37 Weeks

I had another doctor's appointment today. Everything is good. I had to do another non-stress test (NST) to measure Ellie's heartbeat and contractions. No contractions :) Ellie kept moving around so Jason had to press down on the heart monitor which made Ellie move more. Finally, the doctor came in and we were able to quit the torture machine.

The doctor asked me if I was dilated. I said, "Uh...I think you are supposed to tell me that." So, he measured and said that I was 2 cm and that the head was down. He said that he thinks that we won't make it to Jan. 17th. He predicted the 38th week or early in the 39th. I asked him if he thought this would happen naturally, and he said, "Of course." Since he was so cavalier about his prediction, I figured that he meant that he would "create the date."

That's it for now...just hanging on...not getting much LENGTHY sleep. I guess this is nature's revenge ;)

Almost 36 Weeks

Sorry for the lack of updates. We are trying to make it to the Winter Break. We both finished up classes at UM and MSCC last week. The week before we went to a technology conference here in Memphis for two days, and we presented a session that we had prepared with a fellow librarian. We are also trying to get our yearly book orders finished before the break. Jason sang during the holiday concert that was held at his school. Of course, we had the baby shower in there as well. So now that all of that scrambling is behind us, we can focus on the upcoming rest and relaxation :)

On the Ellie front:

• On Monday, December 17th, I was scheduled for another glucose test. However, once I got to the doctor's office, they realized that this was a mistake. So, instead of 4 sticks, I got to lay all cramped up on the "table" for 30 minutes for a NON-Stress Test. Basically, they measured the baby's heartbeat and looked for contractions. I almost ripped that monitor off of me because it was very uncomfortable sitting up on the exam table. :) Anyway, I suffered through, and the doctor said that everything looked fine.
• We are in the process of filling out paperwork for childcare once I have to go back to work.
• I spoke with the doula and I have an appointment with her this week.
• My next appt. is Thursday, December 20th.

Bitty Baby Going for a Ride

Well...we had to test out the new car seat. And since Ellie is not here yet, the closest thing we had that resembled a kid was Ellie's new baby doll that she received from Cailen. Thanks Cailen...and we hope that Bitty Baby's cousin Bitty Baby gets her arm fixed real soon.

After the Baby Shower...

Jason unloaded the car once we got home from the shower. This is a shot of the nursery with all the new stuff.

Then, he started to install the new car seat that we received from my co-workers at school. At the childbirthing class, we were told to allow several hours for this task. Well...you know...we had to time it. It took Jason about 15 or 20 minutes to remove it from the box, read the instructions, and install it in the car.

He also assembled the matching stroller. We are still sorting through the gifts that we received and are trying to find a place for all this new gear to live.

Baby Shower

Ellie's baby shower was held on December 8th at Cindy Halupnik's house. She had the house all decorated for Christmas...she even had her entire dining room transformed into a Christmas village. It was overwhelming...the family and friends, good wishes, and great baby gear. Thanks to everyone for a memorable event...but to say thank you is really an insufficient gesture when faced with the generosity of all the people in my life. So, I guess we will just have to let you babysit as our "thank you." When can I start passing around the sign-up sheet? :)

Here are some of the pictures...

Good grief..now I am "colonized"

A while back, I found that I am Rh negative and I got a shot for that...and I will need to get another one once labor begins.

Now, I have this too...Group B Strep. Here is what I found out about it...

• Since the early 1970's, the bacteria Group B Streptococcus (GBS) has been identified as the number one cause of life threatening infections in newborn babies.
• This bacteria is normally found in the vagina and/or lower intestine of 15% to 40% of all healthy, adult women. Those women who test positive for GBS are said to be colonized.
  Group B Streptococcus should not be confused with Group A Streptococcus which causes strep throat.
• The vast majority of GBS infections are acquired during childbirth when the baby comes into direct contact with the bacteria carried by the mother.
• An estimated 12,000 infants in the United States will become infected with GBS each year. This bacteria will result in the death of an estimated 2,000 infants yearly, while leaving many others mentally and/or physically handicapped.

So...now you are in the know as well... ;)

I will get IV antibiotics for this once labor begins...nice, huh? Other than finding out this, the doctor's visit on Wednesday was fine. Heartbeat was 133, and I've lost a few more pounds. He didn't seem real concerned about this, but I think I really should be going in the other direction. :)

I'm an Aunt x's 2...

and Brandon got his 2007 tax break. All kidding aside...right now Stephanie and the boys are stable and things look good. All this one day after his 31st birthday :)

Go check out the babies: http://www.brandonwebb.com/canyousaytwo/

Everything is fine here...just weird arm/leg itching. We went to the childbirthing class on Saturday. All I can say is...nope, no way, no how are they sticking that epidural beam/tree trunk in my back. Who do I need to talk to see if I can just skip this whole labor and delivery part? Does Santa listen to these requests? Maybe there is a librarian fairy that I can plead my case to? Yep...I need her number!

Here's a glimpse of that day...