Baby Update

We had a little and very minor bump in the road this week when we found that our baby was transverse (horizontal rather than head down). When I measured at 40 cm (basically what I should be at 40 weeks!), the nurse decided to do an ultrasound where the baby's new position was discovered. Dr. Lawrence was on a delivery, so I never got to talk with her that day about everything and a lot of info was thrown at me and it was a little overwhelming. But, my doctor brought me in yesterday to discuss in further detail and I'm so glad she did. It made me realize what a GREAT doctor I have and what great hands I am in with her.

When I talked to my her my uneasiness was immediately settled. First of all, she said there would definitely be no version procedure this week (whew!), which was one of the options originally discussed at my initial visit with the nurse. This is where they would turn the baby, and I just did not feel like it made sense to do it this early and I was right... she said definitely not. I think my nurse was a little absent-minded that day and wasn't even sure herself why she suggested it. So, a huge relief there. They also both said I would absolutely have a choice whether I wanted the procedure done. Lastly, when they checked again, the baby was head down! She he/she moved him/herself! Now, here is the funny part - when they did another ultrasound, the baby started out head down and ended up horizontal again. So, obviously, this baby is not in it's final position. It's still swimming around quite a bit in my belly.

That being said, the doctor let me know that we're going to continue to evaluate the growth and position of the baby and at this point let nature take its course. Exactly what I was praying for. It's possible that if my body is ready for labor and the baby is still not in position, we'll do the procedure immediately followed by an induction and I could have a baby as early as the day or two after Easter if this is the case. If my body is not ready for labor, then we'll just keep waiting :) I could also go into labor naturally which of course would be the ideal situation but that's where we stand as of now. C-section will be a possibility if the version and induction do not "work" or if I get to my due date and my body still is not acting ready for labor (b/c it's estimated to be a big baby - around 8 pounds right now).

So many ifs but I am feeling much better now knowing that there are good plans set up and that we're not forcing anything unnatural with this birth!

As I mentioned in my previous blog, I have recently joined a bible study and there is a midwife in our group who I talked to today a little bit about everything. She had some really positive and great things to say as well and overall said I shouldn't stress or worry about a transverse or even right-side-up baby. She said the fact that it's active means it is a healthy baby. She also said that most babies turn themselves when it's time for delivery. She also said she thinks the baby has more room to move around than I think :) That's for sure - as the various positions we've seen have proven! She said my stomach looks very relaxed, and that there is no guarantee this is an enormous baby. She also felt my belly and said the baby was head down at that point. So, that was all great to hear as well. It's so interesting hearing a doctor's perspective and a midwife as well. Not super different but things are a little technical versus natural and luckily I do have a doctor who I feel is quite the happy medium of both.

I just can't wait to bring this new little baby into the world and finally have our family of four!

I suppose I should finally include a bump pic. In looking at this I realize why people stare at me b/c it is crazy looking! This bump is so far out, it's insane! So, here it is. 37 weeks (measuring the same as I did when I actually delivered Sofia).

Sofia's Birthday

Today was Sofia's official 2nd birthday. I am still kind of blown away at how fast two years has flown by . . . She is more fun each day and even though more of a challenge every day as well, she is just the best little person to spend my days with. I don't remember life before her and don't want to!

Since we threw her a party on Sunday, we didn't do anything crazy special today for her birthday but I think she had a great day, nonetheless. She did start her morning off with homemade pancakes from Daddy and hers were shaped like a monkey! My Titi Martha sent her some little animal skillets to make animal pancakes to today it was a monkey. She got a pretty big kick out of birthday monkey pancakes.

Unfortunately we had to start her birthday off at the dr for her 2 year check up :( Even though she had no shots today, she is still never happy to be there. They did have to draw some blood and that was I think worse than a shot! But, she was a good girl, just had some scared tears. OK, she screamed bloody murder, bless her heart, but I think she was a trooper. She had a little convo with her dr. (who she now calls by name!) and she was impressed by her talking. She's definitely a talker, that's for sure! Her stats:

30 lbs - 75th percentile

35 inches tall - 75th percentile

49 inch head circum. - 75th percentile

I recently joined a bible study and after our appointment, the ladies threw a shower for me and another girl who is expecting her first baby. I was totally blown away and not expecting gifts since I had never heard of having a shower for a second baby. What a blessing these women have been to me and I am so grateful for what they did for us today! It was a great time and Sofia pretty much thought it was another birthday party for her, I think :) She had a great time having a real tea party (complete with homemade scones, other delicious treats and tea) and helping Mommy open presents. She did not even melt down when we went a little over her nap time. We both came home and crashed b/c tea partying is exhausting! :)

We hung out at home this afternoon to decompress from the morning and then Daddy came home and we had fish n chips for dinner and cupcakes and then opened presents. I think Sofia had Happy Birthday sang to her 100 times today. I know she enjoyed her day and it brought joy to my heart to see her relishing in her special day.

On her new tricycle from Gimmie and Gippie

Opening gifts with Daddy

Not so sure about the candles still

Bubbles, Worms and Bumps

Just a cute video of Daddy and Sofia playing with bubbles in the front yard and worms in the backyard. Gross on the worms, but a pretty funny video. For the past couple of weeks we have had the most amazing Spring weather. No snow and temps ranging from 60-80! It's been so wonderful, especially b/c Sofia loves being outside. Just like Mama and Daddy! When Mike comes home, Sofia immediately requests to go play outside with him (he can't change his work clothes fast enough!) and it's pretty adorable. She is a Daddy's little girl, no doubt.

Of course as I write this, it's 40 degrees out, but hey, it's sunny and at this point there is no denying it's Spring. A little cooler these next several days but still nice!

I am a little over three weeks away from my due date and feel like I need this baby out of me asap. I either over did it yesterday, the baby dropped, or the baby is just ginormous . . . or all of the above. But, after the party I literally could barely walk and still can barely walk. I'm surely waddling now and the pain in my lower ab muscles and pelvis is terrible! Mike and I also watched an alien show going on in my belly last night. Literal foot shapes going across my belly for a good 10 minutes. I think baby was practicing some tai chi. Pretty freaky! But exciting too...now if the baby will just wait until Grandma and Grandpa are home from Florida so we have someone on call to care for Sof, we'll be all good. So, praying to hold off for a little over a week and then it's fair game ;) My last dr. appt. she said no dilation or dropping so we'll see what she says tomorrow.

Any way, on to the video of bubbles and worms just to make you smile :)

Birthday Number 2

Today was Sofia's birthday party. We did it a little early since I'm nine months pregnant and less than four weeks away from due date! Her real birthday is this Friday, the 30th so we thought the Sunday before would be perfect. We talked it up quite a bit to her so it was exciting to watch it all unfold and see her reactions. She was so excited to have her friends come over and to eat her Mickey cake. I think she pretty much thought it was one huge playdate and didn't know why everyone was staring at her to eat her cake and ice cream, but she seemed to have a blast nonetheless!

Mike wouldn't let me get a store bought cake and now I'm so glad he didn't. It's so much fun to make all the personalized touches to the party and even though Sofia could care less it's fun for us to stay up all night and stress out about the details b/c the day of the party is so exciting to see everything come together :)

Neither of our families could make it which was a bummer but we feel so blessed to have the friends we have and that Sofia was still surrounded by love and friendship today. I couldn't believe it when we did our final count and had 15 adults and 10 kids! And, surprisingly it was not as chaotic as one would imagine. Saving graces were the playroom and the weather so we could get outside and burn off some energy.

It was such a wonderful day and we'll have a few more surprises up our sleeves for her real birthday.

Playing outside with some buds

Sof and Mommy pre-party

Sofia got a little tangled in her balloons

So excited for her big day!

The creations

Happy Birthday video:

The Sweetest Words

I don't know if I've mentioned what a talker Sofia is. We are amused daily by the things she says and repeats and sometimes have no idea where she gets her phrases. Likely from Mickey Mouse or Little Einsteins or who knows!

But today, we were in the car on our way home from a great brunch with friends (Sofia did not want to leave her 4 year old friend, Kendyl, and was very upset to have to stop playing outside.). There was a country song on the radio that said something about "I love you" and I looked back at Sofia and she was listening intently and put down the magazine she was reading and said to me "I love you!" in the sweetest tone I could ever imagine. She was smiling, gazing at me and saying it over and over again and it completely melted my heart. She has definitely said it before, but never unprompted. She usually repeats it or says it back, but this was special. Did she know what she was saying? I'd like to think yes.

Baby #2 Nursery!

Just wanted to share some photos of the new nursery. It's done! So exciting...

We decided for now a nursery/guest room combo will work out just fine, and it even still looks nice. We're strongly considering finishing the basement but did not want to feel stress and pressure to do it before baby comes. No need really since he/she will likely be in a bassinet in our room for at least 2-3 months. Also, once he/she is in the room permanently, we can simply move the baby and Sofia around so that our guests still have their own comfortable space. Win/win! Very excited we came up with this solution . . . you wouldn't believe the anxiety it caused me. I know, me - stress? Wierd. :)

Any way - here are the pics...once baby arrives, we will boy/girl it up accordingly. Right now the walls are a nice blue and I think we can find a way to go either way with it. But, neutral for now!

And, I love this pic of Sof and I cuddling even though I don't look awesome. It was a sweet moment of mommy, Sofia, and bump cuddling last Saturday morning :O)

Sofia is gradually understanding that there is a baby coming. She does know there's a baby in my belly and she knows the "baby's room" and "crib for the baby" so we're hoping she adjusts well. I can't lie - I just want her to know that I will always love her as much as I do now and wish there was a way for me to express that to her b/c I'm worried about how she'll adjust. I know she will eventually but of course have a little anxiety about it :( For now, I'm just relishing in every moment with her, and plan to continue to spread my love all around even more once Baby #2 comes :) I know that she will love her baby sibling, too.

On Baby #2 note, we had an ultrasound last week and it looks like baby is on the big side. I could have guessed that based on how I'm feeling but doc said I have a little extra amniotic fluid and a slightly bigger baby (but no gestational diabetes, thank God) so I'm thinking this kid is coming early. Wishful thinking, maybe, but even the doc hinted at it. We shall see!