This is her as of today, at 37.5 weeks.
What a cutie, huh? She's got those same cheeks like the boys, but I personally think they'll be smaller (Joe-Z says "let's hope!", lol).
Upon my doctor's recommendation, we've decided to induce on Monday. She'll be 38 weeks. According to the ultrasound she weighs 7 lbs, 15 oz today. So, (give or take a half a pound for accuracy of the ultrasound and adding a half a pound for how much she'll gain in the next 5 days) she should come out somewhere between 8 and 9 pounds on Monday (my tired old body feels like she'll be on the high end there, but something inside me says the lower. We'll see!). That'll make her our smallest yet!
My doctor (who we love) and the rest of his office will be out of town from the 1st to the 6th, which is the week before our original due date. As of Tuesday, I am at 2cm, 80% effaced and completely soft. I've been having contractions (I think...never really had them on my own before, but it feels just like what "they" say they do) since last week, but nothing consistent yet. He doesn't think I'd make it to 40 weeks, and I really don't want to go into labor and have a doctor deliver my baby that I've never met before and has no idea about me or my wants and wishes for childbirth, you know? Florida is pretty uptight about VBAC's, and I was lucky enough to find a doctor that is pretty willing to let me take the liberties I'd like (within reason). I don't want to risk the chance of losing that opportunity and ending up with a doctor who's ideas could differ so drastically from mine.
I really wanted to go into labor on my own this time. To see how big one of our babies would actually get if we left them in there to cook the whole pregnancy. To have to wake up Joe-Z in the middle of the night and say "I think it's time." To make our way to the hospital in excruciating pain wondering how far along I've progressed. And then to sit in the silly waiting room to be seen by a nurse while I'm obviously in pain and to hear them say "Yep, you're in labor." I guess I just wanted to know that my body actually could have a baby on it's own. Even though I've had 2 children, one c-section and one natural, sometimes I don't really feel like a true mom since I've never gone start to finish by myself.
Maybe next time.
This time, we're taking the side of safety and security over letting my emotions run wild with the "I wanted to's."
Unless, of course, I go into labor before Monday morning. That's what we're praying for anyway, and if we could, we'd like to ask for your prayers as well! {I'm thinking Sunday afternoon, after church and nap time. Think I can tell Heavenly Father that??? :o) }
As I type, the first load of baby girl clothes is running through my washer with Dreft (love the way that smells!!!). For some reason, I found myself getting teary-eyed as I carefully selected the first outfits she'll wear. Can we really be bringing another little spirit into the world in a couple of days (and can we really be having a little girl)? Are they cute enough for her? Will they be comfortable enough? Will they even fit, lol.
We'll keep you updated and pictures will be soon to come!!!
