Two Hours

That's how much longer till I start maternity leave. I can't wait! What a long week this has been!

Are We There Yet?

I just came back from the doctor and there was no difference at all from last week to this week! Jake was ticked! ;) The doctor and I both had to convince him that it can still happen quickly and at any time.

My blood pressure was 140/70, I had gained 2 lbs., and the baby's heart rate was 151. But no progression. So...she stripped my membranes.

I feel like I just got Rated-R on my blog.

It sounds so gross and painful, but really wasn't that bad. Apparently, that's an option they do at this point that can help induce labor sometimes, but isn't a guarantee or nearly as invasive as pitocin. Just a natural help kind of thing. She had me freaked out, but it was okay.

Sorry if that was TMI for a blog. I don't know. Just keeping a journal of things b/c I'm sure I'll block most of this out of my head soon.

We scheduled another appointment for Monday the 20th (due date!) if I'm still pregnant then. At that point we'll schedule an induction date. I'm really hoping I don't have to be induced, but I guess I'll trust the doctor!

39 weeks, 9.13.10

Our Bags Are Packed...

...we're ready to go!!

I say that like it's news. Our bags have been packed for about four weeks now. Come on, Collins. We're ready when you are!

Big Brother, Hank, is ready too!

I'm going to the doctor tomorrow afternoon and I can't wait! This has been the longest week ever and it's only Tuesday. My calendar is blocked every day and I just unblock it when I get to work. I don't want to fill it up with student appointments and then make 8 people reschedule! So, today I only saw two walk-ins and it was boring. I didn't even leave for lunch b/c my car was parked too far away. It takes me forever to get to the parking lot. I've been trying to get there earlier and get a parallel spot on the street, but I was late today. I started to call and tell them I was running late, but then decided it would be fun to make them wonder a few minutes ;)

When I got home this afternoon, Jake had made chicken salad and two casseroles for us to freeze. He is wonderful. I had mentioned early on that I wanted to make some food for us to have on standby and then (I thought) we had decided not to do that. But he did it. And he cleaned the ceiling fan in our bedroom, the air conditioner filter grate thing in the hall, and installed the new smoke detector. All because I had mentioned wanting to do that (supposedly this obsessive cleaning thing is the last stage of nesting). And to top it off...he cooked fried green tomatoes for us to have for dinner :)

38 Week Check-Up

I went to the doctor today and got some exciting news! I'm progressing! I was 1 cm dilated and 60% effaced. I asked if that changes anything due date wise and she said, "No...it's good, but not that good. No need to get too excited yet." But still...it's exciting! My blood pressure was 140/76 and I had gained 1.5 lbs since last week (probably the McDonald's I had this week ;) Collins' heart rate was 149 today. Dr. Myers seemed to be pleased with how things are going so far.

After the appointment I went to Downtown Baby...again. It's my absolute favorite baby store. I love it! The owner, Krystal, is wonderful. She's so nice, helpful, knowledgeable, etc. I love the store because it has practical stuff that is also cute and luxurious. In my opinion, most boutiques like that have cute stuff that is really only cute. Outfits and such. They have outfits too, but also stock things like strollers, high chairs, car seats, and so on. I used some gift money today to buy a "weeblock" (keeps him from tee teeing on me at 2am...maybe), "elephant ears," and a Balboa nursing pillow (should be in next week) in "Suri." Plus, I bought a few gifts for friends' babies that I will have to try hard not to keep for myself! There are tons of other things I want from in there. It is really great.

My next doctor's appointment is Wednesday afternoon, September 15th...if I make it that far!

38 weeks and 1 day on Tuesday, September 7th!

(I was lazy on Labor Day and didn't put on real clothes or make-up all day. I think I took about 5 naps that day. It was wonderful.)

Surprise at Work

This Tuesday at work I had a 30 minute hold on my calendar for a "meeting to discuss career guide distribution." It followed a webinar meeting I had set up so we were all already in the back. Mary Loyd started leading the meeting then quickly announced that we weren't actually there to discuss career guides, but babies...and she pulled out a cake :) I was really surprised!



I HATE this pic of me, but since it has everyone else in it too, I'll get over it. This is Linda R., me, Gayle, Tasha, Susan, Brandon, ML, Chad, and Jennie. We took one with Jerry too, but I look even worse in it so it didn't make the blog ;)

Date and weight predictions! What is Jennie thinking with that 9 lbs. 2 oz.?!

Jake and I made our predictions the other night. We wrote down our guesses and then switched papers. He guessed: 9/18/10, 7 lbs. 2 oz., 22 inches, 4:43pm. I guessed: 9/24/10, 7 lbs. 2 oz., 20 inches, 4:32 pm. Scary how similar we are! Even weirder is that he almost guessed the 24th and I almost guessed the 18th. Now I kinda think we both guessed too late!

Backyard Tailgate

Jake's parents came over last weekend to hang out with us and watch the Alabama vs. San Jose State ballgame on pay-per-view (which didn't work the whole first quarter...but I think we're getting a refund). It was GREAT weather! Jake set up the tailgate tent in the backyard. I bet you didn't think this title would be so literal, huh? He said it was for me so I'd be in the shade, but I could have been in the shade while on the couch! It was fun, though, and it did make it seem more like football season since we sold our tickets this year. Jake grilled chicken wings for lunch and Papa cooked fried fish (Jake made cole slaw...yum) and hush puppies that night. Plus, we had a delicious vanilla/raspberry filling/cream cheese icing/with ice cream birthday dessert since Papa's birthday is the 10th and Grammy's is the 14th. I didn't even get sick this weekend...amazing! :)

Our dishwasher broke on Saturday night. Someone finally came to look at it last night at 9:15pm...I know, crazy. It's a night owl service. I think that may even be the name of the company. They were cheaper than Sear's so we just made ourselves stay up late. The guy was able to fix it for not a lot of money, so hopefully it'll stay fixed. We just recently had to buy a whole new a/c unit. What is it about having a baby that makes all your appliances decide to quit working?

Precious little puppy in his jersey!

He likes to 'sun' here.

Our set-up!

All four of us in our Bama gear :)

It's September!

...and that means BABY MONTH for the Goodins! We are so excited. It's very surreal to think about meeting the love of our lives in just 2.5 weeks.

I had an appointment yesterday. My blood pressure was slightly higher, but still normal: 134/84. The baby's heart rate was 144 and I had gained a few more ounces. I have now gained exactly 40 pounds...woo hoo for me ;)

Not much progression yet, but Dr. Myers did say she thought there was some slight effacement happening. It could be any day now!

Sleeping is getting to be a pain. I moved to the couch three nights ago and that is helping. The sick-on-weekends thing is still happening as well. So weird. But it's all worth it!

Jake's parents are coming to visit us this weekend and my parents let me know yesterday that they're already packed and keeping their vehicles at least half way full!

This is a 37 week picture taken on Monday, August 30th. We have an appointment again next Thursday morning and I'll be sure to update!