Final Thoughts Before Baby

I'm at 37 weeks gestation and am now officially in the baby countdown. I've been measuring on the high side with regards to baby's growth rate and my fluid levels, so after some drastic increases, the time has come to deliver.

I had an amniocentesis on Monday to gauge baby girl's lung development. Because my OB has been holding fast to the idea of delivery at 39+ weeks and expressed concern about lung development if delivery occurred before that, we opted to take the test for our peace of mind and for his. We saw the specialist before office hours, and though I wasn't nervous all the way up to the appointment, once I saw the assortment of sterilized torture devices, my heart skipped a beat. In all, the process of the amniocentesis wasn't bad, merely the anticipation of the process. Later that same day, we got word that the results indicated that our little one's lungs were at a "post-term" level, meaning proceeding with delivery was safe.

Tuesday, I saw the OB/GYN, and after considering the results of the amnio and the scan the day before, he decided moving delivery to this week was a good idea. I had it in my mind that we'd deliver on Friday (thus giving me another 24 hours to work on "The List"), but with a dramatic increase in fluid levels from one week to the next, he decided delivery would occur as soon as possible. The OR confirmed availability, and I was informed that we'd meet our little one on the 23rd (today!) at 8:00 A.M. (in five hours!).

Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday was spent working a bit more on "The List," though I didn't accomplish all I set out to. Some tasks were left undone intentionally, and some because there really aren't that many hours between Tuesday afternoon and Thursday morning. I do feel really good about the progress I have made and feel confident that I can spend a few days away and come home to relax without feeling the pressure of projects still waiting to be done. Plus, after watching a couple of friends bounce right back after delivery, I have a feeling I'll be able to accomplish a few more things before we get back to the busyness of the school year. We'll see -- the pressure's off now. No need for distractions anymore.

Now, on this final baby-free night, I'm here and waiting. I should be sleeping, but I'm not. I'm enjoying the last few moments of the baby rolling and tumbling inside of me, knowing that these may be the last moments I ever get to experience this sensation. I'm thankful to God for the miracle of these moments, each and every one, and after experiencing so many betrayals, I'm grateful -- so grateful -- that this baby has overcome my body and is still alive, just waiting to join our family. God has been so, so good.

Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:21-23

A Few Maternity Photos
(Taken by Amy at 37 weeks, one day)




(More to come...)