Harley brought these home to me after a few particularly difficult days! He knows how much I love yellow so he had the florist at Vons throw in the yellow rose. He has been very supportive through this difficult pregnancy and I am very grateful to him. He has even been rubbing my feet and legs every night with lavender lotion to help me try to relax. I can’t say that it has completely worked because a restful nights sleep hasn’t occurred many weeks.
Another one of Kelly’s clever creations………………………….
This picture was taken when I was about 38 weeks. Everywhere I go people say that I’m not “very big.” I sure feel BIG at this point. I have gained around 28lbs so far and hoping not to gain much more. The only bad news is that I am actually measuring small also. Kaiser’s on call doctor that I saw at 37 weeks overreacted and caused quite the alarm for me. He strongly felt that the baby had stopped growing and ordered fetal monitoring and an ultrasound. He then proceeded to say that I needed to be induced and that he would start the process by stripping my membranes. I was in such shock and panic that I couldn’t even comprehend what he was saying. For a first time mother with a history of anxiety problems, this put me over the edge. Since that date, I have had five appointments for fetal monitoring and two ultrasounds. It appears that the baby may be slightly behind in development (like 4-6 days). The first ultrasound at 37 1/2 weeks estimated the baby to be around 7 lbs and I am still waiting the results of the 2nd one. Luckily the procedure he performed did not put me into labor but just caused a lot of cramping and discomfort for a few days. With all the procedures and tests I have had performed during this pregnancy, this little girl has proven to be stubborn…so I am certain she will come whenever she wants to!
Thursday, August 30th was my last day of work before starting my maternity leave. It was a much anticipated day as work was getting harder and harder with my big belly. Actually the belly wasn’t the biggest limiting factor….it was my lack of energy that was prohibitive. I came into work that morning to find my operatory decorated in pink balloons and streamers. Terri had a friend of hers make cupcakes to celebrate after lunch at Sierra Vista. There were two flavors of cupcakes: lemon cheesecake and chocolate with raspberry. Of course, the lemon ones were my favorite!
My mom and all my sisters joined us for a lovely lunch. A number of patients brought gifts to me in the last few weeks of work. I’m so grateful to my work family who make times like this truly a celebration. They have all helped me through the last nine difficult months. They are the most supportive friends anyone could ask for.
Everyone including myself is anxious for this little girl’s arrival!
