A blog about babies: the babies I lost, the babies I never had, the baby who made me a Mama.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Progress!; or, 39 Weeks

I spent much of the past week feeling frustrated over last Monday's lack of progress. I worried about going overdue, needing to be induced or have a c-section, and just the uncertainty of not knowing when labor will strike. I began feeling a few more prelabor symptoms--backaches (sometimes coordinated with cramping, sometimes on their own), pressure in the pelvis, occasional exhaustion. But I still had enough energy and felt nimble enough to attend a wedding about 45 minutes outside of the city with Lawyer Guy on Saturday night. And to do it in 4-inch heels, no less (we lasted until they served a selection of pies at about 10 pm. I had to stay for the pies).

I fully expected to be told this afternoon that I was still high and closed and that the various aches and pangs and discomforts I felt all week had amounted to not much.

But no! I'm 3 cm dilated and the doctor felt the baby's head when she did the internal exam! (That explains the feeling that I've been carrying a bowling ball between my hip bones, I guess). I also started losing pieces of my mucus plug today-- delightful globs of what looks like creamy brown snot. (Too much information? I thought some might want to know for future reference).

The doctor thinks I'll likely go into labor on my own, possibly before my appointment scheduled for next Monday. I can't believe Smudgie could be in my arms in less than a week! Less than a week until we can hold him or her, give a name, find out who this little person is.

I know that I could be waiting quite a while longer--people have walked around many centimeters dilated for weeks. But this was the boost I needed to help me enjoy whatever time I have left until Smudgie arrives. Time with Lawyer Guy and Bella, time with myself, time to read and rest and dream of the little baby I hope will be with us soon.

10 comments:

  1. Wahoo! Cannot wait to hear the news of Smudgie's arrival! You have waited for so long and my heart sings with joy for you! :)

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  2. I can't help but think of when we sat around my dining room table and discussed how much we longed to hold a baby in our arms. Words can't begin to express how exciting this is and how very happy I am that soon, all your struggling, dreaming and hoping will become a reality in one cute, healthy, adorable package that you'll get to hold in your arms! I also can't wait to see how Bella reacts! LOL! Wishing you all the very best!!!

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  3. You are getting very close, Sloper. And I'm glad that the news has made you able to enjoy these next few days - I can understand that.

    (And I take my hat off to you...I cannot imagine either a 45 minute car ride OR high heels, wimp that I am:)

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  4. Oh man...exciting! I'm feeling so anxious for you!

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  5. So exciting!!! hope little smudgie comes soon!

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  6. Granted, I did not go full-term, but once I hit week 35 I felt like pregnancy was a looming surprise party I'd found out about via the grapevine . . . I knew that it was going to happen, but nobody would tell me when the party was going to be, LOL.

    I'm thinking about you, lots.

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  7. Yay!!!! I'm so excited for Smudgie's imminent arrival!

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