May 17, 2009--37 weeks

Today I am officially considered full term. I am very thankful that I have made it this far and we will not have to worry about having a premature baby. This week has been eventful. On Tuesday, I went to my normal doctor's appointment for the non-stress test, Strep B test, and all of the other regular checks. After 30 minutes of monitoring the baby's heart rate, the doctor was uncertain about the results. She noticed that the test showed that his heart rate had dropped a few times. She wasn't sure if this was him moving and kicking the monitor off his heart, which would make it pick up my lower heart rate, or if it was his heart rate dropping. Just to make sure, she felt it was necessary to send me to the hospital for a two hour long non-stress test, where they would monitor his heart rate for two hours, making sure it did not drop below a safe level. I was a little concerned but the doctor assured me that she really didn't think there was anything to worry about, she just wanted to be 100% sure he was fine. I definitely supported that.

I called Blake, met him at his work and we drove to the hospital. We both stayed pretty calm as we checked into labor and delivery. It was surreal to be checking in with three other ladies who would be having their babies that day. We got to my room and reality hit when I was asked to get into the gown and lay in the bed. I realized that if this test didn't go well, I would probably be having an emergency C-section. Thankfully, our little guy performed well. He started moving like crazy and was extremely responsive. The nurses were thrilled. They told me that I even had a few contractions while I was there. I didn't feel anything but saw them on the monitor. Also, while I was there, because of my high blood pressure, they ran some blood tests and did an ultrasound. The doctor said that the baby got an A+ for the day. We were SO excited to go home. We joked that maybe God knew we needed a trial run.

My Friday appointment went great also. Next week they will measure him again to get a weight estimate. At this point, every "boring" appointment is appreciated.

Blake and I enjoyed a "date night" Friday and last night went to a cookout with friends. It is really weird to not know at all when our little boy will decide to come. We are trying to keep things around the house ready for anytime now. This next week is my final week of work. It is hard to believe I won't be going back in the fall. I am sure I will be plenty busy but I will still miss the people I work with and the students. It may seem crazy to most of you, but I truly love teaching 6th graders. Eventually, I will probably go back. Who knows what life has ahead. I do know that Blake and I are about to start the most important job of our lives.

Here is my most recent belly picture. I feel well but have been more and more tired. Going to the gym took a lot more effort by the end of last week. I may just be enjoying some neighborhood walks these last couple weeks. I don't think Duncan will mind.