39 Weeks

Today we are 39 weeks! John is kicking away and seems to be very cozy and content in my tummy. Tomorrow morning Jason and I will make our way to Labor and Delivery and begin the induction process. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we begin this journey. 

39 Weeks

Induction Update

Today, Jason and I went in for a appointment to check on my blood pressure and to talk about induction. My BP has not gone up which is great so there was no need to induce today. However, John is still big and the longer we wait the bigger he will get which will increase our chances of having to have a C-section. 

So, we go in this Thursday (Feb-26th-2009) morning bright and early to get things going unless they happen before that. My induction is labeled as favorable because I am already 4cm dilated and 80% effaced. I can not believe that we are going to meet our little guy before the end of this week. Jason and I are so very excited as I am sure many of you are as well.

Today we are 38 weeks and 5 days along!!!

38 Week Appointment

Ashley and I went to the doctor this morning for our final ultrasound. There were no good headshots on the sonogram, so everyone will just have to wait a little longer to see John, and that is currently looking like it will be next week. Ashley is 4cm dilated and 80% effaced, still having had no noticeable contractions. The baby is weighing 8lbs today. His head is measuring in the 66th percentile of size, and his abdomen is measuring in the 96th percentile of size. This all means that his abdomen is larger around than his head, and that is causing a little concern for the doctor because there is an increased risk in a difficult delivery if the baby gets (a) to much larger or (b) delivers his head but has trouble with the shoulders and abdomen. I am told that the head should be the largest part, and if it comes out everything else will follow. But in this case just because John's head comes out, the rest of him will still be difficult(could get stuck) because it is bigger than his head, and that could lead to complications we want to avoid. 

The doctor is giving us this weekend to see if labor occurs naturally. If not, we have an appointment on Monday at 10:45am where we will re-examine Ashley and schedule a date for induction. We are currently thinking early in the week, like Tuesday, but will let you all know after Monday's appointment. The doctor's opinion is that there is no benefit at this point in keeping John inside any longer than we already have, that he is basically already big enough, strong enough, and has proper lung development to be perfectly healthy if he were to come today. The risks in keeping him inside longer are really for Ashley in the form of an increased need for c-section or extremely painful and difficult normal delivery. So it sounds like I might just get the left tackle I was hoping for after all. 

Jogging Stroller

Ok, this is Jason's first post. I was going to let Ashley handle this one as well, but now that cool toys are involved I couldn't stay sidelined any longer. We have been looking for a jogging stroller since day one, something to be used specifically at parks and outdoor activities. We have started spending time visiting an urban lake on the weekends, and also spend time at outdoor art shows and other festivals several times a year, so in addition to jogging (or not) this jogging stroller would get used. All of that said, new jogging strollers are incredibly overpriced and there is a great second hand market for these types of things that people buy with good intentions and then never use. Ashley's mom found this Schwinn Free Wheeler Single for us at a local consignment shop where it was clearly put together incorrectly and buried under a pile of baby clothes and other junk. We fished it out, brought it home, cleaned it up, re-assembled it correctly, pumped up the tires, and now are basically ready to go. 

Jogging Stroller

With Car Seat (they all universally fit)

38 Week Photos

38 Weeks

Valentine's Day Photos

For Valentine's Day Jason and I went to Ruth's Chris and had a wonderful time. Here are a few photos.

Getting Ready To Go Out

37 Weeks and 3 days

38 Weeks Today!

Today we are 38 weeks along in our pregnancy which gives us 14 days until March 4th. Things have started to happen (will not mention what on here) and I am hoping it means we will be meeting John soon. I still have had no contractions and my water is still intact, but as you all read from other appointments we have been having great progress.

Jason and I go in for our appointment tomorrow to see how things are progressing and to have a ultrasound to take measurements of John.

Jason and I now have a jogging stroller that Jason loves. He can not wait to take John out for a spin. Soon we will be enjoying family walks out at White Rock Lake with John. Its a beautiful lake close to our house that Jason and I go walking at on the weekends. We hope to make our weekend morning walks a family activity. 

Just a few reminders of why I love my husband!

1-Every morning before he gets out of bed to start his day he gives me a kiss.

2-When I take a shower he never fails to hear me turn the water off and come running to help me out of the shower so I wont fall.

3-Since the day we found out we were pregnant he has talked to John in my tummy and tells him all the things they are going to do together and how excited we all are to meet him.

4-At night Jason will roll over and put his hand on my tummy to feel John move around, even though I am very awake and notice when he does this I act like I am asleep so they can have that special moment together. 

5-Every night that I have to work late he meets me outside when I arrive home and helps me with my bags.

6-I love how active he has been in this pregnancy. He reads all my pregnancy books and ask questions. 

7-I never have to ask him to help me do things to get ready for John, he is so very excited and enjoys getting Johns things ready. I love it.

8-I love how he notices the small things such as when its hard for me to put on my socks and shoes and he helps me.

9-He has been making dinner pretty much every night and doing the dishes all on his own. 

10-I love how much he loves me, John, and Poindexter. I love our marriage and friendship. 

11-I love how he tells me every day how special I am to him and how beautiful I am pregnant. He always thanks me for taking such good care of John and doing all the right things I can to give him the best start in life.

I could really go on and on. Jason is my best friend and we have an amazing relationship and marriage. I wish everyone could have what we have. 

37 Week Appointment

Today we are 37 weeks and 1 day along. I just got back from my appointment and we have more progress. I am now 75% effaced and 2-3cm dilated. The Dr is really happy with my progress. I am measuring two weeks ahead at 39 weeks and John is still in a head down position. She is guessing by feel that he might be around 7 lb's at this point. Next week we are having an ultrasound to take measurements and check fluid levels. 

Everything is going really well. Aside from feeling big I feel great. Some days are better then others, but I am still working which helps me keep busy. 

Our next appointment is Thursday Feb 19th.

TI Baby Shower

I just got back from TI where Jason's co-workers threw a baby shower in our honor. We received many gifts and enjoyed a beautiful tasty cake. Everyone was so nice and we appreciate how generous everyone was. 

Jason is looking forward to showing off his new son and everyone is looking forward to meeting John. 

36 Week Appointment

Today we are 36 weeks along. I just got back from the Dr's and we have a little progress, but not much. John is still head down and is at a station -3. We are now 1  1/2 cm dilated, but still 50% effaced. So we have a half an inch improvement in dilation from last week. John's heart beat was strong and he is moving around all day long. We are planning for our last ultrasound to be in two weeks when I am 38 weeks along. 

Jason and I are almost ready on the home front for John. We are getting the last of our things packed away in our hospital bag and washing a few last minute things of Johns. 

Next appointment is Feb-12-2009 at 37 weeks and 1 day.

35 Week Photo

35 Weeks