Waiting in the Starting Blocks

We’re so close; I’m hoping that the next post will include pictures of the BABY in person. Yesterday’s doctor appointment yielded some great news. I found out that the baby is in position (the doctor said she felt her head) and that I’m already 70% effaced and 3 cm dilated. Whoot! Keep it up baby Moe! The doctor also told me that she didn’t expect me to make it all the way to Tuesday. I’m hoping for labor to start FOR REAL at any minute. Mike and I are both at a decent ‘stopping place’ at work. We’ve got all the bags packed. The car seat’s ready and we even got a guest bed upstairs. These last few days of waiting seem like years. For example I think today has stretched into a week. I’m walking as much as possible and daydreaming of babies.

I will say however that at the same time the reality is setting in. That pelvic exam was less than pleasant yesterday. I’m getting ready to batten down the hatches and be pretty uncomfortable for a few hours soon. I’m sure that it will be worth it, but the butterflies are hanging out in my displaced stomach all the same. Wish us luck!

I'm a King Cake and I'm ready for the baby to come on out!

As I impatiently wait for our little one to arrive I’m having a hard time coming up with much to say that any of you lovely folks out there might find interesting or useful. My mind is always at least 50% dedicated to thinking, “WHEN IS SHE GOING TO ARRIVE!?”

Last night I laughed so hard at dinner with my favorite folks (the Atlanta delegation of the Krewe of Madness) that I was sure she was going to jump out and join the fun. Instead I just enjoyed amazing food and had a great time. It’s nice when you can have as much fun being pregnant sober sally as the folks drinking about 1 bottle of wine each. Good times. I realize that last night may be one of the last times Mike and I have a dinner out with friends for quite some time without things like boob pumping and babysitters.

There is a recent decline in the number of photos on this page, there is a really good/ridiculous reason for that. I have already packed the camera for the hospital. I’m just that optimistic. However, as this year is the first year in three that we’ll be in Atlanta for my favorite holiday of the year, Mardi Gras, I figured I’d post some oldies but goodies for old time’s sake back when any extra stomach space was occupied by muffaletta, king cake, cocktails and crawfish rather than a bouncing baby girl.

This year Mardi Gras falls exactly 1 week after my due date. It also happens to fall on Mike’s birthday. Something tells me a 1 week old baby is going to make for a significantly different type of celebration. Any way it happens I’m sure we’ll still “Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez.”

Ready for Launch!

Friday I had my first of the last series of doctor visits. The ones that happen every week in the last month of pregnancy. Very exciting stuff! Turns out they can tell that the baby is not only head down (YAY!!) she is also ‘engaged.’ In other words when it comes times to exit she is apparently in the right position. This could change. Some kids get tired of being so compliant and start to move about again before arriving, however the doctor assured me that it’s a lot harder for them to move back once they’ve ‘dropped.’ Don’t get too excited, she’s not popping out today or anything, in fact it’s totally normal for a baby to be in position for a whole month before delivery. I can’t lie, I’m hoping she likes to be prompt.

I was two whole weeks late. Yikes. I’m typically kind of obsessed with being on time, the idea that my first arrival on the planet was two weeks behind parental expectations is something I still haven’t gotten over. I’ve been lecturing the baby about the value of being on time. I like to think she’s listening, she is sort of a captive audience.

So far (KNOCK ON WOOD) I’m still not puffy or stretch marked or otherwise miserable looking/feeling. Yay for exercise and cocoa butter! I’m hoping the last month isn’t the time I loose all self control and find myself driving to fast food in the middle of the night. I considered driving to McDonalds recently while Mike was at a friend’s record release to buy a hot fudge sundae. Happily I talked myself out of it- but I was getting pretty close to doing something so totally unlike my rational self that it was more than a little bit frightening.

Mike was awesome and put the car seat in his car. Now we can legally take her home when she’s out. It also makes this even more real. Looking at the seat in the back of the Accord (we’re getting it inspected by our fire station for safety) is a constant reminder that in less than a month I will cease to be pregnant.

I had my final lovely and thoughtful baby shower this weekend. My sweet friends Gina and Susan had an awesome neighborhood get together full of hand crafted baby goods and hilarious shower games. Who knew melted chocolate in diapers could be so funny!

Giant belly photos will come soon.