36 Weeks

Well, I had my 36 week checkup this morning. I had a growth ultrasound first, which was really quick. Sorry no photos on this post, but hopefully soon. Baby Benson weighs 6 pounds 7 ounces, and his heart rate was measured at 138. After our ultrasound, we had another non-stress test, and he pass cooperatively without having to be buzzed by the echo machine. We met with one of the perinatologists, Dr. Hwang, to discuss and give us guidance on when this baby should come. My cervix is not dilated yet and my sugars have been very well managed, but he said induction should be made because mothers with diabetes could develop more complications the longer they are pregnant. The worst result could possibly be stillbirth. Dr. Hwang asked us when we'd like to have this baby. I was thinking the week after Christmas, however, he must have had something else in mind. A full term baby these days is considered anywhere from 37-41 weeks. So I have an appointment next Thursday for an amniocentesis to see if the baby's lungs are developed, and if they are, I will be going into the hospital at 7:30pm Thursday night to be induced. So we could possibly have a baby in our arms next Friday at some time. If his lungs aren't quite developed, then we'll just reschedule anything and try again either the next week or the week after. We will keep everybody posted when we hear back next Thursday on what we are going to do!!!!

Baby Benson's Pumpkin Patch is FINALLY done!!!

The pumpkin patch is FINALLY done!!!! Now all we need is a baby to occupy it!!!

December time

Our First snow of the year in Des Moines on December 3, 2010.


What our streets looked like on 12/3/10.

Snowy Bird House Christmas Decoration.

Our Christmas Tree.

Well I finally got into a little bit of Christmas spirit. I put on some Christmas tunes, and decided to get the tree up this weekend, or it may not have made it up this year. We got a dusting of snow on December 3, 2010, but it didn't last long at all! Not that I'm in any hurry to get some white stuff.

35 Week Ultrasound Pictures

35 Week Baby Bump

November

Baby Shower in Wall Lake, Iowa

Crib is all ready, now we just need a baby to put in it.

Baby Benson's library

Finished Closet

November has been pretty busy for us. Kurt and I have started going to prenatal classes to learn about labor and delivery, and also working on the baby room. Last weekend we attended Jingle Cross, which was the last bike race of the season, unfortunately Kurt didn't get to race because he caught a stomach bug. The weekend of the 20th I went home for my baby shower that my sister-in-laws threw for me. I had a great time, and Baby Benson got a lot of great things! It was also great to catch up and see family. On December 1st we have one of our weekly profiles and non stress tests, and next week on the 9th we'll have another growth ultrasound. I have my diaper bag ready, and I'm almost done packing for the hospital. Baby Benson's room is getty fairly close to being done. We have to do a little trim painting and patching, and then clean the floor and put down our area rug, then all we need to do is wait for his arrival!

34 Weeks!

If you look closely, it looks like he is smiling.

I had another weekly appointment today. We first had a biophysical profile done, and Baby Benson passed within 8 minutes, and that's where we got the pictures. His heartrate was 131, so he must have been resting. During the nonstress test, he wasn't as cooperative. His heartrate was good, but he wasn't doing the accelerations that my doctor wanted, so she had to "buzz" my belly to wake him up, which seemed to work. After the test was done, my doctor took my blood pressure which was 124/80, and my weight, and I only gained a couple more pounds. I think I'm up to 20 pounds total. I have another biophysical profile and nonstress test scheduled week, then on December 9th, we have another growth ultrasound. By then I will be 36 weeks. At that appointment I will meet with one of the perinatologists, to discuss the baby's growth, and he will guide us to what we need to do. If that baby is larger than normal, we may have to discuss our options of inducing anywhere from 38-39 weeks. If the doctor feels like everything is on schedule, he'll just let me go until my due date and let me go into labor on my own. Can't wait!!!!