4 Dear Baby Grace

***In the midst of everything, I realized I had this post saved in draft status and never posted it. Oops! So before I post our birth story, I thought I would go ahead and post this last letter to our baby before she was born. Stay tuned for how Miss Grace was brought into this world later this week***

Dear Baby Grace,

Tomorrow is the day we have been waiting for...we will be going to the hospital to meet you! Since it doesn't seem like you are in a big hurry to make your way out before you get too big, the doctor is ready to get things rolling at 4:45 in the morning. I'm sure that it will be scary for both of us, but the end goal is to get you here safely and sometimes we need a push in the right direction. So we are going to induce labor in the morning to get Mommy's body ready to help push you out!

I said a prayer the other night before our doctors appointment. I know that God is aware of what my body is capable of and that if he wanted you to come into this world naturally then I knew that my body would be able to get thru it, if it turned out that you were too big and we had to bring you into this world by c-section, then I was fine with that too. And at our appointment it was decided that we would try to get you here naturally.  So there is someone up there that knows how you are supposed to be born, and I'm just thankful to have a knowledgeable doctor who won't push things too far if he thinks you are in danger.

I can't wait to finally meet you tomorrow....we have been waiting a long time to hold you in our arms. Not just the 10 months that I carried you in my belly, but in the years that we waited to have you. I know that you will just be perfect. And I hope that I can make you the happiest baby ever! We are all new at this parenting thing, just like you are new at this baby thing. So please be patient with me while I learn your cues and get better at trying to predict what you are going to want or need before you try to tell me. I know it will get easier with time, but at first Mommy might be a little confused.

I apologize in advance for any screaming or crying that I may do tomorrow before you make your way out of my tummy. They tell me its gonna hurt more than anything that I can imagine, so I'm sure that its gonna take everything that I have to push thru it. But just remember...Mommy isn't yelling at you. Its not your fault and I hope you don't remember any of it if it stressful at all.  But you are so worth it and to be able to hold you and look into your eyes at the end of this amazing process is something that I was fearful that I would never get to experience. What a blessing we are about to receive!

But now its here...and your daddy and I can't wait to meet you. Our little girl.

We are about to start an amazing journey together!

We love you to the moon and back! See you tomorrow sweetheart!

6 39 wks

How Far Along am I: 39 Weeks

 

Size of baby: Baby Girl is the size of a watermelon

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 36 lbs since conception

Maternity Clothes: yes, thank goodness

 Gender: It's a GIRL!

Movement: She is moving around mostly in the mornings after breakfast and then randomly throughout the day. Once I lay on the couch for the evening she normally gets her moves going again and then settles down for the night.

Sleep:I am tossing and turning alot these days, it literally feels like I am carrying a watermelon when I flip over at night. And my back has begun to get a little achy in the mornings.

What I miss:This week I would have to say shorts or capris. Its been in the 90's here most of the time and the best summer clothing I have are yoga capris. And they aren't very breathable but they are much better than jeans or yoga pants.

Cravings: I've been wanting hot fudge sundaes....more specifically peanut buster parfaits.
Yum. Chocolate and Spanish peanuts. 

Symptoms: I mentioned the swelling, it continues, especially in this heat. And for some reason when I get up at night it seems like my right heel is broken...lots of pain in that foot.

Measurements: Zero Dilation and effacement. We had an ultrasound on Tuesday and they are estimating Grace to be at 8 lbs and 5 ounces right now!
Her abdomen is measuring about 2 wks ahead and her head and femur are about a week behind.
So looks like we've got a little fluffy baby on our hands!

Best Moment this week: It has been a pretty good week overall.  Had 2 contractions last night, about half an hour apart, so nothing to call anyone about, but at least its the start of something.
We go back to the doctor on Monday and see how things are coming along.
Can't believe we are just one week away from the due date!