I am 9 months pregnant, and I:
a) Have swollen feet by 6pm.
b) Can still use a Chinese squatty (toilet).
c) Have finally finalized names, with the help of my dear husband.
d) Still fit on the back of our scooter.
I thought it was time for a general pregnancy update. I'm 37 weeks pregnant... officially full-term. And officially ready to get this show on the road.
It seems our baby might be in agreement. At the doctor's office yesterday, I was having regular contractions (ever 4 minutes), but at this point they are totally painless. (They continue to occur fairly regularly.) The baby's head has descended and is "engaged," but I'm not sure if it has "dropped." (What is the difference between those two things?) The doctors I saw yesterday both said they think there's a pretty good chance this baby will be an early Christmas present, which suits us just fine. (In addition to the general desire to be done with pregnancy; there would be the added benefit of additional time to adjust before our Feb. return to USA. So, as long as he/she is healthy and ready, I'm seriously hoping this little one debuts as soon as possible.)
I continue to be in excellent health, and as best as we can tell, so is the baby. They estimate our 'lil bundle-o-joy weighs about 6.4 pounds right now, and from the latest ultrasound all looks good -- baby's health, organs, heartbeat, umbilical cord, placenta, fluid, etc. No issues! I was told to "do whatever I want" and to not worry if I start to go into labor... they won't try to stop it at this point.
I think we're ready... or as ready as we're going to be. I'm starting to fret a little bit about how the trip to the hospital is going to go. There is no traffic like Beijing traffic, and it could take us anywhere from 1 hr to 3 hrs to get to the hospital. Obviously I can't wait as long as I might wait to leave if I lived 15 minutes from the hospital, but I have no idea when to decide "it is time." I have a pretty high pain tolerance and notoriously "under-estimate" the severity of my pain, sickness, etc. Please pray we have good wisdom about this.
Other than that, I'm not really worried about anything. I feel like our hospital is very well-prepared to help us through this process, and I really like everyone up there. We sort of get VIP treatment here -- probably nicer than we would have had in the USA -- both because the hospital is really small and because they don't have so many foreign patients. They go above and beyond to ensure that we're comfortable and confident with everything. So Jacob and I both feel pretty good about what's ahead.
Probably because ignorance is bliss.
----
And the answer to yesterday's guessing game? She's pictured up there with me above!
The sweet-as-candy-canes Cora!
9 comments:
"ignorance is bliss"....that cracked me up!
I can't wait! I'm so glad your hospital is so wonderful to you! (maybe they'll give you a pedicure, too!) :)
Praying for you all and that sweet baby!
Oh, and about the truths and lies....I'm not good at that game so I'll leave the guessing to others! But surely you DO have a definite name, right? :)
Hugs,
Laine
Hmmm. I'm guessing B and C are true. (I can't imagine you having swollen feet, but I could see how the back of a scooter wouldn't be too comfy at this point.)
I'm so happy to hear that you are in the home stretch. I'm hoping for an early Christmas gift for you, too, and so grateful that the one who takes care of so many will be well taken care of herself.
I'm just catching up on your posts and am sad to hear that you are leaving China but thrilled that you and Jacob and your new baby will be returning home. What a gift you have been to New Day for three years. You will leave such a legacy behind of the lives you touched and the love that you invested.
I'm so very grateful for the blessing that you are and will be praying you through the wonderful weeks ahead.
Much Love,
Kathie
praying for a safe delivery - you are loved!
I'm guessing A and B true, C and D false. (But erm, didn't put TOO much thought into B...)
Just FYI, there's no real way to measure how much a baby weighs, while it's in utero. They can "estimate" but that's it, and the estimates can be off by 2 lbs(!). So, no offense but don't take their estimates seriously. As long as it's healthy, that's all ya need! :)
How exciting!! Hopefully this little one will make his/her appearance soon!
Let's see... I think that B and C are true...
You'll have to let us know how we did with our guesses!
I am guessing that the first two are true and the second two are false. Though I find it hard to believe that you wouldn't fit on a scooter seeing that you look about the size I did when I was about 22 weeks prego.
You are going to do great--traffic and all. Can't wait to hear the whole story when this baby arrives!
Kelly
Awhh, well I probably shouldn't be guessing, seeing as I got the last 'guessing game' wrong...
but I'd have to say A,B are true and C,D are false?!
Glad to hear that you are both at such peace with your hospital and that you feel so ready. I'm with Laine... your 'ignorance is bliss' statement made me giggle!! ;) Praying for you and that everything goes off without a hitch...and that you have the wisdom to know when it's time!
Can't wait for the BIG announcement! Hoping you have an early Christmas gift to announce, too!!
Love and Hugs,
~ Tanya
Oh i'll take a chance and say B & D are true, A & C false. Can't wait to see your new arrivals pictures! We'll be praying for a safe trip to the hospital and a smooth delivery.
You look absolutely beautiful and so does that sweetie pie snuggled up next to you!!! I'm so excited in anticipation for you, but also remembering through your post how much I hated those final weeks of pregnancy. Praying that all goes well for you and the baby...and that the horrible Beijing traffic cooperates with you! :)
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