38 week Appointment

Today was my 38 week appointment....I had a surprise "we strongly recommend you getting this RIGHT NOW" H1N1 shot waiting for me when I sat down to get my blood pressure taken. So I am vaccinated. I have never gotten a flu shot in my life and I have never had the flu, so this shot was not on my priority list....but all is said and done now. As of today, I have gained 40 lbs, my blood pressure was fine, and the baby's heart rate was 146 (It was moving like crazy....I think because I had Chick-fil-a right before the appointment. He or she is going to love Chick-fil-a just as much as Mommy does).

The doctor checked my progress today. He took my measurements and checked my cervix....no progress...still completely closed. This did not surprise me at all. Afterwards, he asked if I had anything I wanted to talk about so I let him know that if I have not gone into labor by the 21st, I want to be induced. He let me know he didn't think I would come any earlier than my due date (14th) and of course, I wondered why he thought that. He let us know (Zach was able to come with me today) that the baby's growth has trailed off. At 34 weeks, I measured perfectly on track but since I haven't been. Today, I am 38 weeks and 4 days and I measured 36 weeks. He said it was nothing to really be alarmed about (that is why he hadn't said anything) unless my blood pressure is high and there is no fetal movement. Neither apply to me....so he thinks it has something to do with how low the baby is. And because the baby is so low and has been for a while now, that growth has just decreased. But to be perfectly honest, I was wondering about the growth because my stomach has grown NONE! Or it doesn't seem like it has.

So....now I have shifted my mindset. I am just counting on being pregnant until the 23rd, which if I haven't gone into labor will be the induction date. And if the baby comes before than....YAY for us!

Please pray though that the remainder of this pregnancy will be healthy. And when this baby arrives....he or she is healthy too!

And today, November 4th, I am so thankful that my husband has a great job. A job that allows him to be by my side when I really need him. One that its okay to take a long lunch break to hold my hand at the doctor. One that will allow him plenty of time to spend with his daughter or son once he/she arrives. A job that he loves and looks forward to going to....one that challenges him and rewards him. One that sufficiently provides for our family. His job is such a blessing to us. I can't imagine having a husband who hated what he did or was unhappy on a day to day basis because of his employment. I feel so blessed to have a husband who wants to be a provider for his family and works hard for a dime. I am forever grateful for his work ethic and the passion he has for what he does.