Mark Your Calendars!!!

I'm so excited I can't hardly think straight...and yet I'm rating on line and writing a blog! The date has been set. Unless Running Bear decides to come on her own terms (and that's what we're praying for if you'd like to join us), I will be induced on Friday, April 17! Here's the story with all the details.

I had my my non-stress test and fluid ultrasound as usual. The baby was pretty quiet and her heart rate actually dropped a couple of times. But the technician came and "zapped" me with this little machine to get the baby moving. She also told me to think about something yummy that I hadn't had in a long time. That wasn't too hard! I immediately started dreaming about Andy's concrete with melted chocolate chips, and the baby started kicking! She's looking forward to some sweets too (So I gave her two oreos when I got home...don't worry...I counted the carbs and we're safe!) Dr. Stamps didn't seem too worried about the drop. He asked if she'd been active at home, and she has. So I guess I just need to keep watching her movement as I have been.

He checked me and said I was dilated past 1 but not quite to 2 and I was effaced 90%, which I thought was pretty amazing! I haven't been taking Primrose Oil this week. So that all happened naturally. He also said whatever he was feeling was bald despite the fact that the ultrasound last week indicated a head of hair! Maybe she has patches, or maybe he was feeling her face or something! I am at -2 station...0 station meaning she's engaged and ready to start coming out. That's pretty good too since anything less than -4 means she's floating still. So he made it sound like I could go into labor at any time and gave me some brief instructions if I did.

After all of this, Dr. Stamps said he wanted to see me again next week and we'd make some decisions then about inducing and what not. He said he preferred not to induce, but that we wouldn't go past my due date. I have a feeling I could have talked him into not inducing, as he asked me how my sugar levels were. Since they're good, I'm not on medication, and all the stress tests are good, there's really no reason to be induced. But Dr. Dix was insistent and Dr. Stamps is following suit. Despite the fact that I don't want to be induced, I couldn't help but get excited when he started looking at possible dates! Call me selfish, but I kind of want to see my baby!

So as he was wrapping up without anything concrete for me to go with, I asked him what I should tell my parents, explaining that they are in Maryland and we were trying to figure out when they should come, etc. He sat back down and started looking at his computer. Then he said, "What about Monday?"!!! He said that would give them time to get here over the weekend. Wasn't that thoughtful of him?! He's also on call on Monday...so it's also convenient for him! Anyway, I got SO excited and almost agreed! This Monday! But I calmed myself down and thought about it rationally.

Jay was hoping for a Friday so I could be in the hospital over the weekend and he could take vacation days while I'm home. So when he mentioned Friday, the 17th, I agreed. Besides the fact the 17th is closer to her due date and she'll be more prepared for the world! He will also be on call that weekend and said that should work because no one wanted to deliver their patients on Friday! In other words, there would be plenty of room because other doctors wouldn't be scheduling on that day for other inducements. Obviously it's convenient for him...but if we're picking a date, it's convenient for us too. So that's just fine with me! He said unless I heard otherwise, plan on the 17th! I'll still go in for my appointment next week to see where I'm at and get final instructions. I'm still really hoping and praying she comes on her own and will be doing whatever I can to make that happen, but I'm SO excited to have a final day and see the end in clear sight. Woo hoo!

Birth Preferences

Some of you were curious about my specific birth plan. So I thought I'd just post it here. I'm titling it "Birth Preferences" because I've heard enough birth stories to know that nothing ever goes completely according to plan! Therefore I'm flexible, but these are at least my hopes.

I might as well comment on how I'm feeling as well since that seems to be the most popular question of the moment. Here's my honest answer...I feel pretty crappy. I've been nauseous lately, very very tired, unbelievably heavy - sort of like a house on stilts, terribly sick of my diet and having to cook constantly, achy, and just generally miserable. That's all just been in the last few days and I don't expect it to get better, but hopefully all of these feelings are pointing towards this baby getting here very soon. And because of that, I'm dealing with it. So there you have it!

Birth Preferences - Sarah Sandidge

Due Date: 04/21/2009
Patient of Dr. Stamps

Pediatrician: Dr. Michael Hanks
Scheduled to deliver at Cox South

Dear Dr. Stamps and Staff:

I am looking forward to the birth of my daughter and know you will help me make it a successful experience. Following are my preferences for labor, delivery, and after birth. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I'd like to follow these items as closely as possible with the awareness that things don’t always go according to plan! I appreciate all of your hard work.

Sincerely,
Sarah Sandidge

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LABOR.

· I would like to be able to have fluids by mouth throughout the first stage of labor.

· I will be bringing my own music to play during labor.

· I would like the environment to be kept as quiet as possible.

· I would like the lights in the room to be kept low during my labor.

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LABOR AUGMENTATION/INDUCTION

· I do not wish to have the amniotic membrane ruptured artificially without my consent, please.

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ANESTHESIA/PAIN MEDICATION

· I would like to have a walking epidural (low dose).

· I would like to have the epidural once established in active labor, 4cm at the earliest, preferably at 5cm and even later if possible.

· I am a lightweight with medicine and would like to start with a low dose.

· I would like the catheter placed after the epidural takes affect.

· I would like the epidural eased when necessary to push.

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CESAREAN

· Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid a Cesarean.

· If a Cesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to be fully informed and to participate in the decision-making process.

· I would like Jay present at all times if the baby requires a Cesarean delivery.

· I wish to have an epidural for anesthesia

· If the baby is not in distress, the baby should be given to Jay or me immediately after birth.

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EPISIOTOMY

· I would prefer not to have an episiotomy unless absolutely required for the baby's safety.

· If possible, I would like to use perineal massage to help avoid the need for an episiotomy.

· I would like a local anesthetic to repair a tear or an episiotomy if I am not numb from an epidural.

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DELIVERY

· I would like to avoid using high stirrups and/or have my legs higher than necessary during delivery.

· I would like to have my epidural reduced so I can push.

· I would like to have the baby placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.

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IMMEDIATELY AFTER DELIVERY

· I would prefer that the umbilical cord stop pulsating before it is cut.

· I would like to hold the baby while I deliver the placenta and any tissue repairs are made.

· If the baby must be taken from me to receive medical treatment, Jay or some other person I designate will accompany the baby at all times unless there is a medical emergency where non-staff is prohibited.

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POSTPARTUM

· I would like a private room, if available.

· I would like to have the baby "room in" and be with me at all times.

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BREASTFEEDING

· I plan to breastfeed the baby and would like to begin nursing very shortly after birth.

· I do not wish to have any bottles given to the baby (including glucose water or plain water).

· I do not want the baby to be given a pacifier.

· I would like to meet with a Lactation Consultant.

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PHOTO/VIDEO

· I would like to take still photographs during labor and the birth.

· I would like to make a video recording of labor and/or the birth.

Brief Update

I had my final appointment with Dr. Dix today, the perinatologist. I also had another ultrasound. They measured the baby and said she was weighing in at 6 lbs. 10 oz.! So they're predicting that if I go the full three weeks, she'll be about 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 pounds at birth. The lady also said she had a full head of hair and very chubby cheeks! I'd already seen the cheeks, but it's funny to think of her with hair. I had an inch of jet black hair when I was born. So it looks like she's taking after me quite a bit so far. Everything looks good. Dr. Dix is happy with my sugar levels and was encouraging about being near the end. She also confirmed that I would not go past my due date, that she would tell Dr. Stamps, and that he would do what she told him to do!!! So that's that! Jay is hoping (and praying) that she'll come on the 10th so she can be a little Easter bunny...and so I'm in the hospital on Good Friday and over the weekend while he's off. There had to be a rational reason too! And that's about it for now. We'll keep you posted.

Here's a picture of me on my first day of life. Jay said I looked like a sumo wrestler! I only weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz. but I was chubby and had LOTS of hair! And below is a picture of our baby. I've posted it before, but you can compare the two pics.

The Beginning of the End...

37 weeks along:
Big news!!! I had a lovely doctor's appointment today (no sarcasm intended) and found out I am dilated 1 whole cm and "thinned out" 80%!!! Doesn't sound like much, right? But I am pretty darn excited since this means that the process has begun and it really truly won't be too much longer. Dr. Stamps said he was happy with this progress, especially being a first-timer. He said this meant that if I did have to be induced for some reason, (they won't let me go past April 21) that they would probably be able to give me a "gentle push" to get things moving and that being thinned out that much already typically meant an easier labor. SOUNDS GOOD TO ME!!!

I thought it was perfect timing that I received a box from my parents today with blankets and outfits that were mine when I was a baby, including the blanket I was taken home from the hospital wrapped up in. Everything is so sweet and I can't wait to use them with/on my little one.
I also discussed my birth preferences with my doctor today, expecting quite a bit of resistance, and found that he was pretty much fine with everything...except the episiotomy debate. But considering he was OK with everything else and we thoroughly discussed his opinion on this question, I felt like I shouldn't push him. The appointment was very light-hearted, much UNlike many of my other appointments, and I left feeling like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders...Jay said my uterus! He's so funny! Overall everything was very positive and I'm just so excited I can't hardly think straight! I suddenly feel the urge to get the house completely in order. I don't think it's the "nesting" phase, just the fact that I know she could come at any moment and I want the house to be clean and in order before she gets here. Jay? Where are you?

Picture commentary: Jay was VERY excited about putting all the baby gear together and immediately tore the stroller and car seat out of the boxes as soon as he saw them. Then he had to try them out of course. Mollie was a terrible candidate as she's a scared little mouse and jumped out immediately. Maggie, however, being the queen bee she thinks she is, sat quietly as if she was completely meant to be pushed around by a human!

Best Shower Ever!

Yes, that's right. I'm claiming that my baby shower was the best ever, which I feel free to do since I had absolutely nothing to do with it! My hostesses went above and beyond the call of duty and threw one heck of a party! My good friends Evie Stark and Carrie Jordan, my mom, and Pat (my mother-in-law) planned the whole event via e-mail since Evie lives in St. Louis and my mom in Maryland. The food was unbelievable and the decor was whimsical and lovely and matched the style and colors of the baby's room. The games were fun and entertaining, and of course, all the wonderful guests were the icing on the cake. I know Evie spent so much time working on the invitations...and correct directions!...and her decorating ideas, though not all coming to fruition, could have been featured in a magazine. I unfortunately didn't get a chance to talk to everyone as I was trying to scarf down the amazing food that I decided to indulge in for once, and then the present opening began! So I apologize to those I didn't get to speak with, but I appreciate everyone for coming. I felt very special and loved, and I'm so thankful that this baby is being born into such a large and loving "family." That means so much to Jay and me. We're so grateful for each and every one of you.

My parents stayed for the week following the shower to help me get organized and finish purchasing everything I'll need to start us off. All the baby paraphernalia is quite overwhelming, but I think we're at least ready for the first month or so! Four more weeks to go.

Well, here are some pictures from the shower. Most of these came from Janae's Hardy amazing talents...thanks, Janae! I'll post all of the pictures on facebook.

Baby at 35 weeks

I had another ultrasound yesterday. I guess I'll be having one every week until she gets here. They are mainly checking her size and that there's enough fluid around her. But since my mom was with me yesterday, the technician also took some time to show us her face and took a 3D picture. It was so amazing to see how much she has grown and how much she looks like a full-grown baby now. She definitely has my nose and cheeks! They look just like my first day baby picture! Here she is at 35 weeks, 5 pounds.

It looks like she's blowing smoke, but that's just her umbilical cord floating in front of her face. Everything looked healthy and on track. My stress test was just fine although she said I had a "contraction" while I was there which I had no knowledge of. I guess that's pretty normal at this stage. I had my Strep B test and they also drew some blood to check my white blood cell level, which was weird. I haven't had my blood drawn since our emergency on Christmas, but they're just now checking those levels again. They were a little high then and also at my initial blood draws. I'm not really sure what that means, but I guess I'll find out soon enough.

This blog is a little backwards as I had my shower on Saturday and should be writing about that first, but I don't have the pictures ready yet! My parents are still here and will be until Sunday. We're on a mission to get everything organized and prepared for the baby. It's been wonderful to have their help. Although their presence has made my diet and sugar levels go haywire and I need to boot camp it today to get back on track! I blamed my bad levels on them yesterday at the doctor's office! Well...it's the truth! But like I said, making the effort to get back on track today because I know I can and I'm planning to stay unmedicated!

I guess that's all for now. I'm feeling pretty good...just exhausted and big! I'll put some new pictures of my belly and the shower up soon. Toodle Loo!

The Tree

FINALLY!!! The tree is finished! Jay and I finished it last week. So now the only thing left to do in the baby's room is put a triangular shelf up under the tree/over the dresser in the corner. It will be made out of rustic wood to sort of fit in with the tree. Here are some photos of the finished product.