I promised a picture . . .

Yes, it is late, but I promised a picture. Sorry if it is too graphic for you. It will only be up temporarily - so look while you can - if you wish!

This was the night before birth - Monday night. Remember that we were measuring full term since July 17!

JIP has arrived! - No he's not jaundiced - YET.

He was born 7lbs 11 oz yesterday at 3:52pm with the cord tightly wrapped around the neck (a family tradition) and spent some time in the transition nursery the rest of the day. We have enjoyed having him with us most all of the day today. He is pretty sleepy and still working on having a desire to eat.

His brothers are enjoying him; his grandma W adores him; and his Dad holds him every chance he gets!

I am well and looking forward to going home - I think. . . the cookies here are good, the meal service isn't bad and I don't have to climb the stairs. Hmmmmm? Maybe I should stay?

HOORAY! ! ! WAHOOO! ! !

Dr's office called and we are a go for the morning! Now if he will just stay head down! It's always something isn't it?

James will be interesting...he just came home from the park with a bee sting on his nose - so we will be up early and late! Bless his heart, he's asleep on the couch.

Keep you "posted"!

Mom's here now the excitement can begin?

But, will it? That is the real question. I slept little last night, not nervous about today, just had to use the restroom or awake to a nasty contraction several times. Needless to say, I am tired today. Got up on time for the amniocentesis appointment and extra long non-stress test that followed and headed out the door hopeful. They were quick to get started and he was nice and still while they drained a few CC's of my 30 cm of water via a long skinny needle in hopes that they will find he has developed lungs. It was uncomfortable, but fine otherwise.

The liquid came out easy enough, but the dr. isn't so sure of the results; it was pretty clear and a very light yellow - not a good sign for one hoping to be induced tomorrow. The best news is that his head has stayed down - thank you for your prayers. Now if it just stays there some more! And I get a positive result from the tests this morning! But I have to wait until 4:30 or so before I find out.

I had one dream last night: that he did't pass the amnio. I was devastated. I really don't like being pregnant - not like this anyway. I'm not afraid for his health or mine, I'm only afraid he won't come out soon enough. I'm not in pain most of the time, just tired and worn out. I was so disappointed in my dream and then of course I had to wake up and get up out of bed (a monumental task these days) and go to where else? The bathroom and then try to go back to sleep.

Faith...keep the faith and trust in the Lord's timing. Never been good at that and I don't think I'll be much better at it this month. But I'll try.

Shared photo book from Tara

Click here to view this photo book larger

Baby on the Way! We hope....

Yes, we did go to the dr and she is concerned about his size and the 30 cm of water I am carrying - that is total not above whatever normal is. He hopefully will be here Tuesday morning sometime (next week - today would be awesome, but that doesn't seem likely). My belly measured 44 inches yesterday! I think she said it was a 4" increase from last Monday.

He seems healthy and moves a lot when he does - which is usually at night, not during the NSTs I'm having twice a week. He sleeps through those. I've been measuring full term for a month or more now and I think I am experiencing what it feels like to be carrying a full term baby for the first time: Jam was 10 days early and Jar was about the same - both induced (or sort of) for various reasons. Needless to say, I am not finding it pleasant. I do like chasing a small roundish body part around my belly though! We are really looking forward to meeting this guy!

Thursday we have our last (cross your fingers) official ultrasound. They'll measure him all over again to see how big he is and how much water there is this week. The most important thing: Is he vertex (head down) or breech? Pray with us that he is vertex and stays that way, please??? That will make all the difference next week.

I am scheduled for another amnio (first one for him - I had one for Jam)to see if his lungs are developed enough. Again, we are praying they are. He will be 37 wks so we are thinking positive! If they are and he is vertex I have an induction appointment at L&D for 5:45 Tues am. If not, I have a C-Section appointment for the same time and place.

I'd prefer the induction myself, unless any of you can give me some really good reasons to have a C-section.