The Cute Gene (37 weeks, 1 day)

Just a quick post before I go to bed. I had to post some photos of our nephew Zachary who was here with us all last week. He is a lot bigger than the last time he was here. (He was just 3 months old then.) Maggie misses him terribly. He liked to hand feed Maggie her food, as well as his food. For the first time, Maggie got to sample Cheerios, (fake) chicken nuggets, Goldfish crackers and, oh yeah, Twizzlers. This for a dog who hardly ever gets to eat tasty people food! If anyone is worried that our animals will not react well to the Sprout, you would have relieved to see how well they got along with Zachary. Maggie took it pretty well even when Zachary tried to curl up on the dog bed with her or pulled her tail.

Though I didn't get to spend as much time as I would have liked with my grandma, sister and nephew, I did get to take Zachary to the zoo. Forget all the animals, though. The highlight of the zoo was a groundskeepers' cart and the toy tractors in the petting zoo area and the playground.

What a cute little boy. I'm hoping Sprout has all the same cuteness genes. (This is Zachary napping with his behind up in the air.)

I'll make sure to post tomorrow how the pre-flipping appointment with the midwife goes. The Sprout is active and moves, but has shown no movement that feels like a forward somersault. I still have my lump to the left of the belly button (the bottom) and the lump under my right ribs (big head). I know it is common for children to be as their parents are, but does Sprout really have to wait until the last minute on something important like this?

Sprout's "Crib" (37 weeks)

I should have a bumper sticker on my car that says "I'd rather be nesting". I've always been a little obsessive compulsive about having things in order, so it is hard to know how to respond when people ask me if I've been nesting. I certainly have been, but I always am. The main difference now is that I just feel under deadline for nesting now. I hear that this may be the last time that I get to clean for awhile, so I am trying to enjoy. And, while it is a very very very small chance that I might go into labor soon, I'm aware that the version might trigger it this week. So, this weekend, I rested up from the week's worries and then today tried to get some good solid nesting in. I paid all the bills, we cleaned the cars, Aaron installed the carseat base, and I tried to put more baby stuff away. The nursery is just about as done as the nursery is going to be. It may not be designer, but it is cozy and complete. (Of course, I still have one or two things that I would like to do like steam the creases out of the new drapes and clean the area rug, but I can survive without doing those immediately! The only other thing left is to hang up the painted letters of the Sprout's real name, but that won't go up until we unveil the name.) The good news is that Zachary tested the room out last week and I think I have his approval.

Here are a few pictures of the nursery. The room is a little small, so it's difficult to take photos, but these should give you a general idea. As you can see, the walls are blue, but there is a lot of green in the room, too, with a little yellow and red. There's not really a theme, but there are a lot of little jungle animals around. I painted some wooden stars yellow and white and they go around the top of the room. My computer and computer desk are the only things left from the room's days as an office and we'll have to figure out where to move it next eventually. Note the valances. I repurposed a second crib skirt from the Pottery Barn outlet and Aaron stitched the tops of them -- clever boy! (I was just going to use the iron on hem stuff.) Aaron also installed a new ceiling fan and light fixture (not pictured, though you can see the turtles we are using as a pull chain.) I might post some other photos I took of the room later for those who want the full experience.

Just a head's up! (36 weeks 2 days)

We finally got to meet with Midwife Judith this week after having our last two appointments with her cancelled and meeting with the other midwives instead. Remember the last midwife appointment? The one where Mary Jane couldn't determine whether the lump under my ribs was head or feet? I was pretty sure that Judith would be able to figure it out today, though. After 5 minutes of trying to work it out, she did get the job done...with an ultrasound machine.

So, as it turns out, the Sprout is head up. In other words, Sprout is a breech baby. As my colleague Afi noted, he is dropping, but what we didn't know is that the wrong side is coming down!

We are going to encourage him to do a forward somersault in the next week. If he doesn't though, we are electing for something called external version. Basically, I have to be admitted to labor and delivery, take a pain reliever and then the doctor tries to rotate the baby manually from the outside. Sounds like fun, right? Not really, but it is a very proactive way to get closer to our goal of having a natural childbirth. The procedure is only 60% successful and even after you do it, the baby may still flip back to being breech depending on if there are anatomical reasons why he might be breech in the first place. There are also some minor risks associated with external version -- mainly that it can trigger labor or cause the baby to get tangled in the cord. Therefore, we have to be prepared that we might actually have the baby next week. Also, before I get asked any more, a doctor performs the procedure, though one of the midwives will be present.

There are alternatives. For example, prenatal chiropractors will do a less aggressive version. However, that often takes 2-3 sessions and I don't know much about it. You can also do different exercises to encourage the baby to move. For example, one website encourages a stern talking to from the father, putting up pictures of vertex (normal) babies to help positive visualization, playing music, pelvic rocks, diving in a pool, and, oh yeah, conjuring up the baby's "birth spirit guardian" to ask for assistance. I'm opting for the external version in the hospital.

The other option is just waiting for a c-section. If I can avoid that, I absolutely will. Doctors will typically not allow mothers to deliver a breech baby vaginally so as to reduce any of the possible complications of a breech birth. I am disappointed, but did have some suspicion this might happen. (It just seemed like a possibility knowing that I am in week 36 and that the baby sits like a floatation device on my belly.) And, while disappointed, all I really want is a healthy baby and I know that I just can't be in control of everything. In this case, I may not be in charge in choosing the type of birth I originally planned. Aaron was very disappointed as well as he has invested a lot in helping me have a natural childbirth. He may not be able to flash his official Bradley birth coach card now....We'll make sure to keep you all updated in the next week.

Just a few notes:

* We met with the pediatrician that Midwife Mary Jane recommended and I think we will go with him. I think he must be used to folks like us as 99% of his families breast feed and his office is right next to the health food store. He seems like a pretty traditional pediatrician (you know, believes in vaccinations and what not) and in general seems warm and kind.

* Oh, also at the midwife appointment, there was a huge weight gain! HUGE! But, Midwife Judith and Aaron reassured me. Judith said she thought the water weight in my right foot might be all of my weight gain alone. Good. Because I still have been skipping desserts and sodas and I don't want to have given that up and still be gaining weight. Judith even said "you poor thing" to me at least two or three times. Especially I gave her the laundry list of all the ways that I am uncomfortable.

* I have been swimming at the Y. It felt good but I didn't get the promised 48 hours of relief. I vow to go back and keep floating. I wanted to go to the prenatal swim class yesterday, but overslept after not sleeping for most of the night.

* The nursery is 99% done, just a few things to put up on the wall. Yeah. At least if the baby comes next week, we will be ready. I'll post photos this weekend.

* The lovely folks at the school gave me a surprise shower. It was sweet of them, especially as it was on a Friday afternoon and everyone had a huge amount of work to do to get ready for an event at the school today. I owe a big thank you to them, especially the technology specialist who must be ready to spoil the Sprout more than anyone I know. She completely loaded me up on gifts and was one of the hostesses.

* My sister and grandmother have come for a visit. With them, they brought the family crib, the rug I bought on eBay from someone in Tampa, and things from Zachary's recent babyhood: Fisher Price aquarium swing, co-sleeper, etc. It's good seeing them.

Good news/bad news (35 weeks, 3 days)

Good news: I finished the whole bottle of yucky cod liver oil. Yay! I have come to feel that it has numerous health benefits even if yucky, so I stick with it. I got interviewed this week for an Emory graduate student's research project on the experiences and perceptions of pregnant vegetarians. I think I was a dull subject, but she was fascinated by my consumption of cod liver oil.

Bad news: Aaron bought me another bottle. Boo!

Good news: I've actually been going back to the YMCA. Yay! It had been so long since I had been, that they had put my account -- which tracks how miles I do on the treadmill or how much I have lifted -- onto inactive status. On Sunday, I did a mile and a half and felt pretty good. Because next Monday is a holiday, I'll be able to get in to the pre/post natal swim class which is otherwise scheduled inconveniently for someone who works full-time. I can't wait to get in the pool and see if it helps with the swelling in my legs. One of my books says that each hour in the pool buys me 2 days of relief. If I can just get to the pool a few times a week, I'll have this swelling licked.

Bad news: Awww, not too much bad news on this front. The worst of it might be feeling a little self-conscious waddling down the treadmill. It is actually nice to be at a point in my life when people say "Wow, you're going to the gym? Make sure to take it easy or just stay home." I never heard that a year ago.

Good news: The city's 24 hour construction at the water system facility behind the house no longer keeps me up at night. Yay!

Bad news: Being uncomfortable keeps me up at night. Boo! I am definitely at the point where I feel like I could not get enough rest. At this point, it is not so much missing sleeping in certain positions. It is missing being able to roll over in the middle of the night without a lot of sudden and mildly painful pressure.

Good news: My sister, nephew and grandmother are coming for a visit next week unexpectedly. This is the first time I have gotten to see hem in the past 8 months and I haven't seen my little nephew for over a year. I didn't know the next time I would get to see them. And, they will bring with them so great hand me downs, including the family cradle. Yay!

Bad news: My house is a disaster with all sorts of stuff in disarray. And, my guests will get to see it. Boo!

Bad news: Sprout's getting a little crowded in my abdomen.

Good news: It's all just good practice for when he is an astronaut and has to live on the space station, right?

Bad news: I appear to have developed mild pregnancy carpal tunnel syndrome that cause regular tingling or numbness in my fingers. Boo! I still also get congested from swelling sinuses.

Good news: Heartburn has been gone for awhile. Yay!

My sweet Baboo (35 weeks, 2 days)

I just wanted to post to say my husband did awesome for Valentine's Day! This gestating a giant baby really got me some extra points this year, I guess! Thank goodness for being pregnant or my gift -- which as you remember I gave to Aaron last week -- would have been super puny.

First, Aaron bought me a robe and nursing nightgown that we picked out last night. It wasn't a surprise because maternity stores have super fascist policies where you aren't allowed to return anything. (As a funny sidenote, I went to Motherhood Maternity a few months ago and bought something. I walked out the store by mere feet and realized I had been charged for the wrong item and thus was overcharged. Thank goodness the manager was there, because the counter help literally could not figure out how to "return" the item and told me I could only receive a store credit for the amount I had been overcharged only moments before. Agh.) So, he brought me with to make sure he got the right size. It still counted as a gift because I would have never bought myself the set, being as much as a cheapskate as I am. Also, I had no luck buying it on eBaby....

Second, he made reservations for us to eat at Cafe Sunflower, a vegetarian restaurant that was offering a gourmet five-course meal. We only made it through 3 1/2 courses before calling uncle, but that meant I could bring my red velvet cake home and eat it with milk which the restaurant does not serve. The meal was very good. I'll have to let you know about the cake later.

But, wait, there is more! I thought that was going to be it and didn't expect any surprises, but Aaron did it! I got tulips! I got a beautiful card he designed with a message that made me sniffle! Then, I got an envelope with a gift certificate for a spa day! Wow-wee! I've spent at least half an hour tonight trying to figure out the combo of services I'll order: will it be the 90 minute pregnancy massage with spa manicure and pedicure and haircut? or the 65 minute massage with spa manicure, pedicure, conditioning treatment and facial?

What a good guy. Don't be too jealous!

I've been got! (35 weeks, 1 day)

I work with a lovely group of ladies who have come to be good friends, as well as colleagues. I often fear that we five (plus some consultants who also use our office) will drive any man away as we are an all female operation and in addition to expertly running an excellent community development initiative we are good for cackling and gossiping. Recently, these ladies had been asking for me to help plan a shower for me. As I am not accustomed to people throwing showers on my behalf (or the behalf of my unborn child), I felt a little awkward responding to their questions about when and who. But, I responded and the shower was going to be be February 24.

Well, aren't they a clever bunch! Asking me questions about my future shower was actually a ruse for my actual surprise shower last Thursday. I apparently was not making things easy for them given my schedule (or lack of a predictable schedule). So, they actually concocted a meeting for me to attend at the school, LaChandra made sure I got there and back, and they effectively conspired with the principal to cancel a telephone conference call with a contractor so that I would get back to the office where I was supposed to meet with my boss on a very real and very important project. (For a moment, I wondered if they had made this project up, too, but no such doing.) As we pulled up into the drive of the office, I blindly asked "What's going on? Is there a party?" because there was a large number of cars outside of the office. Haha. There was an actual party. As we came up the stairs to the office, a whole bunch of women folk (and Aaron) yelled "Surprise!" and applauded themselves at making me blush and surprising me.

Cake was eaten, gifts were opened, advice given, and gross misestimates of my belly size were hazarded. (I guess every shower needs this game. I told the players that kindness would be a better reward than a prize and truthfulness. This didn't land with everyone as Clara guessed twice my actual girth.) It was a wonderful surprise and I feel great to say that me and the Sprout have been feted. I am especially appreciative as most of my loved ones (that's you, audience) are at some distance and I know wouldn't be able to come to a shower, so I wasn't sure if there would be a chance like this. As I told them afterwards, though, these ladies really have become my local friends and family.

Did I know? Well, obviously I knew a shower was coming up and someone had told Stephanie that there was going to be a shower and she couldn't resist telling me that. (People, as a note, 11 year olds are not good secret keepers!) I had also been getting questions about my registries and my website from folks, but that all could have been linked to the planned shower for the 24th. And, I did have some questions about the meeting we were attending as I never got an invitation to the meeting, just an invitation that had been extended through an email to LaChandra. I just assumed it was a communication glitch. The only thing that might have thrown it off is that I did talk to the woman at the Publix deli counter who wanted to know why Sandra was 2 hours late in picking up some platters. I couldn't figure out what the platters might be for as we didn't have any big meetings scheduled for the day, but I figured they might be for a community meeting that evening or some meeting I just didn't know about.

As a sidenote, I laughed and gave Sandra a hard time. Sandra was the lucky one who really got put in the role of party planner and coordinator. When I first met Sandra, I know she thought I was crazy. When we wrapped Christmas gifts for the family we adopt each year, she thought I might be insane wrapping each thing individually and using bows and ribbons. She looked at me like I just landed from another planet anytime I put together gift bags and put curling ribbon on them and then curled the ribbon. Well, she just outdid herself getting the favors (with ribbons!) and streamers and balloons and baby shower decorations up. She FORCED Linda into wrapping the large box with the new pack and play AND put a bow on it. I am touched by that as I am by anything else.

I got some great gifts for the Sprout and will try and get some photos to post later. (And, as a note, Stephanie did attend and she made the judgement that the shower had everything that she would have planned for a shower.) Thanks to everyone that came and thanks especially to Sandra, Linda, LaChandra and Clara.

Getting comfy (34 weeks, 3 days)

As a brief update, Aaron and I went on our third and final tour of the hospital where I am giving birth. Yes, I said third tour. Surprisingly, though, this is not a manifestation of my obsessive compulsive personality, as you might suspect. I think there is actually a very good reason for it. In September, we took a tour, but we also took a tour of 3 other area hospitals. At that point, I desperately wanted to switch care providers and one of the ways that I was trying to narrow down which new practice to pick was by deciding what hospital we liked. Needless to say, it was really too early to remember things that were important like how to get to labor and delivery after hours, so we knew we needed to take a second tour. Okay, so last month we went on a second tour, but we got there a few minutes late. The whole tour was practically over by the time we got there and I was just dismayed by how little info I heard. When we went to the midwife, she said she didn't think all the information that we had gotten was correct. Ugh. I didn't like that tour guide, so I resolved to go when the head of prenatal education was giving a tour. We met her on the first tour and at the breastfeeding class we took in December. So, we went this Monday. It was still brief, but informative and we definitely have it down cold now about how to get to labor and delivery. I was a little overwhelmed to realize that the next time we go to labor and delivery, it will be a vastly different experience!

So, with a few weeks to go, everyone is getting a little comfy. I think little Sprout is settling down some and starting to turn himself around and down. I still feel those two odd lumps, but they seem to be moving ever so slightly. When I woke up this morning, the lump on the left was much more centered and closer to my belly button. The lump moved back later, but it has convinced me that he is practicing to move down. If I have to go to the hospital three times to give birth, surely my son might need to practice moving some -- we might be a lot a like after all. Also, I feel a lot more movement lower towards my hips.

Sprout isn't the only one getting comfy, though. Sailor the Cat is also getting comfy. He has discovered, as we knew was inevitable, a whole new variety of places to sleep. First there was the gliding chair. He loves that chair. Now that we have reorganized the nursery, though, he has somehow realized that there is a crib in there. I mean, it was huge and present before, but it somehow missed his gaze. At first he figured out how to jump up into the crib, but now he has realized that he can take the easier step of jumping up on the dresser and then into the crib. I know most people worry about their pets being able to access the crib or the baby, but I have no such worries. To be honest, there is nowhere in my house where you could put a child and not have the child exposed to pet hair, pet dander or pets....nowhere! So, I'm not worried about this at all. Meanwhile neither Maggie nor Mouse seem to care about the crib. Can't wait to see what they think when Sprout gets here.

Miscellany (34 weeks, 1 day)

Okay, people, 40 days to go! Who's concerned besides me? I'm not quite to the point where I am ready for the baby to be here -- I have much more nesting to get done. However, the "joys" of pregnancy are starting to get a little uncomfortable and I am beginning to forget life before them. Having more than two pairs of shoes that fit? Nope, don't remember that. Wearing a fitted blouse? I swear I walked past Ann Taylor Loft and nearly cried this weekend. Seeing my toes? Not worried about, as I am currently focused on not wanting to feel my swollen feet. Man, I nearly swoon thinking about being able to sleep on my stomach. Also, I seem to have a lesser known pregnancy symptom of swollen mucous membranes (to match my swollen everything else) so I get congested every night. Couple that with an airplane ride and hotel air and I am now only able to breath through my mouth. Lovely. Just like the tips of my toes seen here....barely. I did get in a little bit of nesting over the weekend, which as you might have figured, I found thoroughly therapeutic. First, Aaron moved all the furniture around in the nursery and put together the dresser we bought. I put all the linens into the crib, worked on some craft projects, started organizing things, and washed the boxes and boxes of hand me down clothes. Some came from Dawn and some came from Selena, but SUPERSIZED SPROUT SHOUT OUT to Alison for Gabriel's old clothes. Two Fridays ago I went to her house and we loaded the hybrid down with some serious baby stuff -- boxes of toys, books and then the clothes. I had to seriously revise the registries after that trip. Bless Alison's parents and inlaws for keeping her son so well dressed...now Sprout can be just as dapper. When I couldn't sleep on Friday night, I got up and did load after load of clothes and then folded and sorted them. Here is a picture of all of the baby's clothes including hand me downs and the few new ones we have started collecting. Guess Sprout won't have to go it naked or just dress in the costumes I have for him -- that ought to save us a little on therapy in the future. Speaking of clothes, I did get one new item for the baby. It was officially a gift for Aaron, but I don't think he will be able to fit into it. It was a Valentine's Day gift in fact, but it came in today's mail, so I had to give it to Aaron today. (I told you I can't keep a secret from him!) Though disappointed because I now have to find another gift (I mean, other than carrying his baby), it does make me smile. As most of you know, people called Aaron by his middle name "Sundance" when we first met in college as a way to differentiate him from his roommate also named Aaron. So, he was Sundance and sometimes someone like the regular 3 AM pizza delivery guy from Wild Bulls (loved that pizza with hot sauce!) would call him "Sundance Kid". Fast forwarding some, Aaron brands his demo and portfolio with a logo of a sun over mountains. I borrowed that logo for the below. If you can't read it, it says "Sundance's Kid". I admit it, I think it is adorable. Time to try and get some sleep, but I've got some more pictures to share tomorrow. Until then!

Appointment update (33 weeks, 5 days)

See, I'm keeping my promises already and writing. We went to the midwife today and had a good visit. All the same as before on my weight, blood pressure, measurements and the baby's heart rate. (He did make measuring the heartrate more difficult by putting some limb -- arm? leg? in front of the doppler doohickey.) Didn't have many questions to ask except whether I might expect a final ultrasound before the due date. As I suspected, no, only if they are not certain how the baby is positioned or if I am overdue. My second question, of course, was what each of my 2 lumps (described in yesterday's post) might be. Well, Midwife Mary Jane couldn't quite figure it out. At first, she thought the lump on the left was Sprout's head, but then she thought maybe it was the lump on the right under my ribcage. She asked me where I feel movement. I said around each of lumps. She wavered as she pressed on each end and he squirmed around. So, it turns out, she is uncertain how the baby is positioned. Hence, I may get that ultrasound next visit. Yeah! I also get tested for Group B Strep at the next visit and need to review my birth plan with them.

Where in the world is Sprout? (33 weeks, 4 days)

Helllooooooo....anyone still out there? I know a few people must be as I have gotten some emails from you which ask the important question: Have you dropped off the face of the earth or what?

Well, not entirely, but almost. I've been putting more hours in at work. When not doing that, I've been trying to get a little nesting done or expending my energy sleeping. So two whole weeks have gone by! And I wasn't even posting that much before that! The good news is that I have lots of stuff stored up to share and will take the time to be a better correspondent.

Most recently, Sprout (and I, of course) were in Baltimore. We just got in a few hours ago. With this last flight -- which I am sure will be the last flight for awhile -- Sprout has now taken at least 10 flights in utero. I am disappointed to share, however, that there are no extra frequent flier miles for the baby. As a matter of fact, you really don't get anything extra if you are pregnant and flying. Today, for example, I ended up a "B" seat meaning me and my ever expanding hips were wedged in between two men with wide frames. When I checked my bags, I asked for help to switch seats. The agent was nice, but said that the gate agent would better be able to help. What the nice agent didn't know, though, is that the gate agent wasn't at the desk until right before boarding and only came on to say that the flight was fully booked so no one at all was going to get a break on upgrades or seat changes. I went up to him anyway and told him I was begging him for assistance in changing my seat to anything but a "B" seat. He said I was welcome to find someone to switch with. BOOOO to Delta Agent Jeff F. I'm writing Delta to let them know that I hope that good does not go around for Agent Jeff F. (Can anyone tell me exactly what Delta's new slogan means exactly? "Good goes around"? What is that supposed to sell me on anyway?) Look, I'm not asking to be treated like a princess and I stubbornly maintain my independent streak, but I was tired and uncomfortable and a little human kindness would have gone a long way. Surely the huge price tag on my ticket should buy me a half ounce of humanity, no? So, again, boo to Agent Jeff F.

But, being pregnant did get my some attention on the way to Baltimore. On the way to the gate, I stopped at the post office in the airport to mail some stuff for work. A TSA employee was in there waiting for a friend and decided he would like me to be his friend, too. Now, I really don't get a lot of men hitting on me. As a matter of fact, I have never attracted most men's flirtations, but for maybe the third time in as many months, it happened with this fellow. And, I want to note, it is perfectly clear I was pregnant. And married. I think the wedding band and t-shirt that said "Due in March" should have been obvious clues to either fact. Still, this man may have missed those clues. He said he name was "Delirious". I didn't ask him how it was spelled, but I did ask if his mama gave him that name. Apparently, yes. And he thought I had a cute face. I handled myself fine, though, and he was positively harmless and in a very public place, so please no emails on how I should have run screaming in the other direction. I just wonder, though...Why? Is Delirious the sort of man who just likes to talk to women and that's how he entertains himself? Or, does he actually hit on pregnant women? And, for what women pregnant or otherwise would his charms be appealing?

The trip was good and I'm glad I went. Everyone at the meeting was very kind about Sprout and impressed that I would leave home while pregnant. However, I missed my hubby, my dog and my own bed. Sleeping was very uncomfortable, but a lot of that has to do with Sprout. Sprout has been snuggling up against the right side of my rib cage for about 2 weeks, almost transverse. There is a big lump right under the right side of my rib cage, a lump which reminds me not to slouch. A bookend lump is just above the level where my belly button USED to be on my left side. Wow, the Sprout must be cozy in there. Not comfy for me, but that isn't really the point for him, I guess. Tomorrow we have another appointment with one of our midwives and I'll ask her if can tell me lump is the head and which lump is not the head. I tried to figure it out by reading some websites, but I'll rely more on the midwife than the internet. I have decided not to really complain about my new baby sash or baby belt, because if he was vertically oriented, I might be just as uncomfortable or moreso. It does, however, make me feel a tad bit bigger. I mean, I'm looking pretty big these days. And, it seems to facilitate these little "pops" in my back that entertain me, as I listen very carefully as Sprout might be trying to communicate in Morse code or something. It sounds a little like when you crack your knuckles or something. I wonder what Sprout might try to tell me. Maybe: send....more...ice...cream.

Final note for the evening: Two Fridays ago we went to the midwives'. We got to see Midwife Wendy though we were originally scheduled to see Midwife Judith. I wasn't disappointed, though, because secretly Midwife Wendy is my favorite. I just have found my visits with her more comfortable, even while I have the utmost trust and appreciation for both of the other midwives and would feel comfortable with any of them helping me in labor. Midwife Wendy is young, very talkative, funny and never makes me feel like I am asking weird questions or getting fat. Anyway, no major updates. My weight gain was very tiny and my blood pressure just the same as always--normal. Sprout's heart rate was in the 150's or so, which is a little faster than normal, but not much. There was some startling sound when she used the doppler device and she joked that Sprout must be yelling at her. Also, I think I must have a black mark on my permanent record from one of my recent visits when I asked a couple of long questions of Midwife Mary Jane. When I asked only 2 questions, Midwife Wendy said, "Those childbirth classes must have made a difference if you only have 2 questions this time." Uh-oh. They have put me down as one of THOSE mother-to-be's. Oh, and I did have the chance to ask about the last glucose tolerance test results. I knew that I had passed, but didn't know by how much. Apparently, all four of the blood draws were perfectly normal. In other words, I aced that test and you know how much I enjoy that.

Thanks again for comments and emails. I'll post tomorrow and continue to catch up on things!