I made it this far, today was my last day at work

I'm entering my 39th week, and completed my last day at work today. As of tomorrow, I'm officially on my maternity leave and left to wait, wait, wait....

At 37 weeks and 6 days, I got induced in my first pregnancy. Now that I've gone farther than that without any sign or need for "forced labor" (hehehe), my body is ACHING to give birth already!! I feel so helpless...... I want to do so much cleaning and take care of my toddler while he's still the only child, but my body just can not do it! We really want to meet our baby girl now!! And since it's out already, her name is going to be Aubrey Artemis. Look it up :) I chose the name Aubrey because I simply love the name, and her daddy chose Artemis because it has a great meaning.

My colleagues at work threw me another shower today, these people are wonderful.

I am now just waiting for the day to come. Yes, I'm anxious about the pains of labor which I did not experience last time, being drugged out and all from being induced. I am hoping that I do get induced again, but I guess I'll have to do this naturally if there is no reason for it. I have my weekly check up again tomorrow, let's see what doctor says if I've dilated more since last week. I actually haven't seen anymore discharges since Thanksgiving when what seems to be my mucous plug passed.

Wait, wait, wait.

mucus plug

This Thanksgiving morning I noticed a glob of mucous plug on my tp. It was brown.
In my first pregnancy, I didn't make it to 38 weeks since doctor had me induced at 37 weeks and 6 days. I never really went through the normal labor process so things here on are all new to me.

I had my weekly checkup yesterday with a different doctor because my regular is out on vacation for 3 weeks! So he won't be here on my due date but it's ok. I'm told that I've dilated a little over 1 cm, not quite 2. Doctor didn't mention any need to induce so I don't expect that it will happen this time around. But I wish I could get induced, that made the birthing process easier on me.

I'm counting on not giving birth until after next week because I still have work for 2 days. This long holiday I would like to take it easy and spend a little more quality time with my 20-month old because pretty soon he'll see his new baby sister that I'll be spending a lot of time with.

Wish me luck that I can atleast make it through today!

New house... labor is anytime now?

We just moved to our new house last week, and as of today I'm 3 weeks before my duedate. So much unpacking to do, and no physical power to do it. Our toddler has been staying with grandparents during this transition and it's making me sad we can't spend these last few days together before we have a new addition.

I see my OB now every week. Today's appointment: no dilation, he felt baby's head position, and everything else is good otherwise. Bad news? He'll be on vacation for the next 3 weeks! I don't think he'll be around to deliver my babygirl.

I have a lot to do so I'll keep this short for now.

A short but sweet dream

I haven't had much dreams at all about my baby girl. A few days ago, I finally had my second one, yet it was again very short. This time I got to see her face, and hold her, and cuddle her. In fact, all of us were cuddling, that was the bulk of the dream! Very nice. I'm about 2 months away from birth, and it's not getting any easier! I still can't sleep right. My legs ache, my hips numb, my bladder gets full! This whole week I've had the wonderful pleasure of getting to bed earlier than normal (11pm to midnight). I really can't get a full 8 hours of sleep even if I wanted -- being in bed for more than hours already pains me. My contractions are getting more annoying. They're hard and often. I have no expectations for my labor, but I do hold to the hope that it'll be as easy as my first birth. Wish me luck. 

My toddler has a favorite commercial (or two)

Gerard seems like to the Progressive commercials that run so very often on TV. When he's in the kitchen, he'll run to the living room as soon as he hears it. We think he has a crush on Flo. He's also very much into the real estate/house/design shows that we tend to watch. And anything that has cars in it. I can't ever get to sit him longer than he does watching these when I try to put on a show for his age. Not to worry, he doesn't really watch much TV. :) 

We Will Be Four

Howdy.

The year has breezed through without an update from us. We've been busy, so very busy. We are nearing the birth of our second child, a baby girl. We are also closing on a house now. 

Our "baby" Gerard is now a full-fledged toddler. He's currently starting his terrible twos, at 18 months old. We love the little guy so much, but he drives us crazy!!! 

We're slowly starting to pack up this tiny apartment to make the move to a house. It isn't the biggest house nor is it the house we really really want, but it's an upgrade. Just like everything in life, you get to where you want in little steps, right? I'd like to think so. We're grateful to have been able to buy in the first place, in the expensive Bay Area even! 

Until we can update again, hope this is enough for ya. Happy halloween!

Early contractions

I've been feeling what I think are braxton hicks for almost a month now.... which is a lot earlier than when I first felt them in my first pregnancy. This evening, they are getting more frequent and hard, and even with some discomfort. I told my OB about it yesterday, he gave me advice. But if they continue to tighten even after laying down or drinking water, that I should give the office a call to look at me.

Other than that, everything looks good. My weight is good, no diabetes, though OB wants me to possibly go in for a third testing to REALLY make sure. Heartbeat is good, my size is good...   despite all the good, he is now going to see me more frequently.

I'm pretty ready to give birth. This second pregnancy is painful on my back. I can't sleep right.... and I'm always sleepy.