You know those adorable quotations you find for the nursery when you're having your first child? Things like, first we had each other. Then we had you. Now we have everything.
Well, when you're cooking human #4, which actually ends up #5 because of adoption, those adorable little sayings aren't quite as endearing. Or little:
First we had each other. Then we had Leah. Then we had Logan. Then we had Livvy. Then we had Jake. Then we had you. Now we have everything. And we're really, really tired.
Despite the fact that it is March - hardly after St. Patrick's Day, no less - the view from my window is lovely. The grass is turning green in our yard, and delicate little blossoms are emerging on all the branches. As I type this, it's nearly 80 degrees. The winter world is bursting into new life.
At 36 weeks, bursting is one of my favorite words.
It's just so descriptive. And appropriate!
My husband came home earlier this week. Can I just tell you? The level of relief was pretty incredible. Literally palpable. I could feel the tension drain away - whatever happens now, it's okay.
We celebrated his homecoming with a day of baby-oriented fun. First a trip to buy a handful of pairs of new cloth diapers, then a tour of our new hospital, lunch, and last but not least, my 35 week doctors appointment. The best part? My mom had the kids, so we got to do all of those things just the two of us. It was glorious.
The purpose of the appointment was to determine if I was in better shape physically, and if I could officially resume some-what normal activities. And, because I was measuring so far ahead at my last appointment, they also wanted to do an ultrasound to check his size.
It was a great appointment. I am looking much better physically, and was cleared from bed rest. I'm dilated, which at 35.5 weeks is not as concerning as it was at 33. And the best part?
We got to see an amazing, clear picture of our sweet little man. Isn't he incredible?! Look at that precious little face!
But. (Isn't that just the way? Always that unfortunate but...)
But, at 35 weeks, he is measuring big.
His head? It's literally off the charts, measuring larger than 99th percentile at 41 weeks instead of 35. If that wasn't enough, they got clear measurements and estimate that he is 7.8lbs. That's as big is a Logan on birthday! As I'm writing this today, baby boy is probably flirting with the 8lb mark.
And if I manage to make it to my due date, they estimate he'll be somewhere between 9 and a half and ten pounds.
Whew. So, that was interesting news to digest!
Based on his gestational size (not gestational age - the doctor won't change my official due date), the sonographer estimates my due date at 3-26.
I have to admit that, despite the potential challenges, I'm actually incredibly relieved. I have been saying for literally months that nothing I'm feeling seems normal; I feel like I'm way ahead of where I should be. The entire medical profession has reassured me that this is normal for a fourth pregnancy (which is just harder - they insist!).
Casey was supposed to have a trip the last week of March, a trip I adamantly suggested he find a replacement on, because I've been convinced for several weeks that the baby is coming either the last week of March or very early April. That lines up perfectly with where he is measuring. Score one for mother's intuition!
So even though we have been worried for the last three weeks that he might make an early appearance, the new concern is that he may actually be too big to make it out that way at all. The doctor already talked to me about scheduling a c-section, something she would most likely like to do at 39 weeks. Particularly since I'm only "battle tested" to the size he was earlier this week.
The reality is that we'll get where we get. I have peace that I'll know the next steps when they are upon us. I know for a fact that I can't control what comes next; I'm still doing all my daily exercises to try and give him his best shot... but I've been through this exact emotion four times now. All I can do is trust. One way or another, in less than a month I'll get to snuggle that potentially giant baby boy, and plant kisses on his adorable chubby cheeks. None of this uncertainty will matter once that happens. And I cannot wait.
That's the blessing here. The one I'm holding out for, in whatever form it comes. Because on that day? We will truly have everything.
No comments:
Post a Comment