Contractions, already?

Yesterday, I left work a little early because I was having an unusual pain- nothing too serious. I called my doctor's office and they suggested I just rest for a bit and most likely I had just been overdoing lately. They told me if what I was feeling continued after resting, I should go to the Labor and Delivery floor of the hospital and get things checked out (the doctor's office was already closed for the weekend). Well, I rested, but still felt uncomfortable. We went to the hospital where I was hooked up to monitors. We got to hear James's very strong heartbeat for about 2 hours. It is such a reassuring sound! They did some other tests, one in which the nurse said she could feel James's head (amazing!), which means he is completely spread out from my pubic bone to my ribs. Another test tested for some enzymes and could determine if I was going to have James in the next 2 weeks. Fortunately, that test was negative. I'd like for James to hang in there for about 6 more weeks at least! After a couple hours on the monitors, it turns out I was having some contractions! I was given a shot that would relax my uterus, but would also make my heart rate increase and James more active. So, the nurse gave me a sleeping pill as well so I could get some sleep despite my racing heart and active baby. When we got home, I went straight to bed. This morning I feel fine. My discharge instructions are to rest and drink lots of water. I also have to see about cutting back my hours at work... at least until I see my doctor next Friday for my 32 week appt.

On a side note, we were supposed to go to Austin this weekend for my niece, Jolie's birthday party at the zoo. She will be 4 years old on Sunday. I'm so sorry to miss the celebration sweet girl!

Please pray that the Lord's timing for James to arrive is well after his lungs are ready for this world. My due date is May 28 (40 weeks), but James is considered full term around May 7 (37 weeks).

31 week update and belly photo

This week, James should measure over 16 inches long and weigh about as much as 4 navel oranges (3.3 pounds). His body is beginning to fill out as much needed fat is accumulating under his skin. He's been very active; in fact I'm not sure if he ever sleeps! James still loves to kick Mommy's ribs, and he's getting stronger. I guess my wish for him to get bored with his "toy" is not going to come true. We are only 9 weeks away from meeting our son! Below is my latest belly picture... our little bambino is growing and growing!

30 week update

James is about 15.7 inches long now, and weighs almost 3 pounds (as much as a head of cabbage). He only has about a pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounding him, and the volume will continue to decrease as he grows. His eyesight is continuing to develop but will only be 20/400 when he is born.

This morning I went to the doctor for a routine visit. Everything is still looking good... my blood pressure has remained normal, my weight gain is on track (and not as shocking at this visit), and James's heartbeat is strong (about 140 bpm). I filled out all the preregistration paperwork at the hospital so that when I go into labor I can go straight to the delivery room. It's hard to imagine that I will being giving birth to our baby boy in only 10 weeks!

Welcome to the world Cole Warner!

Our dear friends, Matt and Lauren Warner, had their son yesterday. Collin (Cole) Andrew was born on March 14 at 8:41. He weighs 8 lbs. 12 oz. and is 20 in. long. Mom and baby are doing well. Congratulation Warners!

Nursery

We (mostly Dave) have made lots of progress on the nursery! Here are a couple pictures of the room. All it needs now is Baby James!

29 week update

We can't believe James's due date is only 11 weeks away! We can't wait to meet him! This week he weighs about 2 1/2 pounds, like a butternut squash, and is just over 15 inches long. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to accommodate his developing brain. I know he's getting stronger because his movements and kicks are more pronounced. I started calling James "Thumper" today because of all the moving he is doing. James sure is busy in there!

28 week update

This week, James is about 14.8 inches long and weighs about 2 1/4 lbs- about as much as a Chinese cabbage. He can now open and close his eyes.

I went to the doctor yesterday and all was well. I now go in to see the doctor every 2 weeks instead of every 4 weeks. The next several appointments will be the same... check my urine, check my weight, check my blood pressure, check the size of my growing belly, listen to James's heartbeat, and have any questions answered. I do have to admit that at this appointment, my weight was very shocking to me. I've definitely had a growth spurt since my last visit!

Since my belly has changed so dramatically since I last posted a picture, I am posting a new picture a week early. I'll probably post belly pictures more frequently for the rest of my pregnancy.