38 Weeks

Today was my 38 week appointment. Another week down and only one more to go. It's making me a bit sad, but as my sis said..."There's nothing better than holding your little one." And yes she's right and we are soo excited to meet her.
Dr. Hall is out of the office for the rest of the week so the only appointment time I could get in was 245pm. After Ry got out of school, we made lunch and headed to do a couple errands before my appointment. First, was Home Depot to buy a locking door knob to lock out sneaky fingers from the treats in our storage. Second, was Target to get milk bags, nursing pads, and nursing cream. I noticed the other day that I had none of the above and with only a week left, it's important to have them on hand.
We got to the clinic just in time. I had a talk with the girls about no drama, no fighting, no screaming, no crying, etc. We sat down and they really listened to what I said. They were very well-behaved. We were called back in 5 min. The nurse took my weight...no change. Then time for my blood pressure...134/70. Still a little high, but Dr. Hall was still not worried. Then for my urine test...only a trace of protein. Everything was looking great.
After we waited about 15 min. Dr. Hall came in to our room. He measured my belly and checked Kodee's heartbeat. All perfect! Then he felt around my pelvic region and yes she is still resting low...and I feel it everytime I move! Then he asked if I wanted to be checked to see how dilated I was. I said No, cause I figured I am going in to be induced next week so it doesn't matter to me how far I am dilated right now. Also, I needed to get home before Rhett got home from school.
He next called the hospital to schedule my induction again. Apparently when he checked my chart, he had the notes of me being induced next Fri. But when he double-checked with the hospital, it wasn't in their system. So now I am officially scheduled, twice, LOL!
After we were done, I asked to get a pic with him and the girls. I noticed with all the kiddos births, I never once took a pic of the wonderful Dr. Hall who had delivered all them. He was more than happy to take both girls in his arms and pose for a quick pic. I swear I have the most patient Dr. He even asked if I could please send him a copy. Not many Doctors act like they have all the time in the world to make you feel as though you are their only patient. Well Dr. Hall does and I am so lucky and happy he's my Dr.
I go back in one week for my final check-up...yep the final one!!! Man, the first of my pregnancy seemed to drag a bit, but these past few months have flown by FAST! It's amazing it's all coming to an end, but we are anxiously looking forward to be able to hold her in our arms and love her. Also we are excited to see which of the girls she'll look like and if she'll have lots of hair like they did...

Us girls with the best Dr. around...38 Weeks Along

37 Weeks

Today was my appointment, already. I was glad to be seen because I have been in some pain the past couple of days and I wanted to see if I had progressed at all.
Yesterday me and J decided to do a big de-clutter...well really I decided to do it and J offered to help me! We got rid of 3 garbage bags full of stuff. J said he loves my nesting because surprisingly I'm not that sentimental with the "stuff." I have been able to throw a ton away. But by the end of the day, I could barely move; Kodee felt sooo heavy and my back really hurt. I tossed and turned all night, never being able to find a comfortable spot.
This morning when Ry got out of school, I picked her up and us girls went to my appointment. We checked in and waited in the waiting room. While we waited, the girls sat on each side of the big fish tank. When Kenna got out of her chair, Ry thought she needed to hurry and get in her chair. Of course that caused a big screaming match until Ry knocked Kenna headfirst into the corner of the fish tank. Then it became a crying match, with Kenna getting the worst of it. She had blood dripping down her eye! I hurried and got my first aid kit out of my purse and bandaged her up. Ry of course kept crying about the little scratch she had on her hand. Sheesh! Talk about drama!
Thankfully the nurse came right then and took us back, as she laughed about our commotion. A day in the life of little girls I guess. I am pretty used to it. She took my weight...I lost 1 pound. Then she took my blood pressure...120/86. It came down a bit but still a little elevated. Then I took a urine test...still only a trace of protein. So good news all around.
We waited in the room for Dr. Hall to come in. The girls were a little drama, but for the most part ok. When he finally came in, he had asked how I was feeling. It took me a min. to climb on to the table to lay down. He listened to Kodee's heartbeat and it sounded perfect. Then he measured my belly and he said, "Wow, she's dropped! Have you noticed?" I said, "Oh yeah. The past 2 days." I knew I wasn't being too whiny and there was a reason I could barely move. Made perfect sense to me.
So then he asked if I am partial to being induced. I just chuckled and said, "Of course. Are you kidding?" I always thought in the beginning with this being our last pregnancy, I'd want to carry her as long as possible...even if she was weeks late. Now, I am all about having her come as soon as possible.
Dr. Hall said my due date was May 12. So he said, "How about if we induce you on the 10th?" I said, "How about earlier?" He said, "The 7th?" I said, "Can we go earlier?" He said, "The 5th?" I said, "I don't want a Cinco de Mayo baby. Can I go on the 4th?" He said, "Sure thing!" Man I love my Dr. and I love I won the bargaining!!! My Group B culture test from last week came back positive so I will be on antibiotics for that. He called up the hospital right away and scheduled me for Friday, May 4th at 715am. I am all set up. I do go back in for another appointment in 1 week, but he did say with her dropping already it can be anytime from now until then.
On my way home, I was super excited that I have a date all set for her birth. But then I got a bit sad realizing that's only 2 weeks away! It's surreal to think she'll be here that soon. I have a lot to do...her crib, clothes, diapers. I haven't got anything ready for her to come. This pregnancy really flied and I sometimes wish I could go back a few months and have more time feeling her hiccups and kicking and rolling around. It's definitely bittersweet but on the other hand, we are all excited to meet her and wonder who she'll look like.

36 Weeks

Yesterday was my 36 week appointment. I know I say this every week, but I really can't believe how fast these weeks are going.
Since J was at work and Rhett and Ry were in school, it was just me and Kenna. When we got to the office, we had to wait about 7 min to check in. While we waited, Kenna just stood right next to my leg the whole time. She didn't cry, whine, or try to run around. I was so impressed.
As soon as I got checked in, we sat down just to be called right back. I didn't mind though, after the long wait from last week. She took my weight...I stayed the same. Then came my blood pressure...136/84. Then I had to give a urine sample.
We went back to the room and waited for Dr. Hall to come in. When he came in, he first checked Kodee's heartbeat. Just before he was about to put the monitor on my stomach, Kodee kicked so hard. It scared both of us. He said, "Wow, she is really feisty." I just thought, "Yep, that's my girl!" And her heartbeat of course was steady and strong!
Since I am 36 weeks, it was also time to do a culture test for the B-Strepp. As he took my culture, he checked to see if I was dilated. I am a little bit, but not yet a 1. So everything looks great and progressing nicely. Despite the contractions I've had the past week, it looks like she's nice and comfy waiting inside a little longer.
He checked my urine test and the level of protein has dropped to just a trace, though my blood pressure elevated a bit more again this week. He said he's not at all worried about it. He said I'm healthy and we'll keep an eye on it. I just have to take it easy which is mostly what I do because I am getting to that point where sitting, sleeping, standing, etc is uncomfortable. But of course, the discomfort is all worth it. Guess we'll see how things go next week at my appt. which I know will fastly approach before I know it!

During the Easter Egg Hunt...Almost 36 Weeks Along

Easter

This last weekend was Easter and it was fun to celebrate and make Kodee a part of it...as much as we could.
First, last night we decorated eggs with the kiddos and they insisted I make one for Kodee! I thought it was so cute they already care so much for her.

































Second, today when the Easter bunny delivered the kiddos baskets, they were really upset he forgot about Kodee. I told them when she gets out of my belly, then she'll get a basket!
I also had some pretty hard contractions today. During one of them, I couldn't even walk. Luckily they did subside while we did the egg hunt at Dawn's house. It was fun to see all the kiddos get so excited, and weird for me to think in 1 year, Kodee will be joining in on the fun.

35 Weeks

Can you believe it....? Me either. Another 2 weeks have flown by once again. She'll be here in no time! The last 2 weeks have been pretty good. Kodee has had a lot of hiccups and continues to kick and move around hard at night. Therefore, I haven't had much sleep, but I know it's just getting me prepared for those first few weeks of sleepless nights.
A plus these last 2 weeks, is I have been able to feel a bit more energetic. Even yesterday the whole family, minus Dad and Kyle (cause they were working), took the Frontrunner down to SLC. We all took the kiddos to the Church's Museum to have them play at the new interactive scripture exhibit. Then we headed over to City Creek to see the new development. It was a lot of walking, running, and hauling strollers and kiddos and I was really glad to have J's help.
Today was my 35 week appointment and it's also spring break for the kiddos. J had the day off, but he was giving plasma and got home right as me and the kiddos were leaving. He decided to stay and take a little nap. When we got to the office, we checked in and were told Dr. Hall was running behind so we'd have a longer wait. I just thought how ironic cause I have all 3 kids with me. But surprisingly, they were amazing and quiet for the whole 45 minute wait. The waiting room was packed, so Rhett sat with me, Ry colored on the floor and Kenna sat in her own chair eating fruit loops and water.
When they finally called us back, they took my weight. I gained 1/2 pound. Then it was time for my blood pressure, 124/88. I left Rhett and Kenna in the room so I could do my urine sample. Ry said she wanted to go with me, but as soon as we got in the hall she fought with me which bathroom to go to. She is so demanding, but I didn't let her win. She sat in the hallway pouting while I went to the bathroom. My dr. just laughed and sat with her while I went. When we got back in the room, I put Ry in the chair for a time-out for not obeying. When my dr. came in, he saw her crying and said, "No sad kids in my office." Rhett then said, "She's in trouble for not listening." My dr. said he was so proud of me for taking action. I didn't think anything of it, but I guess it's a great compliment I used discipline when many others won't.
The kids said they wanted to see baby Kodee, so my dr. took us to the ultrasound room. He had me lay down and put the jelly on my tummy. The kids were so astonished, and said it looked like mustard! Then we got to see Kodee. He started with her head which is down in my pelvic region....and it looked huge magnified. Then he moved up to the left side of my stomach where her bum is and still confirmed it's a girl. Then he headed over to the right side where her knees, legs, and feet were. He pointed out her spine, perfect little hands, and toes. Then lastly he focused on her heartbeat and Rhett thought that was the coolest thing. He said she looks great and is right on track with her growing...about 4 pounds!
The visit did take a lot longer this time, but being able to see Kodee again makes it all worth it. Especially when the kiddos get so excited to see her and be a part of it. I am due back in the office in one week. Yup, down to weekly visits. I will be doing my culture next week, already! Where does the time go?

The day after my appointment, Dr. Hall called me with an update. He said my blood pressure had elevated a bit and they found protein in my urine again. I guess it's 2 signs toxemia may set in. He has asked me to be on bedrest again through the weekend until I go back in to be re-checked. This may be hard with my hubby working a lot of hours because Easter is on Sunday. I'll do my best, but I have to make sure my kiddos have a fun holiday....dying eggs, making jello eggs, wearing cute clothes, finding Easter baskets, and having an egg hunt!

On the Frontrunner...35 Weeks Along