Upping the Ante

Hi Little Guy,
We had another false alarm today. Your dad and I went for a lovely walk, and were really enjoying this BEAUTIFUL day, when again, I thought I'd sprung a leak. This leak was much more convincing than the last one, but still, I didn't want to go in because the day was beautiful and I wanted more certainty before our next visit to the hospital. Alas, I called our nurse and she said that without question we had to go to the hospital to get checked out, and we did.

To make a long story short, the doctor at the hospital tested again and concluded that we still aren't in labor and we haven't dilated any more than we had last Sunday; but she also said that we should schedule an induction. She said that the chances of stillbirth are "exponentially higher" after we reach 41 weeks; and that while they occasionally do let people go to 42 weeks, it's really much riskier. She also said that since I'm dilated as much as I am, my chances of needing a C-section after getting induced remain low. So, your dad, your grandmother and I discussed it, and we decided to schedule the induction for Thursday morning at 11am. I'm a little sad about that because I had hoped to let you come in your own time, in your own way, but I also don't want to take any chances. Also, you are likely around 8lbs right now, and you will keep growing and growing as long as you're in there. I'm not looking for a painless delivery, but I hope for something possible. So, please, please, please, if you can intuit the content of these blog posts and my other communications with you, come soon!

Love, Mom

Trying to think about ANYTHING else

It's hard to think about anything other than your imminent arrival these days. None of us - me, your dad, or your grandmother - really can. Last night we were pondering what to make for dinner, and we eliminated options that we thought might take a long time because we didn't want to be in the middle of them when we went into labor. Your aunt K and uncle S are still in Macon, and they want to know when to come, and I know that they need at least 8 hours notice if they are going to make it here in time for your birth, but I'm afraid to tell them to come because I'm just not at all sure I know how long it will be. I understand why people schedule inductions. I'm not ready to do that, but I get it. In the land of small blessings, though, I slept really well last night; at least, for someone who has had to get up to pee every 1/2 hour by day for the last two days, and every couple hours by nightfor a few nights. I only got up once in the whole night! And at 8:06am, your dad and grandmother are still sleeping. Your dad seems peaceful, and that's truly wonderful. I wondered if he'd really be able to catch up on any sleep before you came. So these moments are precious; nonetheless, we're all really hoping that the next moment will bring an unabashedly real contraction. Sigh. Please come.

Love, Mom