The Countdown Has Begun

Where do I begin? So much has been going on!

I'll start with December 20th. David and I drove to Waco (actually Lorena) for the Rainer family Christmas- my exes' family. Emma had gone up Saturday morning with her grandparents as it is a two-day deal. The afternoon went well, but on our way home I was so uncomfortable. I couldn't lay or sit or sleep, nothing was helping. My back was hurting, but my legs also felt funky. We got home and I just tried to take it easy that evening. Without getting too graphic, I lost my mucous plug over the course of that evening and the next morning. That doesn't account for the discomfort but was definitely eye-opening for me since I didn't notice it with my first pregnancy.

All day Monday and Tuesday the back pain continued- way more intense than previously during the pregnancy. I just thought it was due to the many things I was trying to get done before Christmas. Sitting on the floor wrapping presents, working all day, last minute shopping trips, etc. Since I had a Dr's appointment on Wednesday I was trying to hold out until then. I've had back pain sporadically throughout the pregnancy, but not like this, this was painful. Wednesday morning I decided to call my Dr's office and tell them about the mucous plug and the back pain. My fear was pre-term labor. The nurse suggested I come in ASAP instead of waiting for my 4PM appointment. I called David in tears, scared and overwhelmed (he was home with Emma since RLS was closed for the holidays) and told him they needed to come pick me up, that we were going to the Dr. right then. My ex MIL works directly behind MPT so we dropped Emma off at her office since the Dr. was going to 'check me' and that might freak Emma out.

My Dr. was off for the holidays but we already knew this. We saw Dr. Bushart. My weight was the same and blood pressure was excellent. Though he was intrigued by the fact that I had lost my mucous plug, I wasn't dilated yet. It sounds like that's just around the corner though. My back pain is in direct correlation with how I'm carrying Cody- very low. He showed David some tricks to help relieve the pain and suggested I take it easy as much as possible. I really appreciated the fact that he took the time to look up my history- he said that since Emma was full term, it's very unlikely Cody would come too early. But, he also pointed out that anytime after I'm 34 weeks, if labor begins they wouldn't try to stop it. At this point it is more dangerous for the baby to try to stop labor than just having him come early. What an eye-opener.

We don't have the nursery done yet. It's making me crazy, but seriously we haven't had the time. It's cleaned up, but we have to get rid of my computer, computer desk and move the double bed into the garage before we can paint. I'm very excited and proud of the plan we've come up with. It'll be so cute!

Sunday night David and I watched Kendra's Baby Story. David actually watched with me and was in awe that that will be us in just a few weeks! We have a lot to do, but know it will all get done. After the first of the year, I'll start packing the hospital bag. This weekend we're painting and who knows after that. I've got to get the carseat ready, clothes washed, not to mention mentally prepare. I'm really anxious to see his sweet face and hold him, but I'm also still pretty overwhelmed by the thought of being a mother of two, family of four. Ahhh! Things are definitely going to change and I know we'll find our way, just so much to think about. David is absolutely beside himself- he seriously cannot wait. I love, love, LOVE sharing this with him. He's been so awesome. I know people who don't know what true love is or haven't gotten to experience it- David's love for me, Emma and our family is true love and I hope he feels as loved as I do! Sacrifice, emotional connections, great communication- and I'm so thankful for our closeness. It's cliche', but he's my best friend. The last few months have just seemed like our relationship and marriage are complete, like our family will be complete. I don't think we could be any happier.

I have a Dr's appointment next week and the final ultrasound the week after that so staytuned for updates!