One week left? yeah right

I went to the doctor this AM.  There was "no progress" which isn't surprising because I haven't had any further contractions; that is until I left the Drs office.  LOL.  I've had a few contractions this afternoon but nothing really to write home about.  (I think it's because she was "messing around in there".  )
The doctor did tell me that if I go past the due date (which is very possible) she will induce on August 7th.  That's good because at least there is a set end in sight, but bad because an induction means pitocin, which means more painful contractions and more frequent contractions than "natural contractions", which means I probably will end up needing an epidural- which is not what I had planned.  So fingers crossed, Sprout decides to come in to the world prior to August 7th.
I'm fat and uncomfortable and looking forward to the end when I can finally meet this tiny being who's been playing soccer with my internal organs.

And here- if you want a good laugh- it's the most round belly ever!  (maybe not ever but it's pretty close to a perfect circle!)

HAHAHA

38 weeks... contracting?

The bathroom is now the room I spend the most time in.  Our water bill this month is up $15 from last month and I fully take on that blame.   I was up last night 9 (yes NINE) times to pee.  Ugh.  Yes- I've been told this is preparing me for "Sprout's" arrival- but then I also have people telling me "sleep now because you won't be sleeping later".  Well guess what?  I'm not sleeping now and even if I could it's not like I can store if for later.  Sorry I'm cranky cause I'm sleep deprived!

Anyway- we had an interesting week this week.  I had a Doctor's appointment on Wednesday.  I was feeling fine.  I left work at 1:00pm for my 1:45 appointment.  I got to the doctors and was having a little lower abdominal cramping.  The nurse roomed me and asked if I was having any problems- I told her about the cramping but explained that I felt I probably had to "poop".  She talked with me about stool softners and even using a suppository if needed ( I told her- uhhh heck no.  I will not be doing that thank you very much!) Well - while waiting for the doctor to come see me I started having some increased pain- kind of like a cramp but sharp at the same time.  Then it would go away.  Then it would come back.  After this happened a few times I also noted that during the pain my belly would get tight.  I started having hot flashes and some nausea with these pains.  Then I noted that the pains were timeable- about 6 minutes apart.

I still thought I just needed to poop ( I know, I know)!  The doctor came in around 2:15 right when I was having another pain (she may have laughed a little at me when I told her I didn't know what was going on) - she told me I was having a contraction.  Lucky me to have started this during a doctors appointment!  She "checked" me and I was 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced (a little TMI I know!).  She also said I could have a work note to go home and see what happens- suggesting I put my feet up and drink water- but I declined and went back to work.  Driving with the contractions was a little tricky but I managed.  I also called Chase 5-6 times in a row and he did not answer!  I did finally get a hold of him about 20 minutes later when I was back at work.  I told him if the contractions continued he'd have to come get me.  Fortunately (or unfortunately) the contractions slowed down and eventually stopped after I went home and had some dinner.  I haven't had any more notable contractions so it looks like Sprout is still settled in and has no intentions of coming out any time soon.


I think the contractions started because I was a bit dehydrated.  I was tired of getting up so much at night so I stopped drinking my daily GALLON of water and was only drinking about 40-50 ounces.  I'm back to around a gallon and no more contractions but more bathroom trips.

37 weeks- "full term"

I had a doctor's appointment this morning.  Everything seems to be going as expected.  Chase was able to come so he got to see Sprout on the ultrasound.  Spout is estimated to be 6 lbs and 10 ounces already.  It's thought that the baby will gain about 3 ounces/ week from here on out- so doing the math we'll have a 7lb+ baby easily.  (Though I've noted before U/S estimations are not exactly accurate).  Sprout was measuring right on at 37 weeks everywhere- except the head- THAT measured at 39 weeks.  EEK!  Unfortunately,  Sprout has no modesty and flashed the doctor his or her goods so the doctor now knows Sprout's sex.  She did not tell us what sex so hopefully she doesn't slip up and accidentally let us know in the next few weeks.
I had a lovely internal exam today as well.  I am 1cm dilated but 0% effaced.  Really- that means nothing women can be dilated to a 4 and not know and not go into labor for weeks, but everyone got excited for me at work so I thought I'd share that here too!
Oh yes- and guess who's a watermelon?

On a totally different subject:
I don't know who all were able to get this link but here it is- these are the pictures from the baby shower.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hoganfamilybabyshower/.

I do have the disk with the photos on it so if there are any you want, just let me know and I can share them with you!

36 weeks 5 days

I'm over 36 weeks and on my way to 37 weeks which is considered a full term pregnancy.  At 37 weeks and after if you start contractions/labor Doctors will not do anything to stop you from delivering.  Prior to that you may receive meds to stop contractions.  It's a big milestone!  Sprout is moving around although I can tell there is less and less room "in there" because the movement are much more like (s)he's trying to break out or stretch.
A few days ago I would have said I've had no contractions at all, but I kinda over did it this weekend (what?  I needed to paint crown molding and shelves for Sprout's room!  That's important! ) and since yesterday I've been having lots of braxton- hicks.  I probably should have painted NOT in the sun.  And I probably should have taken more water breaks but I figure the contractions will lessen as I re-hydrate and stay cool.  Nothing to worry about!
I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday morning.  We're having the last U/S that we will have this pregnancy.  Basically the point of this U/S is to make sure Sprout is head down and to get an idea as to how big Sprout is.  U/S weight estimations are notoriously inaccurate and may be off as much as a pound or two. I also will have an internal exam (oh joy) to see if I am dilated or effaced- though some women will walk around dilated 4 cm for weeks and weeks and really it means nothing.
I guess that's it for now.  I will post some pictures Wednesday? sometime.