De Ja Vu - 36 weeks

Had a growth ultrasound today to estimate how big our little girl is. Drum roll please.... estimate is 7 pounds, 6 ounces. That was slightly lower than my fears, so I was actually relieved. It was neat to see her moving around and opening and closing her mouth. She seems very healthy and even has cute little round cheeks.

Unfortunately, my fluid level was also measuring above average (just like with Cody), so our midwives want to monitor her more closely every week to make sure everything is OK. That means a non-stress test and growth ultrasound every week. Ugh. I fear that will be too much information that could be used to insert doubt about whether I can birth our daughter naturally. I trust our midwives, so I'm trying to process what I have learned from them and stay positive about the tests that they feel are a good idea. However, I feel like this situation is all too familiar and it is hard not to remember how the same scenario played out at the end of my first pregnancy.

Thankfully our doula, Sadie, is helping me remain calm and focused on a natural childbirth. She believes in me and my body to birth my daughter. I will double my efforts to make sure I am doing what I can to help encourage labor. I think the key is going to be getting baby to drop lower despite the fluid, so that she can help get things moving toward a natural labor. Fingers crossed....

One month and counting! - 36 weeks

This is all starting to seem very real......
Our little baby girl is going to emerge into the wide wide world very soon. And because our midwives think she is on the big side of average, they would prefer her not to delay like her big brother. I have started ramping up all my efforts to help my body get ready for this process. I've been for accupuncture twice already and am drinking raspberry tea again (memories of the gallons I drank trying to encourage Cody to swim toward the light!), plus the evening primrose oil and lots of exercise. You can't say I'm not trying!

Growth ultrasound tomorrow morning to see how big they THINK she is. Always with a grain of salt, considering they were off by over 1.5 pounds with Cody's estimate. But, I fear the estimate will be large again. Even though I've still only gained 22 pounds (within my target!), my belly is measuring bigger than average by over 3 cm.

Well, I know for sure she is a strong one - I can feel it! She has a little move that I affectionately call the "doorknob" - where she sticks out a bony bit as far as she can and then rotates it around like she is searching for something (the exit door perhaps?). It is SO bizarre to watch from the outside. The knob sticks straight out of my belly over an inch!

Cody is very affectionate and protective of his little sister these days. He sings to her and hugs her and gives her lots of kisses and sherberts. He loves to feel her kick and seems genuinely impatient to meet her. I sure hope that lasts!

Now my big challenge is to actually get ready for a new baby to come into our house. I am beginning to nest and have acquired almost everything that I think we need as far as STUFF. It's the organizing and arranging part that I haven't done much of yet. Perhaps this weekend I will be inspired to kick it into high gear. At least packing a hospital bag would be a good idea!