41 Weeks and Counting

This morning we had a non stress test for the little peanut... fortunately it was a quick 20 minutes and she passed with flying colors. The doctor told me that I've started to dilate a little, so hopefully I'll continue to do so and go into labor over the weekend! If not, we have our last dr.'s appointment on Monday where we'll have a second non stress test, an ultrasound, and an exam to see how far dilated I am. If we still have no baby by early next week, I'll be induced late Tuesday evening (the 11th).
The goal at this point is to have our little one make her way out on her own terms -- I'd really rather not get induced until it's absolutely necessary. Don't get me wrong, I am beyond frustrated, feel pretty yucky, functioning on very little sleep and break down in tears at least once a day as of late, but I know waiting this out a bit longer is the best thing to do for all of us :)
Several people have asked me whether or not I've tried any labor inducing techniques, and the answer is: ALL OF THEM.  The eggplant parm, pineapple, licorice, spicy foods, long walks, bouncing on exercise balls, walking up and down stairs, cleaning like a mad woman, and a few other unmentionables... I've tried them all, repeatedly... she will come when she is ready :)

She's content where she is...

We saw the doctor this afternoon (40 w 3 d along) and unfortunately I'm still 0 cm dilated - she's not budging! We had an ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid and placenta, and we got a "pass" on both so the doc feels comfortable letting me go another week (ugh!)
Because I haven't started dilating it wouldn't be a good idea for me to be induced at this point; an early induction would lead to a LONG labor, probably resulting in a c-section. That said, we are going back into the doc on Thursday for a stress test, and then on Monday we have another ultrasound. I'd be induced late Tuesday night (the 11th) if I haven't already gone into labor on my own.
I'm really hoping to be caught by surprise over the next few days, but I'm not getting my hopes up... clearly she's quite content in there!

Week 40 Update

No big news this week in terms of Baby's arrival... we had an appointment Monday morning (the 27th) and I'm still the same as last week. My next scheduled appointment is Monday, the 3rd, where an inducement will be scheduled if I haven't already gone into labor! They won't let me go over 41 weeks.
Although the munchkin won't be needing it for several months, my husband put together the high chair last night while watching the Vikings/Eagles game (while I somehow found more rearranging and organizing to do in Baby's room). I took a few before and after pictures of the high chair :)

She's a "happy" baby :)

We had our weekly visit to the doc last night to check in on the little one... doesn't look like she'll be making an early entrance (or exit, rather) this week. Our doctor still says to "expect anything," but I haven't started dilating yet so we're thinking she's staying put for a little while longer :)

The doc checked her heart rate after I'd had a good contraction and he commented that she was a "happy baby." Her heart rate shot up after the contraction, which he interprets as a great response to stress and what he calls a happy little baby. I'm thinking she was extra happy this week due to all of the yummy sweets Mommy has been eating... :) !!!

I'm feeling alright lately... she's grown a good amount in size which has me sleeping a lot less at night and more of her little feet digging into my ribs! Our excitement to meet the little one is growing by the day... I'm never going to let go of this little peanut!

The evolution of the bump...

24 weeks

31 weeks

34 weeks

36 weeks

38 weeks

Two weeks to go!

We had our 38 week appointment today and all went very well! Our little peanut is still head down (very deep in my pelvis) and is weighing in at approximately 6 lbs 5 oz. She gained somewhere around 5-6 oz over the past week. My cervix is still closed at this point so no (very) early baby arrival as of today. The doc still said to "expect anything any one of these days"... does she prefer 2010 or 2011? We'll see... !!!!

This week's appointment :)

Just got home from the doctor and great news to share -- our baby girl is positioned head down (YAY!) and is a little under 6 pounds. The average weight for a baby at this point is 6 to 7 pounds, so she's doing just great and a little on the smaller size :) Fine by me! Her heart rate was 133 - also great. At this point he isn't changing the 1/1 due date, but said to expect anything from now until early January. Ahhhhh it's SO CLOSE!!!!