Friday, May 13, 2011

Forty Weeks (Just About)

And my wait is almost over!

Today, I saw my OB again. She checked me, and I had not progressed at all since Tuesday. Not dilated even a teensy weensy bit. Then she measured the baby, and by her measurements Michaela is about nine pounds.

Inducing is not an option. The hospital's policy is that induction without a medical reason (mother's or baby's health) before 41 weeks is a no no. And, being that I'm not dilated at all, an induction would likely not be successful and could result in a c-section.

However, the hospital will allow me to elect to have a c-section anytime after 39 weeks. So, with my doctor's blessing, I have elected to do so. I am scheduled to deliver on Wednesday, May 18th unless Michaela should decide to arrive before then.

I am greatly relieved to know when this difficult pregnancy will be over, and my new life with my daughter will begin. I had been feeling more and more discouraged with each passing day, and now my spirits are much lighter.

I know some people have strong opinions about natural births versus c-sections. You are entitled to your opinion, of course. But, if you are thinking about dissuading me from my choice, don't waste your breath (or your keystrokes). I am comfortable with my decision and I believe it is the best choice for me and my daughter.

So, if not before, then Wednesday for sure!

Lastly, I think it's a wonderful irony that Michaela's birthday will be on a date that has been a sad reminder to me in the last two years, for it is the date on which we first learned that Michael had cancer. I have considered May 18th, 2009 to be the worst day of my life. But May 18th, 2011 will certainly be the best.
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35 comments:

  1. SelimaMay 13, 2011 at 7:11 PM

    I have been checking your blog every day to see if your precious baby girl has come:) Even though she hasn't, you are now close to seeing your baby girl. It would be so neat to have a day that brought you so much pain to bring you the incredible joy of seeing the daughter that will remind you of her father daily:) I am so happy for you that your difficult pregnancy is coming to a end and your new life as a mom will be starting.

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  2. Family BitsMay 13, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    Good to know you have a set date now. As for induction, a friend of mine wanted to induce just last week (then she went into labor) and she found out that it's actually a California law that you can't induce until you're overdue -unless medically needed, not just a hospital's policy. I had no idea either, till she told me this last week. It makes sense though. Will be thinking of you.

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  3. AnonymousMay 14, 2011 at 1:04 AM

    It's got to feel so good to have an end-date in sight! Praying your body kicks into gear earlier than Wednesday, just for the sake of a quicker recovery, but SO excited to think that in just a few days, you will be holding this babe in your arms!! Hallelujah!!

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  4. KMay 14, 2011 at 1:55 AM

    Okay, with the end in site, can you give us something to drool over, like nursery pictures?

    Just kidding, I know you'd have posted them if you could.

    I wish you a safe delivery and healthy baby and recovery!

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  5. dawnMay 14, 2011 at 4:29 AM

    Since you are a planner and now have everything sorted out I wonder if Michaela will be a "fly by the seat of her pants?diaper" kinda girl or if she will go along with this new plan. LOL
    Time will tell.
    I love the date you chose. How very fitting.

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  6. Sugar Cookies And HopeMay 14, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    So happy for you and so excited that soon your little Miss will be in your arms. As you know from all the information in adoption, it doesn't matter how one's child arrives. What matters is that she arrives into your arms. :)

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  7. ShelleyMay 14, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    Just think ...this time next week, you'll have your baby girl in your arms. :) Yay!

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  8. MicheleMay 14, 2011 at 7:48 AM

    All my prayers and best wishes for a safe an uneventful labor and delivery for both you and Michaela. What a wonderful date for Michaela to enter the world if she holds on that long. A day to remember Michael and the gift that he gave you...

    Hugs,
    Michele

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  9. It Is What It IsMay 14, 2011 at 7:54 AM

    Well, I will be in good company then as that is my 45th birthday. May 18th rocks as a birthday :)

    I planned on having an elective c-section long before I was even pregnant. Because of my incompetent cervix, I had to have one any way. IMO, it's your right to birth your baby in a way that works for you.

    Can't wait!

    (and, I'm happy to answer any c-section related/post birth related questions you have).

    http://itiswhatitisorisit.net/

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  10. JoannahMay 14, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    Kimi, I posted a video on Facebook a few weeks ago of the nursery. I tried to email it to you this morning, but the file is too big. I'll try to get some pictures posted here.

    Victoria, thank you for the offer. :)

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  11. SelimaMay 14, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    Joannah, I would love to see the nursery too:)

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  12. Shauna and MacLeanMay 14, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    That is wonderful I think that may have been the date I guessed for your contest looking forward to meeting Michaela!

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  13. JoannahMay 14, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    You're right, Shauna! If she's born that day, you will be going shopping. :) Why don't you email your address to me? mrslabrador @ verizon dot net

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  14. KateMay 14, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    I am so darn proud of you for taking such good care of yourself-- good for you! you have a date! A baby by wednesday and I am so very excited for you to be onto the next phase. you will not believe how quickly many of your physical discomforts resolve once Michaela is on the outside, and I wish you a wonderful deliver and speedy uneventful recovery with your little one in your arms. It is unbelievably magical, and I cannot wait for this for you.

    so very happy!
    Kate

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  15. Homemaker AngMay 14, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    This is not ironic that it turned out to be this day! What a blessing from our Lord!

    You really need to write a book! God has answered your prayers!

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  16. AprilMayMay 15, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    I am sooooooo excited for you! That is a meaningful date indeed. I cannot wait to see pictures of your precious daughter!! I will be praying!

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  17. JeannieMay 15, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    Just a little positive comment here....my daughter had 3 C-sections. Got along great everytime. You will too!!! :)

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  18. fuzzandfuzzletMay 15, 2011 at 10:03 PM

    Funny, I had a feeling that Michael had a hand in her tardiness because he had a healing due date in mind.

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  19. Ben & AnneMay 16, 2011 at 4:16 AM

    Best of luck to you - get your sleep in before Wednesday!! I'm completely with you on going the c section route for a full term 9lb plus baby - believe me, you are not missing anything by not going through labour. I am 32 weeks pregnant with my second and after my first labour am envious that you have this option!
    Wishing you all good things as you welcome your baby girl into the world. Can't wait for pictures.

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  20. Erin BakalMay 16, 2011 at 5:50 AM

    My daughter arrived on the date that my mother passed away 4 years earlier; it was such a wonderful and healing thing-- I am so glad that you will have the birth that you want.

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  21. AllisonMay 16, 2011 at 6:22 AM

    "He is risen - Just as He said!" From unimaginable darkness into brilliant light. Your baby girl's arrival is but days away. So amazing :) You have so much to look forward too.

    Best wishes to you, Michaela and your family.
    Allison

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  22. MarlaMay 16, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    So excited for Wednesday to arrive! Blessed be the name of the Lord. Both Steph and Ryan were c-section babies. No problems! Isn't is awesome that the Lord took your worst day and is turning it into your best day! Praise His name! Love you and praying for you and Michaela. Marla, Mike, Steph, Erik and Ryan and Grandma Bert of course!

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  23. AniMay 16, 2011 at 3:52 PM

    Best wishes for a safe and speedy arrival for your little Miss!

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  24. UnknownMay 16, 2011 at 4:29 PM

    You know what I think is the neatest is that you are taking a sad date, and turning it around. I can't even tell you the date that Kurt was diagnosed. I think I have mentally just blocked the entire thing out. I can tell you every second of that day, but not on which date it occured!

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  25. DonnaMay 17, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    Be sure to take one last picture before you head to the hospital tomorrow. Not for me or anyone else here but just for yourself and your daughter. I took one at 8 months but not 9 and I've always kinda regretted that.

    I'll be thinking of you tomorrow!

    xoxo


    Donna

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  26. KristinMay 17, 2011 at 3:32 PM

    I'll be thinking about you tomorrow - welcome to the much anticipated Baby Michaela!

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  27. AniaMay 17, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    Good luck and lots of happiness tomorrow!!!

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  28. fuzzandfuzzletMay 17, 2011 at 5:08 PM

    17 hours....hours, may they fly by. Can`t wait to come home from work tomorrow and see baby pictures!

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  29. CatherineMay 17, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    I will be praying for you tomorrow. Cannot wait to see your little miracle!

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  30. Erin BakalMay 18, 2011 at 6:18 AM

    Praying for you this morning-- hoping that all goes beautifully! Congratulations mama!

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  31. Terri | Sugar Free GlowMay 18, 2011 at 3:32 PM

    praying for you!!

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  32. Parisienne FarmgirlMay 18, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    Homemaker Ang emailed me a photo- SHE IS GORGEOUS! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  33. savvycityfarmerMay 19, 2011 at 6:45 AM

    You are woman of the year in my book ...
    who knows when you'll get around to reading comments ... oh well

    you are truly blessed of God.
    baby baby sweet baby ... kisses for everyone.

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  34. KateMay 19, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    sending love and good wishes
    and hopes that everyone is wonderful
    XOXO
    kate

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  35. CatherineMay 20, 2011 at 4:02 AM

    Praying for you and Michaela. I'm guessing by now she is here and you are soaking in your first Mommy moments! Celebrating with you!!

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