Violet is....

Still not here yet.  :-)

Did I trick you?  Lure you in, expecting a gender reveal or birth announcement?  Sorry, I couldn't resist.

I've had to ban myself from reading labor symptoms online.  All these lists come with the caveat that such and such symptom could be a sign of impending labor.  Or not.

And in my case, symptoms are there. But not active labor.

The "worst" symptom so far is the inner thigh cramps that often accompany contractions.  Thank goodness only one leg is affected.  I almost fall over when I have these contractions each evening.

Monday, June 1, I will have my first dilation check plus a more "vigorous" check to possibly help get things going.  I've been turning down the dilation exams so far as I know they don't really signal too much.

If Monday's OB appointment doesn't get things going, then we will start some sort of induction on Wednesday.  I'll be 41 weeks then.   (!!!)

All this waiting and I still haven't packed my hospital bag. We live only about seven minutes away from the hospital and I have been procrastinating.  I do have a stack of things on the side of my dresser, so I guess that sort of counts?

I'll keep you posted!



PS.  I've asked this on Facebook but want to ask here as well. Do you have any prayer requests I can offer up during labor?  You can post a comment or email me. Or just say "a personal intention" if it's a private matter.

Some Signs

I am quite pregnant.  Though I haven't gained any weight myself in the last month, the baby clearly has.   That belly of mine.  Whew.

Side note: the perinatologist estimated Violet at over 9 pounds last Tuesday.  I am very skeptical, but we'll see who has the last laugh.

My due date is five days away. I have surpassed the point when the twins were induced. And when the twins were actually born (two days later).

I'm beginning to recognize some reoccuring signs of being pretty much full term.

1.  I have to preface any family phone call with "I'm not in labor".

2.  Anytime there is trash on the floor I just stare at it, debating.  Can I pick it up with my toes?  Is there a chance the kids will notice it and pick it up for me?  If I stare at it long enough, will I develop telekinetic powers and make the trash throw itself away?

3.  Pregnancy brain has seriously kicked in.  Case in point: it took me three tries to hang my front door wreath.  With a sticky hook.  My first attempt was about belly button level.  And yet I stared at it for a while, wondering if there was any chance it was passable.

In re-reading the above bullets, it appears I do a lot of staring and contemplating these days, wondering just how much lower my expectations can go...



All craziness aside, we can't wait to meet you, Violet!

An ordinary snapshot

My lifeguard stand is the rocker in my bedroom, a safe distance from the flurry of splashes.

I know how long I last in a warm bath. And I know the twins passed that marker minutes ago.

Fingers are undoubtedly wrinkled prunes. My bathroom floor is sopping wet.

I didn't move the bath mat far enough away.

And yet they play on, giggling and splashing.  Octonauts, sea creatures, goggles, and dive toys.  Swim suit bottoms.  

Such an enormous treat, swimming in Momma's big tub.