Counting Down the DAYS

It's difficult to believe that labour and delivery is just around the corner. We've reached the final hurdle of this part of the journey, and yet, it hasn't hit home. More than anything, I'm apprehensive. Throughout this process, I've learned there are no guarantees - even at 39 weeks gestation - and you can bet I'll be holding my breath until she's safely in my arms.

Last week I had my final counseling appointment before I give birth. Jen and I discussed the importance of letting go of control, staying positive and having a plan should I be hit hard by postpartum depression. Because of my 20 year history with anxiety and depression, and the loss of our twins (which is becoming increasingly more difficult to handle), I'm more likely to be hit hard. When actively depressed, I can barely take care of myself, and my fear is that I won't be able to provide for my daughter should this happen. I've talked with my parents who (of course) are more than willing to help meet her needs if I'm struggling, and as soon as I work up the nerve, I will approach friends and other family members to see if they are willing to support me, Cy and our little love bug.

On another note, Dr. Hunt checked my cervix on the 23rd, and reported it to be approximately 2cm long and still pointed back. He accurately predicted she wouldn't be making her appearance that week, but was hopeful that he'd see a significant change at our Sept. 1 appointment. Dr. H. also predicted I'd put on some more weight near the end which has also happened - approximately 5lbs. Baby's heartbeat was 156bmp and my blood pressure was perfect, but I tested positive for Group B Streptococcus so avoiding an IV during labour is out of the question. All in all, I still feel great!

25 Days!

The latest

How far along: 36 weeks 4 days

Weight gain: Not too sure. It wasn't discussed at my last appointment.

Blood Pressure: "Excellent"

Baby's Heartbeat: 154 bpm

Maternity clothes: Of course, but more still able to wear some of my regular ones

Stretch marks: Nope

Sleep: Normal

Movement: Still sticking her feet into my ribcage on occasion. She has just enough room to move her little bum from my right side to the left, and back again.

Cravings: Summer fruit

Driving me crazy: Although it's improved, acne is still my biggest complaint.

Names we have in mind: Just when we think we've settled on a name, our minds are changed.

What I miss: lime margaritas

What I'm looking forward to: Having the renos completed! And, of course, seeing our sweet girl 'nuggle with her daddy.

Overall: Still feeling pretty darn good! Yes, I can be uncomfortable when I eat too much and then sit down, and my body is pretty sore after a day of cleaning the house. But really, how can I complain about that when the first part of my pregnancy was so terrible? As far as crappy pregnancy symptoms go, I don't have swollen ankles or fingers, sausage toes, constipation or hemorrhoids. I don't need a special pillow for sleeping, nor do I have leg cramps, stretch marks or varicose veins.

At my doctor's appointment this past Tuesday, I was tested for Group B strep, and have officially graduated to weekly appointments to have my super fun internal exams. Go cervix, go!

Pics and Ultrasound #9

Horn Lake, 35 weeks

American nursery

American nursery

American nursery

Maternity photo shoot with Studio Christy (Portland)

Our triplets - Maternity shoot with Studio Christy (Portland)

Maternity photo shoot with Christy Rimrodt of Studio Christy (Portland)

Maternity photo shoot with Christy Rimrodt of Studio Christy (Portland)

Peter, Erin and Kaden hosted my Canadian shower

Cake made by Joanna for my Canadian shower

Diaper cake made by Erin (Canadian shower)

Party favours at Canadian shower

Cyballs opened some gifts, too.
My in-laws, Jerry and Linda hosted my American shower

July 3rd - Along the Columbia River in Oregon, 31 weeks

Work baby shower
I had the 9th ultrasound of this pregnancy on Friday. Once again my docs want to ensure our girl is growing. Of course the tech can't tell me much about what he was seeing, but he did say she's weighing in at just over 6 lbs and is measuring at
35w3d (which is bang-on). The other bit of interesting news is her position; her head is so low in my pelvis, he couldn't see anything above her mouth/tip of her sweet little nose. He pointed out her heart, kidneys, bladder, ribs and spine, as well as noting that her legs are crossed just under my right rib (which I already knew because of the slight pressure I usually feel). At the time, her bum was on my left, but the only movements she can make lately is moving her bum from side to side in my uterus.

I have one more ultrasound booked for August 22, but if Dr. H. is satisfied with her growth, I won't have to go to that appointment. I'm slightly anxious to talk to Dr. H. on Tuesday since the tech was asking me some abnormal questions.

All in all, I feel great!