find that I'm already dilated 1 1/2 to 2 centimeters, 50% effaced (thinning of my cervix in order for baby to get through), and -2 engagement (this is the measurement of how far the baby is dropped into my pelvis: -5 is at the top, 0 is generally when labor really begins, and +5 is when the baby is out) so essentially, my body is already very much on its way to sending Lil D out into the world! This of course was exciting news! We then spent the next 48 hours sure that I was going to have a baby at any moment. This obviously did not happen and then Saturday I realized that having this information was more of a hindrance than a help! I had to get it out of my head that my body is "prepping" and just continue living life and getting things ready just like I would be normally. So out we go on Saturday to see a friend play music o
n the LES, off to a baby shower on Sunday and I completed my last day in the office today. And guess what....still no baby. ;) I have had some severe "pre-labor" pains which could be misconstrued as labor but they aren't consistent which is a dead give-away that it's not the real thing.I'm doing some treatments this week (acupuncture, massage, yoga, etc) to work on some trigger points and help guide my body into a natural labor so lets all hope it helps! The reason I want to avoid induction is because I'd prefer not to be hooked up to monitors and IVs which would be necessary w/induction. I really would like to be able to walk around the halls, take a shower, do some stretches, etc in order to cope w/the labor pains. BUT whatever happens happens...as long and Doranjamin, Mommy AND Daddy all come out of this healthy and happy.
Meanwhile at the Doran household, Gabe and I are both getting excited. We feel pretty p
repped to be able to handle the little one upon arrival. We're anxious about bathing, changing, holding, nursing, etc but figure that we'll be able to adjust once thrown into the fire. Mom and Dad have decided to wait and arrive a couple days after I get out of the hospital which is fine. It was very hard to try and estimate my delivery in order for them to drive up here on time. This way we can have a night or two alone as a new little family and then I KNOW we will be ecstatic to have Grandmother and Grampa arrive to help us out and share their wisdom. We're so thankful that they're able to come up....love you guys!!!Attached are a few recent pics. Swaddle practice w/our favorite teddy bear (thanks Myra), me at 37 weeks, and a pic of us from this past Saturday (me at 39 weeks!)
