I had my 40-week appointment on Monday. My stubborn cervix hasn’t budged.
“You’re a tight 2 centimeters.”
“That’s a polite way of saying I’m still 1.5 centimeters, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Great. So, what can I do?:
So she “stripped the membrane” which is really just code for OMFG OUCH! She did this twice because the first time I instinctually backed away from her. You see, I didn’t want to kick her in the head. I really like my doctor and I was about to kick her in the head. So I backed away like a fat slug exposed to salt.
Y’all, that exam hurts. I know it’s not as painful as childbirth, but it hurts. Anyway, she went in for a second time because I asked her to. And I planted my hands at the end of the table near my ankles so I couldn’t move. The exam can, and often does, put a woman into labor. And while I did have contractions that night every hour from 1 AM until about 7:30 AM (among other stuff I won’t mention but other ladies probably know about), I didn’t go into labor. The contractions stopped first thing in the morning.
I’m still very pregnant and nothing is changing. Although, my hips ache more and more every day and my pelvis becomes more and more bruised. This kid is comfy, just like his brother was.
The good news is, my blood pressure is holding steady. That’s what forced me to be induced the first time around, a sudden spike in blood pressure. That’s not been the case this time. The baby is fine. I am fine, relatively speaking. So, I just wait. And I think I’m fine with that. I vowed to NOT be induced this time around and I’d like to stick to that plan. I want to go into labor this time. I want to let my body do its thing to some degree and then I’ll ask for the drugs and the epidural. :]
Culinary Leave
I am officially on leave from culinary school. This was a VERY difficult decision for me. But I realized that while I can still physically go, I am not getting what I should be getting out of it anymore. Couple the exhaustion with the shrinking brain and I felt like I was doing myself (as well as my teammates) a disservice when it comes to retaining any of the information. (Yeah, y’all. A pregnant woman’s brain actually shrinks during the 3rd trimester. And it doesn’t get back to normal for many months postpartum.)
So, I’m on leave for three months.
And my brain is smaller.
Huh? Whut?
The Crib!
We got a bassinet! Finally. It’s kind of a cross between a crib and a bassinet actually. But first I need to state that this post is NOT sponsored. I am not getting paid to write this. I genuinely think this crib is awesome. And I paid for it in lollipop sales.
Now that the caveat is out of the way, check this out. It’s called Alma Urban Crib. It even folds up for storage. It’s perfect for small apartments, and we have a small apartment. Check out how it folds up. Awesome, right?
This crib is the greatest thing ever. It ran us more than we wanted to pay, but it will definitely fit our lifestyle the best. We have a very small master bedroom and I want to keep Cujo next to me for the first few months. I’m going to try and breastfeed again, so I figured the closer to me the better. Also: I don’t want him to wake up Em. We figured keeping him with us would be best.
Here it is all set up.
I set it up yesterday hoping that maybe the easy workout would send me into labor. No such luck. Not even a contraction.
Here’s how it fits within our room.
We’re really happy with it. We’re hoping our son is too, you know, whenever he decides to join us.
Oh, and if any of my NY friends are reading this and need a crib in about 6 months, let me know. We will gladly gift it to you.
The Mom Dates.
Remember the mom dates I wrote about? I wrote a post about how my therapist suggested I find an in-person support network? Things are going smashingly well there. I have quadrupled my mom friends. I am so stoked about this. I have worked my ass off to put my insecurities aside and just be more open to things and people. And it’s paid off. I’m really looking forward to these new relationships. I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am of myself. I’m really grateful for these new women in my life.
The Weight Gain.
Y’all, I really could use my body back. I won’t lie. It’s getting really hard to get around. And I will never, ever let myself get this heavy ever again. It’s misery. As soon as I am physically able, I’m going for a jog. I’ve been dreaming about running for months now. I miss it so much. I miss being able to sleep on my stomach. And I miss being able to see my vagina.
I guess that’s it for now. If you want up-to-the-minute updates on laboring and whatnot, I highly suggest following me on Twitter. This is where we’ll likely be posting once things get going. Here’s TobyJoe’s Twitter account as well.
I love Twitter.
Best wishes for a speedy delivery and a healthy baby. The fat slug reference made me laugh. It was nice of you not to kick your OB in the head. Hope she appreciated your effort.
Too funny! I, too, missed being able to see my vagina when I was pregnant.
membranes stripped? you are a brave woman… my ob tried once and that was enough for me… TO MUCH.
Luckily I went into labor that night….
but that was 2 weeks past my due date.
The crib looks great!
Mr. Parker: It’s a Major Award!
Swede: Shucks, I wouldn’t know that. It looks like a lamp.
Mr. Parker: What is a lamp, you nincompoop? It’s a Major Award. I won it!
Swede: Damn, hell, you say won it?
Mr. Parker: Yeah, mind power, Swede; mind power.
Wishing you only the best and hopefully a chuckle that will get that kid moving to it’s new home.
I will not google “membranes stripped”. I mean I was tempted because I’m an insatiable learner, but yesterday I googled round ligament pain and that description made me a little icky!
Good for you sticking it out and sticking to your plan. I’ve had a lot of friends who were induced who had terrible labors and I’m convinced (I’d never breathe a word to them of course) that it’s because their body wasn’t ready yet.
Maybe you should make big expensive dinner plans? I hear babies find it hilarious to put the kibosh on those!
I love the new crib.
Sending all my good and positive vibes your way for an easy labor and delivery over the weekend so you’ll have the best Valentine’s Day present ever — getting to come home with your new bundle of joy.
Best wishes.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and will be checking twitter :)
Holy crap, that procedure is hurts like hell and then some.
Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
totally hear you on the ole membranes thing. my OB in NYC did it to me (still had to be induced a week later, also due to very high BP) but my midwife here was all, i can do it if you want. i was all, hell, no. she didn’t even check to see if i was dilated. love the midwives. anyways, i was induced with olivia as well, but it went great (successful VBAC) once they finally broke my water, which they gave me the option of not doing and going home. i was like, no, i will not be leaving here without a baby, thanks.
anyways, was hoping you’d gotten that bright lime colored crib but the dark gray looks fantastic.
don’t rush it, like one of your other commenters said. 42 weeks is still normal. would be so nice to go into labor on your own. good luck!!
Oh, how I coveted that crib in the Giggle catalog! I wanted orange. Alas, we went with a hand me down Arms Reach, which was great but you know, less stylish. I bet you can get more than six months out of that thing!
So so happy for you about the mom dates! Having an existing network in place has made it so much easier (and more fun!) with #2!
Finally, not getting induced with #2 made all the difference for me–better labor, better recovery, etc. Just some words of encouragement to keep you going! But if you DO decide to/have to be induced I bet it will go really fast anyway since it’s your second. Can’t wait to hear the news! :-)
My midwives called sweeping the membranes, the stretch and sweep, which I lovingly refer to as the Stab and Scrape. Very unpleasant and definitely worth a kick in the teeth to any doctor or midwife who dares attempt it.
Ack! The membrane stripping. So very, very awful. I’m sorry.
My OB did that with Grace. She’s lucky I didn’t kick her, too.
Following you on twitter. Can’t wait to meet the tiniest Boudreaux!
I actually cried when my OB stripped my membrane when I was overdue with Evan! It was TERRIBLE. I still had to be induced a week later so all that pain was for nothing! I made my husband take me out for lunch after that torture.
I’m (not so) secretly thankful I didn’t have to do that for my 2nd pregnancy. Scheduled c-section FTW!
I love that you have the leg lamp in your bedroom window. I can just imagine someone across town looking out their window for a view of Brooklyn and wondering “is that what I think it is?” :)
just like to say ouch… i had my membranes stripped twice with Grey… the second time was by a doctor that didn’t fit the gloves the hospital had… ya that big. he delivered Grey too. so ya i know your pain.
as for the crib it is so cute! and i love how ironically it’s blocking the guitar:) babies always seem to block some of our “adult” enjoyment:)
and just for sh*ts and giggles, go try and shave your invisible vagina:) it’s fun and then you get to look in the mirror and see how awful a job you did:)
Not yet?????
OK — time to bring out the heavy artillery for bringing home baby.
While your hubby is at work and your son is down for his afternoon nap, go get out your trusty old vibrator and get some orgasms rolling.
Works like a charm every time, I guarantee you.
Oh boy. I follow you on Twitter, and I’m often saying to myself “wow.. shes still going strong!” I hope the little booger comes soon, for his sake and yours. :)