Day 4: Planning for uncertain days

Basically every meal from here on out is something that can wait if Adara decides to come and I don't get a chance to make it. Next week I planned meals like breakfast for dinner, pasta, and pigs in a blanket-all things that can sit in the fridge, freezer, or cabinet and won't go bad for a few days. Also, they are all super-easy to prepare. Our freezer is full of food for when she comes, but I'm trying to not use any of those meals/pieces of meals until Adara is born. If she isn't here before Thanksgiving, I've just planned leftovers and freezer food for next Friday and Saturday. I hope she's here by then!

I've had a continual challenge: "How much do you really trust Me (God)?" He's got it all under control, and I have absolutely nothing to worry about!

How I'm feeling today: I'm actually feeling great today! Last night after showering and blow-drying my hair, I slept better than I had in a while! I still had sore hips and had to get up a couple of times, but I slept really well in between the ups and downs. Usually I wake up ready to go back to sleep, but I have way more energy today. I'm really glad, because I need to get one more grocery shopping trip in. Then I will feel all set for her to come!

Day 5: Trusting God's timing

So we decided that we are not going to schedule an induction. We didn't have God's peace about inducing. We've been trusting God with this whole pregnancy, and we are going to trust Him with the delivery. He knows the perfect time for Adara to come.

I'm still going to be stretching, exercising, and yoga ball-ing. I'm still going to talk her her daily and tell her how incredibly excited we are for her to come.


Last night I think we tried almost everything under "natural induction" other than things like castor oil and herbs. Rolling over during the night=cramps and feeling uncomfortable, but no contractions yet. That okay-God has a reason for everything. At some point we decided that the best time for her to come would be sometime Friday or Saturday. It would give both Alex and my mom the perfect window for time off, since Thanksgiving is next week. We'll see if that is what God has on His timetable too!

My next doctor's appointment is on Tuesday, November 20th-the day after her due date. I hope and pray that she comes by/before then, so that we don't need to revisit induction. Please pray with us!

Day 6: Hopefully my last doctor's appointment

Blood pressure, weight, urine sample, and baby's heartbeat are all great. Tiny bit of swelling. I told the doctor I haven't been checking my blood sugars this week since they were fine before and I haven't been feeling bad. She wasn't worried. The doctor measured me and then felt for where the baby is positioned: head down and but "way up there." I did let her check me this week-I was super curious! She said that the baby's head is right where it is supposed to be, that I'm about 3 cm and 80% effaced. She said something about my cervix being ripe or ready.She didn't say anything about stripping my membranes, so I'm glad that's a discussion I didn't have to have.

She then said I have two options: I can go ahead and schedule an induction for Friday or Saturday-Saturday being the best day for her, or I can wait to go into labor naturally. She said that if I haven't gone into labor naturally in a week when I come in for another appointment, then we will schedule an induction. I said I think I want to just wait for now, and she said that's fine. She said that I will probably go into labor naturally.

But it's so temping to call the office back and say I've changed my mind-that I do want to be induced by Saturday if I haven't had her yet. The timing would be perfect, and it would be a relief to know that we'll have our baby girl by sometime this weekend.

So right now we're praying and praying and doing more research and praying. We want to do God's will in everything, and we want His peace in every situation. He's taken such amazing care of us so far. I know people who have been induced and still have healthy babies. The planning and scheduling me loves the idea of a deadline and knowing when to be ready. But I don't want it to be my selfish decision. 

So if y'all would just pray for us, that would be great. Comments are fine, but please be nice.

Day 7: Week 39 Photo

Week 39

Exactly one week left until my due date! So far no sign on contractions or anything else that might indicate labor. I have a breastfeeding class at the hospital tonight, so I'm glad Adara's waited to come so that I can learn more about feeding her. If I started having contractions sometime tonight after the class, I wouldn't be complaining....

Day 8: Ready to drive her home

We installed Adara's car seat today. And by "we" I mean Alex put it in and showed me how to snap it in and out. I now realize that I need to read the manual so that I know how to adjust the straps and all that. I'm so excited to use it!!

Day 9: Another day down

Less than 10 days! So that's exciting. No contractions or anything yet. I have a breastfeeding class Monday night, and my last doctor's appointment on Tuesday morning. If I'm not in labor by that appointment, I suppose it will be a pretty short one. I keep telling myself that it's okay to be a little stubborn and avoid any kind of medical intervention-I have a healthy baby, and God's timing is perfect. She will come at the right time for her, and I don't need to try to rush that.


Still, I am so incredibly excited for her to come, and feel ready for her to come at any time :)

Day 10: The Final Countdown

It's the final ten days before Adara's due date! In no particular order, here are 10 reasons why I'm excited for her to be born:

1. I'll get to see what she looks like.
2. I'll get to sleep on my stomach/back if I feel like it.
3. Alex will take time off work just to be home with me and Adara.
4. I will have the experience of birthing a child.
5. We will get to dress her in her super cute clothes.
6. After holding her for nine months, others will get a turn to hold her.
7. Baby cuddles.
8. I'm ready for my belly to feel less like a watermelon-even if it takes a while to be more normal.
9. Baby photo shoot with Bethany.
10. Adara will be the center of attention.



What are some other reasons to look forward to the birth of our child? Help me build up even more excitement for her coming!