Today was an exciting visit to the doctor, since he confirmed I am now dilated 2-3 centimeters!!  I actually started off the visit groaning about not wanting to suffer way past my due date like I did with Zander and asking about when we could induce labor, if needed.  After the doctor examined me, he concluded that my questions/concerns about induction were now a moot point.  This would all be great news except that I really want to make through Zander's party tomorrow!!  I am saying lots of prayers for Zoe to hold out until then.  Jeanne was first to predict that Zoe would come on April 27th, so I am really hoping she is right :)

Now, I just have to fight my compulsion to clean/organize everything in the house and try to lay down as much as possible (not sure if this "stall" tactic will work, but it's worth a try).  Poor Marc is running around right now with a task list I generated, sweating his butt off!  Zoe is getting a wonderful father is all I can say!!  

That's all the news for now, but will keep everyone posted as things develop.  Please keep us in your prayers :)   

We had our 38-week visit yesterday and found out that Zoe is still doing well and clearly in no rush to come on out!  I had a ton of contractions this past week, so I was sure I might have dilated a little, but the doc confirmed otherwise.  I'm fine with the lack of progress, since we still have two weeks to go until her actual due date.  Zander was 10 days late, so I'm just hoping for Zoe to come on time.

Other than patiently waiting, we are just finishing up getting little things for Zoe here and there.  The awesome ladies in my neighborhood swung by before our appetizer club on Thurs and brought us a gorgeous bag filled with all sorts of stuff for Zoe.  They also offered to deliver some dinner meals after Zoe comes to save us some effort.  Have I mentioned that I live in the best neighborhood ever?? 

We're having a birthday bash for Zander next Sat at a "jumping" party place with about 14 other kids from his pre-school and neighborhood.  I figured this will be his last "only" year, so hoping this will be a special event to remember.  Especially if Zoe ends up being born on Zander's birthday (May 7th), it could be the last time he has a solo party.  Now, we just need to keep our fingers crossed she doesn't decide to come during the party!! 

That's all for now.  Will keep everyone posted on any updates.  We have another appointment next Friday, so we should know more then. 

Zander and I went to my 36-week appointment yesterday for a quick checkup.  Besides checking all my vitals, the doctor just had a listen to Zoe's heartbeat and informed me that I was in fact a strep B carrier.  Not a big deal, just means I'll have IV antibiotics administered during labor to protect Zoe.  I was surprised that the doc didn't measure me, check for dilation, or feel around for positioning, but I guess it's not really necessary anymore at this point in the pregnancy.  I was also surprised that the doc said she didn't need to see me back for another 10 days or so (vice once per week).  The doc said I really only needed to come back sooner if I was having more contractions, feeling odd, or some other indication of labor.  So, our next appointment isn't for another two weeks (April 18th). 

Aside from the overwhelming anticipation of Zoe's arrival, I've been feeling extremely exhausted again and have been swelling up like the Goodyear balloon!  My blood pressure was 101/57 yesterday, and has only ever been as high as 107/67 in the last 8 months, so the doc isn't too concerned I have toxemia.  She attributed the swelling to the warm temps and offered to write me a note so I can stay home in my last weeks of pregnancy if I so desired.  I may take them up on that offer the last week, depending on how I feel.  Since my job supports me working from home after I spend a few weeks on postpartum recovery leave, I don't have to worry as much about burning up all my regular/sick leave.  On the job front, I also received a promotion effective Monday!  Just in time to help us with the extra expenses of child care and other baby stuff, so I'm feeling really blessed.  

That is about all on the new news front.  Just trying to stay relaxed and finish up a few last preparations.  Now, it's time for a nap!!        

So, today was our second to last every two week appointment.  Just one more to go on April 4th, and then we go every week for the final month!  The doctor confirmed I haven't begun dilating, and that Zoe's head hasn't dropped down low enough into my pelvis yet (although it sure doesn't feel like she can get any lower).  So, it's at least safe to say (for now) that she doesn't appear to be planning an early appearance.  This is very good news as far as I'm concerned.  While I would like to have my body back pretty soon, I would also prefer that she gets her full "cook time" in the womb :)  Anytime the week of April 27th would be great, but any later and I'll probably start to get cranky!!

Other than the routine checks, we also had the beta strep test.  I was actually a little annoyed that I had to remind the nurse I needed to have the test at this visit.  She checked the date and was like, "oh, yeah, you sure do," and then proceeded to get the test kit.  My doctor said about 30% of women are beta strep carriers, and it isn't a big issue as long as it's identified in time.  The doctor will administer IV antibiotics during labor to protect the baby, if I turn out to be a carrier.  I wouldn't be so sensitive about it, but one of my good friends lost her first child (perfectly healthy) because the doctors failed to do this simple test.  One of my other friends said she had it with her first child but not with the second.  Although, they still treated her with antibiotics during labor just to be safe.  It's nuts all the concerns that go along with pregnancy and labor. 

On a happier note, we did receive a huge care package from Grandma-ma last week with all sorts of cute clothes for Zoe, as well as a baby book, brag book, and other awesome keepsakes.  This weekend, Marc and I picked up the first month's supply of diapers (256 count!), a case of wipes, and a couple Diaper Jenie refill packs.  I'm going to try breast feeding again, so thankfully we don't have to buy formula for now.  If I'm a milk machine like last time, I should be able to pump a pretty good supply for when I go back to work too! 

Last but not least, I've posted my latest belly photo for all to marvel, lol.  It's amazing how gigantic I am with still a month of growth ahead!  I pray I can get all my parts and pieces back into shape again one day.  Of course, little Zoe is worth every stretch mark (and when she harasses me later on in life, I WILL remind her :) ... ta ta for now!!