naturally before then, even better. They'll start by inserting Cervidil into my cervix to ripen and soften it a bit more. That takes about 12 hours. Then they'll start the Pitocin, which will induce my labor. I forsee an epidural being administered somewhere thereafter, but we'll see how much I can handle first. I finally feel at ease, knowing when she'll come out. I'm really hoping I'll go into labor on my own, but all these natural anecdotes don't seem to be working for me. Lily's simply not ready to come out yet, I guess.

Still Nothing!

I just got back from the doctor's office and I'm still not dilated. I'm going back on Wednesday to see a different doctor in the group and also for my non-stress test. She said if I'm not in labor by Sunday night, she will induce. So, I've got 6 days for a natural birth! Bring on the sex! (as prescribed by Dr. B.)

40 Weeks

This time of year is full of celebrations. Our 4 year wedding anniversary was on Saturday, 11/24. We wound up not doing much. I cooked a spinach lasagna and we watched a movie together. Yesterday was James' birthday. We took a long stroll in Central Park, hoping that gravity might instigate labor. (didn't happen...) And he wound up cooking ME dinner - chicken & mushroom risotto w/ a salad. It's weird, because it's like we've been waiting for Lily for 2 weeks now, and we're not doing much except for hanging out with each other, just in case I go into labor. Today I see Dr. B at 1:30. Who knows what she'll say - but I'll report back if I can.

Up Early Again

Had a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner yesterday. Despite the fact that it's an arguably politically incorrect holiday in America, it's one of my favorite meals of the year. Give me dark meat, lots of mashed potatoes and stuffing, and drown it all in gravy. It's indulgence at its purest - you're forgiven to eat that much (did you know that the average person consumes 5,000 calories on Thanksgiving Day?) and if you're pregnant, you're allowed 3rd's. Chieun invited us over to her friend's apartment in the neighborhood. We got there around 3 and didn't leave until 11. I was tired, but when I got home, I coudn't fall asleep until about 1:30. Then I woke up at 5 completely starving. I realized the last time I ate was at 4pm, and that just doesn't cut it for me. I was hoping the couple of glasses of wine I drank would help bring Lily out, but she wasn't having it. In a way, I was pleased because I couldn't really see James being the most helpful partner after consuming several drinks throughout the night.

Today I go for my nonstress test at the hospital. And I have another appt with Dr. B on Monday, my official due date!

No Progress :(

Yesterday I went to Dr. B for my 39 week check-up and I'm still not dilated. My blood pressure was a bit high, and I also mentioned to her that I was experiencing "hot spots" on my feet (painful spots on the bottom my feet I experienced pre-biopsy) and I was a bit concerned. She couldn't easily locate the pulses in my feet and groin, and that coupled w/ my high blood pressure, got her freaking out a bit so she sent me to a vascular doctor all the way uptown on 114th Street. He performed a doppler radar on my legs and feet and completely reassured me that my circulation was good. Phew! If the test came back sketchy, Dr. B was going to admit me to the hospital to start an induction. (I completely thought I was having Lily tomorrow!) But that didn't happen and she wanted me to give her a call this morning to discuss what the next step should be. I did, and she said that seeing that the vascular doctor gave me the ok that everything looked good, she still wants me to try to go into labor naturally. She mentioned that if she were to start the induction, she was going to insert Cervidil in my cervix to ripen and soften it, but when you do that, you're laying in bed for about 12 hours. She'd rather not have me do that (and neither would I). So, I went in today to get some blood tests done and to check my blood pressure. Blood pressure looks good. I've got another appointment on Friday morning to get my non-stress test. Then again, on Monday, my official 40 week mark! (And Lily's official due date - November 26th.) The past day has been a roller coaster of emotions. James and I really thought we'd have Lily by tomorrow or Thursday. This is such a game right now!

Lily Wants To Stay Indoors

Dr. B measured me today and I'm not even dilated! Looks like Lily wants to hang out a bit longer in my belly. Dr. B wants to see what happens next Monday, my 39th week. She's also going to talk to her other colleagues and see what they say, as my case is a bit of a unique one. But my blood pressure is fine, and everything else is progressing nicely, so her recommendation is, let's just see how it goes for now. I guess I should just be more patient. I know I should be enjoying my solitude right now as it will get a bit chaotic soon...

See Lily Move!

It's a bit freaky, but look at her go!

Full Term

I'm officially full term right now (37 weeks), meaning that if Lily were to be born today, her lungs are fully mature and she can survive by herself outside the womb. I had my doctor's appointment yesterday and there's no new news to report, except that I've now gained 37 pounds! I expressed my concern that I live all the way in Brooklyn and since the hospital is on 59th Street & 10th Ave in Manhattan, what if I don't make it there in time?!?! She said it should be fine, as this is my first baby and it's unlikely that would happen. She then asked if I wanted to be induced. I'd rather not as I'd like to try to get Lily out without an epidural. Next Monday, she will measure me and see how I'm progressing. Sounds good to me.

The nursery is finally getting sorted out and I have less anxiety now. Mom dropped off Lily's clean clothes and I've put them away and organized the diapers and accessories. James also mounted the video monitor, so we're all set to go!

Today, I didn't do much but lay around and it felt damn good. I did locate a good pediatrician in the neighborhood though. I've decided to limit myself to one outing a day (today's an exception) as it is really tiring me out. I cannot imagine going to work this late in a pregnancy. It is just too strenuous!

So now, the clock is ticking. Lily can come out any day now and the thought is so exciting. I don't want to sound cheesy or gloat but fuckit, I will. I think I've got the best partner in the world. I feel so giddy in love with James and the thought of us creating a baby together...2 people who love each other as much as we do (and still after over 8 years)...is such an overwhelming, beautiful, and special feeling. Lily is going to be so damned loved. I cannot wait for her arrival!!!

Babycare/Feeding Class

James and I went to a 5 hour class yesterday at the hospital called Babycare/Feeding. I'm glad we went because we actually learned a lot. We learned about bathing the baby, breastfeeding, pumping (the milk, not each other...), etc. It was very informative. James also happens to be a good swaddler...

Last night, James took me on a date. We called it "the last supper" as this will be the last time we'll go out and splurge on food and drink before Lily comes. (We'll be on a super-tight budget once she arrives, since I'm not going to be getting any sort of paid maternity leave by my company.) He took me to The Harrison, a favorite spot of ours in Tribeca. Despite the fact that my cousin is married to the executive chef, Brian, we truly enjoy the food every time we go. It was a delightful experience and I had a fantastic glass of red with my meal.

My mom is supposed to come by tomorrow and drop off the loads of Lily laundry she so graciously washed with gentle detergent. I'll need to then sort it out and make a list of what we need and James will go out and get it. It's crazy to think that she can come any day now, and I'm feeling more and more anxious that I'm not going to be ready in time. I wish I had more energy but I feel very limited to about one outing a day lately.