Kathy is my new best friend...

Clearly, with the popularity of the name Kathy, I am not referring to last night's Kathy. I'll call my new friend today, Kath... I like her that much. For some reason a very small amount of pitocin caused my uterus to go CRAZY, so my contractions were out of control... and Harper wasn't a fan. So I called for an epidural, and Kath saved the day! I was at 4 cm at that time, so I don't feel like such a pansy. I went from 1-4 in about 2 hours. However, it appears that time has stopped because I was just checked and am only a 5... such a bummer. At noon my nurse assumed I'd have her by 5 with the way I was going, but no such luck. I can finally have the computer on my stomach and see it, since I'm not wearing the stinking oxygen mask anymore. Yes, Harper also wasn't a fan of one of my cervical exams, and she let us know about it! Hopefully things will start moving a little faster... you know, so that I'm not laying here all night long! 

Also, in case you're wondering, the IV that Kathy put in last night had to be changed today by my wonderful nurse, Tracey. She had no idea why it was placed in my hand and not in my arm. I wish I could say I was surprised, but let's be honest... it's Kathy we're talking about here! 

Thanks, but no thanks Cervadil

Well.... it wasn't completely useless. My cervix is a little bit thinner and softer, but not what I had hoped it would be. I just showered, dried and even chi-ed my hair (Thanks Tiff!). I know it may shock you, but last night when I asked Kathy about taking a shower, she chuckled and told me I'd only have 30 minutes. Well, because Tiff was back with me this morning, she allowed me all the time I wanted... simply because she said she'd be the same way. So at least I feel really clean... obviously this feeling won't last very long. My doctor is headed down to break my water and probably start the pitocin soon after. Just pray that all of this works! Thanks so much! 

Don't let the smile fool you... pretty sure it's only temporary! 

Oh Ambien... at least you tried!

So, I'm sitting here and it's 5:30am. I've slept MAYBE 3 hours, but that would mean in intervals of 30 minutes or so. It's rather difficult to sleep when you have 2 monitors strapped to your stomach, an IV tube in your hand (that isn't pleasant!), and a blood pressure sleeve on your arm- that randomly takes my blood pressure through the night... yes, it's uncomfortable. It also doesn't help that every time I move, the nurses seem to lose Harper's heart beat, so they have to come in and adjust the monitor- which translates to waking me up and putting more of that sticky gel on me! 

Last night went really well though. Baylor is very organized. I was in my gown, in my bed, strapped with monitors right at 8pm (we arrived around 7:45). I got the cervadil medicine at 9 and started contracting almost instantly. Not don't be jealous, but the only way I knew I was having a contraction was because the monitor was showing them... I didn't feel a thing. However, as the night progressed, I began to feel them. They aren't horrible, but they aren't enjoyable either! (side note: as I typed those last 2 sentences, the blood pressure monitor went off 2 times! Glad I wasn't asleep... it would've definitely woken me up!) I really like my nurse, Tiffany. She has made me feel right at home. There was a time when Tiff (I assume we're on a nickname basis by now) had to go help deliver a baby, so Kathy stepped in. Let's just say the ridicule I received from her regarding the amount of belongings I brought to the hospital put her on my "do not return" list. She is a nice woman, but seriously?!?! Leave me alone! I clearly have an over-packing issue, and when you aren't sure how long you'll be staying somewhere... you need to be prepared. And no, Kathy, I don't plan on wearing one of this awful gown the entire time! Okay... glad that's off my chest :) 

For those of you concerned about Corby, he's sleeping like a baby! I tried to take some pictures of both of us in our beds with photobooth, but the room is too dark. I figured that if I turned on the light and it woke him up, my reasoning for needing the light might not go over well. Okay, I don't believe there's anything else to report. I'll make sure my sister updates my blog when there is something worth saying! 

40 weeks...

Well, today marks my due date, March 9th. I think if I didn't know she'd be here on Wednesday, I would be a little stressed today. I'm feeling really good about heading to the hospital tomorrow night. I have to be there at 8pm to do some steps leading up to the induction, and then I'll be induced on Wednesday morning. Wow... she'll be here so soon! I will finally see her beautiful face and know what she looks like! I simply can't wait. She, on the other hand, is quite content and has been having a blast today. She was especially active from 5:30am-7:30.... I wish she would've chosen different hours to let me know how much fun she's having, but I'm so thankful she's still very active! I'm curious if I'm going to miss that feeling of her moving around. Other than that, I don't believe there are too many other aspects of pregnancy that I'm going to miss. Since I didn't buy nice maternity jeans, I have been looking frumpy in my Gap and Old Navy elastic waist jeans. I am SO ready to wear jeans that fit my body!!! I will NOT miss maternity jeans (although I think I'm in the minority on this one)! Another thing I'm curious about... will I start drinking caffeine again??? I decided not to drink any during my pregnancy, so I'm clearly used to water... but I must say, I would love a coke right about now! So who knows? I'm sure I'll end up caving in, but for now, I'd like to think I could be strong enough to just continue with water! Okay, enough pregnancy rambling... I'll make sure my blog gets updated over the next few days! Enjoy your week! 

A few specific prayer requests:

-that Corby and I will both be able to sleep well on Tues night at the hospital

-for the night time procedure to work well and thin my cervix (sorry if that's too much info!)

-everything to go well on Wednesday

-for Harper to be healthy (and not angry with us for making her come out!)

-for all of our family to get here safely

Thanks!!!  

Snug as a bug in a rug...

...And that bug would be our little Harper. It seems she is still enjoying the comfort my ribs provide because she is still in the highest position! I was convinced that she had dropped some based on how my stomach has looked this week, but my doctor would clearly know better than me! There weren't any other changes either... all is the same as last week! Well, one thing has changed- the date of my induction. The labor and delivery rooms were all full on the 12th, so I was moved to the 11th! So if Harper hasn't come by then, we will go in on the evening of the 10th to start the process. We'll see what happens though- she could easily decide to come tonight! That's the beauty of it all... you just never know! 

I'll definitely make sure to have someone update the blog whenever she comes. I appreciate your prayers for labor to go well and for Harper to be super healthy! Thanks!!!

And thank you everyone for your encouraging words from my last post!!! I really appreciated everything you said. I am feeling much better about everything today!!! 

It's sinking in...

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand." Isaiah 41:10

Well... it would be a lie if I told you that everything was fine inside my head and heart right now. The last few days I have been bombarded with ridiculous and irrational hypotheticals regarding labor and being a mom, and it has brought out so much fear in me. On the outside, I appear just fine... you might even think I'm looking forward to child birth. But on the inside, Satan is completely attacking me! This morning, I have spent a ton of time with the Lord... essentially, casting all of my cares on Him. I already feel a sense of His peace, just through the verses I read this morning. But I know how easily this fear can creep right back into me. I am simply praying that the Lord will calm my fears and allow these next few days to be relaxing and enjoyable. 

I'm convinced that Harper likes her current home because I can still feel her up in my ribs. Thankfully my doctor and I discussed a possible induction date, just in case she really decides to stay put. It has really helped my mind knowing that she will definitely be here by the 12th. Honestly, I don't want to be induced, but since I'm not in charge... I need to get over it. So I am resting in the truth that the Lord knows what is best for both me and Harper, and He will allow it to happen in His timing. Until then, I will continue to do what I do best... sit (I know I should be walking, but it KILLS my back, so I'm just choosing to be lazy today!).

Watch out NYC...

Here comes Leah!!! My sweet little sister was hired as an intern for Seventeen magazine for the summer, and I couldn't be more proud of her! You may remember me posting about her internship in Barcelona for the summer, but that fell through. There ended up not being any fashion opportunities, and that's clearly her passion. So she declined and sought out other options. She had her interview this afternoon and they hired her on the spot. If you know her, you certainly aren't surprised with her success!!! I'm hoping to maybe visit her this summer since I've never been... but we'll just have to see what life is like with Harper! But I am just so proud of her!!!! 

As you already know, my mom and sisters are all there for the weekend. They got to meet Ann Curry from the Today show this morning, and I must say... I am pretty jealous. But I got to see them all on tv while I watched the Today show, so that was fun for me! Another fun part of my day is that I'm dilated 1cm. I realize that may be too much information for some of you, but it was some progress that really excited me!!! I'm still assuming she won't come early... however, I won't be opposed to it! :) I hope that you have a great weekend!