What a week!

This has been an interesting week to say the least! A week summed up in work, contractions, hospital visits, medicine birthdays, and visitors.
So it all started last Sunday night, when I was getting stabbing pains in my lower left hand side. They only lasted 5 or 6 seconds at the most, but never the less were getting closer and closer. Once they got to 3 min apart we decided to call the hospital. They didn’t think I was in labor but asked us to come in anyway. When we got there and got all hooked up to the monitors it turns out I was having contractions every 6 minutes. They checked and I was only 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced so they told us we could stay and walk around for a while and see if it progresses, or we could go home and see what happens. The doctor said it would probably be soon. We decided to go home, and see what happens. NOTHING! Nate and I both took off Monday partially because we thought she would come, but also because we were tired. During the day on Monday I was getting contractions almost every 10 minutes, but only for 20-30 seconds…big fat let down… and contractions lasted for the rest of the week about every half an hour to an hour. The Doctor says this will probably keep going for the rest of the pregnancy
So we continued with our regular schedules for the rest of the week… or so we thought. On Tuesday, I started to get really stuffy and felt like I was getting sick. I knew we had our weekly doc appointment on wed so I waited to see what she said. Boy was that a big mistake, by the time I got to the doctor’s office, my head was so plugged and I was in so much pain I really thought I could die. So on top of being 39 ½ weeks pregnant and it being my birthday, I was in miserable pain! She gave me medicine, and told me it would go away in a few days. Nope…it didn’t, I still can’t hear out of that ear, and I often have a stabbing pain, pink discharge and it hurts down my neck. But on to the good part!
At our last appointment we set a date for induction (just in case according to the doctor) If not before, our little Gracie will be induced at 5:30 am on Thursday the 10th of June. It’s so nice to have an ending point! I hope she comes earlier, but if not, I know we will be seeing her shortly after June 10th!
At this appointment I was 2cm and 60% effaced something she said I could be for hours, or weeks. It all depends on how badly this little one wants to stay inside.
How far along: 39 weeks

Total weight gain: 29 lbs since 6 weeks

Stretch marks: Nope

Sleep: Hard! I’m so tired, but it’s hard to move around this extra weight that’s all in front!

Best moments this week: Going to the doctor and hearing that I am 2 cm dilated and 60% effaced! Were so excited! Also putting an ending date on the calendar. She will be induced June 10th at 5:30 am She is also moving a ton, which can be a best and a worst. I love to feel her move around and get the hiccups, but my stomach is so stretched its starting to hurt. We just can’t wait for her to be on the outside instead of the inside!

Food cravings: Nothing, food seems to be the enemy lately. Nate has to continually make me eat something. Everything sounds blah and inevitably we don’t have what I want when I want it then by the time Nate goes to get it I’m over it. I guess fruit, Iced Tea, popsicles,

Labor signs: more contractions and lots of pressure

Belly Button: totally gone, you can't even force it to indent (but not an outie yet)

What I miss the most: Going places, the ease of walking, my shoes, having drinks after work, being able to eat and not get sick...She’s still worth it though!

One thing I would do differently: take time to enjoy what is happening, try to not be due right at the end of the school year, take more pictures.

What I am looking forward to the most: Meeting our little girl, and having a flat stomach again, getting tan and wearing what I want. June 10th, 2010!

Other stuff: Nausea is back and it’s getting harder and harder to ride in the car and walk around.