Easter Eve

Just a quick (okay, it probably won't be that quick) Easter Eve post...

Baby girl is still in my belly.  

Muffin tried to pack herself in our bag earlier this week.

Hey, if the hospital allowed pets, surely, she'd be coming along.  Who needs an epidural when you have a Muffin?!




 Monday, we went for our non-stress test.  I hadn't eaten much yet that day
so they had me drink an apple juice.  Baby loved it.  And moved all around like a crazy circus monkey.  Though, she was rather ticked off at the loud sound of the monitors on my belly.  Her heart rate was all over the place (which is a good thing, because it means she's a mover and shaker).  She passed with flying colors.  And even managed to scare the crap out of Steve and I when she "hid" from the monitor and we lost her heartbeat for a second.
 Tuesday, we went for our fluid check.  We got to see a bit of baby, though she was mega squished in there.  Still, we saw her head, her heartbeat thumping away and even an eye socket.
Her fluid checked out great.

As far as progress...
When my doctor checked me on Monday, I was still 70% effaced and 1 centimeter dilated.
She shook her head and prescribed us some interesting "homework" to help dilate my cervix.  (Sorry, no photos...and no, it didn't work).

Lunch with smiley, handsome man, Daxon and his mama! 

Our last lunch together before baby girl joins us. <3 

One of our last dinners as just the two of us.

We received a sweet surprise from my friend, Nicole this week - a bunch of awesome kitty books for baby girl!!  We can't wait to read them to little miss.  The illustrations are so fun and pretty!

Muffin jumped right on the rocking chair and requested I read them to her tonight.

Thank you so much, Nicole!! <3

Muffin totally senses something is up! 

Thursday, we had another non-stress test.  Baby passed instantly.

And after getting checked....

I was STILL 70% effaced and 1 centimeter dilated. 

Whatcha gonna do...

I wasn't that surprised at all.  Either was Steve.  I didn't really feel any different.

Our doctor sat and talked with us about the next steps. 

The instructions are, that if I don't go into labor on my own by Easter night, then we begin induction.

It could be a long process if my cervix requires some "help" before induction.  But let's face it, it could be long even if it doesn't.  Maybe baby will shoot right out. ;)  Ya just never know.

I left the appointment and cried for a bit.  I needed to just have a few tears about the whole process.  It wasn't being induced that bothered me...more so, the extra drugs that may be introduced.  But I love and trust our doctor and know she has our (and baby's) best interest.  

She left us with the words that it is wonderful that baby and I have remained super healthy throughout this whole pregnancy.  And told us that we are going to be great.  And she's right...I am so very, very thankful for that. 

 Isn't it funny how it took so long to get baby "in there" and now...

Now, she doesn't want to get out of there. 

<3

These past 41 weeks have been so insanely rewarding.

They have been the most beautiful 41 weeks of our lives.

A part of me is going to miss baby's kicks and hiccups and dance moves.

I'm going to miss hearing the breathtaking sound of life growing inside of me.

But, I know, that within the next few days, I will be holding our daughter and feeling a new kind of love...one that is indescribable (until that moment comes).

Baby girl's strong and steady heartbeat on Thursday <3

To all of my sweet and beautiful friends...

Thank you so much...for your amazing and constant love and support.  I can't thank you all enough for the encouraging words and thoughts you've sent our way these past years.  

So many of you have taught me so much about life and love and what beauty can come from opening yourself up to the world.

Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.

It has been one hell of a ride.

One hell of a "country song."

And I can't wait to return...

I know my next post will be just the beginning of a new, exhilarating chapter.

 And the "song" I'll be singing...it will be the most beautiful one yet.

Wishing everyone a happy and blessed Easter. <3

I'll be seeing ya soon.  

I'm gonna guess baby will be here by sometime Monday or Tuesday.

<3

So Much Lovin',