It's go time...

...or at least that's what my countdown says. Not so much of what my body says though. I just got home from the doctor, so here's the update for the week.

There definitely is some progression. I am now 80% effaced (yay!) and my cervix has moved into postition for labor (whatever that means!). Still no dialation, but she wasn't surprised. Again, she told me not to worry about that at all.

I am also having consistent contractions. I started a few days ago having random contractions, but nothing that I thought much about. Then, last night I started having them about every 20 minutes. Nothing painful - but I was at least aware of them. I was able to sleep & this morning they were more like every 10-12 minutes. Still, again not painful at all. At the doctor's office, she put me on the monitor and was able to tell that I'm having contractions every 3-5 minutes. They still aren't super strong, but another good sign.

So, what does this all mean. We don't know. I asked Dr. Martin that even though she can't tell for sure, could she at least guess, and she gave me about the same answers. Could be today, could be tomorrow, or could have to be induced! The most feeling I got from her was that it would in the next couple days. She did schedule my inducement for next Tuesday if nothing has happened by then. I also have an appointment to be monitored on Thursday afternoon of this week also.

So, I'm off to walk a few miles, eat some Mexican food, etc. so that we can move this thing along. Just kidding. It would be great if these contractions got stronger though! I defintely wouldn't mind today or tomorrow!!!

1 day to go...

That's what the countdown on the side of the blog says...1 more day. If only it could really tell me when I was going to have this baby! Tomorrow is my due date, and it is strange to think about. As of tomorrow, I will be offically ready. (But, if you've talked to me in the past week, you know I've been officially ready for awhile now!)

It just baffles me how this whole process works. How all of the sudden, your body & your baby decide they are ready and labor begins. It is amazing to me that today this baby lives inside of me, quite content to be warm and carried around, and sometime in the next week she'll be held in my arms instead. It is amazing to me that someone cannot see God in the whole thing. It's simply a miracle.

Anyhow, still no baby. I go to the doctor tomorrow, so if Kathryn doesn't decide to come before 1:30 tomorrow, Dr. Martin will discuss induction for the following week. I am really praying we don't have to go there. If we do, we will be fine, but I am praying lots that my body would take care of this process on it's own.

For now, we just wait and see. I'll update tomorrow (or sooner if I go into labor!) with the newest news.

We are definitely ready (as ready as we can be!) to have our little girl here!

Ok, she can come now...

Kate's Room

We finally finshed Kate's nursery. It's been very close for awhile now, but just needed a few details to be completed. Well, they're completed - she can come now!

Now we just need more pictures of our sweet girl to put in the frames!

My mom and her talented friend Liz made the cornace for the window!

Kate's handy Daddy hanging the cornace

Deck the Halls

Last weekend, my parents were in town & we had a super productive weekend. Not only did we finish Kate's room, but my mom & I finished my Christmas shopping, and wrapped all the presents! We also got out all my decorations for Christmas, and got my house decorated! David and I decorated the tree last night - so now the house is completed. I guess she can come now!

Us in front of our decorated tree - it's kind of shadowy - but there's a shot of my belly for ya!

Kate's Nana (my mom) got her a new stocking!

Fence Building

While my mom and I were busy - so were the boys. Between October thru December, my parents were going to be here 4 different weekends(for showers & such), and my dad loves to have a project. His idea this time was a privacy fence. David & I had talked about this a few times before, but when we had it bid out, it was way too expensive & David didn't know how to do it, so we just hadn't. Since Dad had some experience, David decided to take advantage of the offer. They have worked hard, and it's almost finished. Did I mention we have a HUGE backyard??

Digging the first postholes

My brother was in town one weekend & helped set the runners!

David had a youth event (does playing paintball count as ministry?) so I helped Dad set the last post. See - even I helped!

David & Dad with his fancy new nail gun!!

Isn't he too cute?

The finished corner! Didn't they do a great job???

There's a few things left to be completed, but they're almost finished. The way I see it, Kate won't need the backyard for a little while at least - so I vote she can go ahead and come even though they're not finished ;).

Can you tell I'm ready for her to come??

...any day now...

PS. I can't get my font to go back to normal size. I have tried a billion times. I'm done trying.

You've been pregnant forever...

That's what my sweet husband told me this morning as we waited in the waiting room to see the OB. It does feel like it. I've been pregnant since the beginning of March - that is forever!

39 weeks to be exact. I've been pregnant for 39 weeks. Technically only one more week to go...

This morning they checked me again, and finally we have some progress!! As of today, baby Kate has dropped down "significantly" (more than the last time) & I am 50% effaced. Still no dialating, but she says that's not unusual for a first time baby.

Dr. Martin said everything still looks good as far as the baby goes - still head down, etc. Her only concern with me was my blood pressure, so I am trying to take it easy so that I don't end up in the hospital before I'm supposed to.

So, that's the news of today. Don't forget to put your guess in for her arrival on the post below!

Let the guessing begin...

Ok people, it's time for a little game.

Some of my family has begun guessing when our precious little one will arrive. Now, it is YOUR turn to guess. In the comment section tell us the following things:

- the date you think she'll arrive
- the time you think she'll arrive
- your guess as to her weight in pounds & ounces
- her length in inches (thanks Bethany!)

Some facts that you might want to know to help better make your guess:

- my due date is December 9th. (It has also been the 14th & the 12th and different times during my pregnancy)
- my doctor will only let me go one week overdue - so the absolute latest date she could get here is the 16th.
- I haven't shown significant signs of progression towards labor (dialating & effacing, etc) as of last week. Some people think this matters - some don't - I'll let you decide.

Let the guessing begin!!

Another week down...

...how many more to go?

We just got home from the doctor & still no progress. I am not really surprised - but it would've been exciting to be moving along! Over the past couple days, my hips have been really hurting. She said that was a good sign that the baby was moving into place & that everything was stretching out to get ready for her arrival.

So, still no telling when she'll come. My doc said that she was closed 2 days before she delivered & I've known people who walk around at 3 centimeters for weeks.

So, I'm just trying to be as ready as possible - but anticipate going the full 41 weeks!

37 Week Update

Well, we went in this morning for my 37 week update. That's right...3 weeks to go. So far, Kathryn has dropped down, but my cervix is still closed. So, no baby this week - not that we expected one! We also discussed a few things with the Dr. and she said the latest she will let me go is 1 week overdue - so baby Kate will definitely be here by December 16th.

I think I've officially decided I'm ready for this baby to be here. It's gotten a little harder to sleep, I'm a little more uncomfortable, and my body is wearing out. I know she will come in her perfect time - but we definitely wouldn't mind if it was sooner than later! We are definitley ready to see that sweet face!

Tonight we go to our 3rd week of Childbirth Education classes. They've been ok - a little boring - and real long - but we're glad we've gone just to help refresh our memories on a few things and it helps start some good conversations.

So, as I sit here with this little girl pushing on both my ribs & hip bone at the same time, I'm off to get a bag packed...Dr. Martin says it's time to have that done!

Oh yes...and thanks to Jeanette I've been "tagged". I am supposed to post the 4th picture from the 4th album on my computer...

This is my nephew Connor in his adorable Aggie outfit. I can only hope Kate is as adorable as her cousin!