Get out of mah belly

We saw the doctor on Friday, and I am continuing to slowly progress towards labor. I dilated about another 1/2 centimeter and am now 50% effaced. The doctor felt it was best to continue the bed rest for another week. She said she would release me when I see her again this Friday, and in the meantime we will have one last ultrasound on Thursday to check the weight and development of the baby to make sure s/he is ready to be born. Chad and I are still in shock that the baby could be coming so fast – we keep saying that we thought we’d have another month – so we agree that continuing the bed rest at least another week until we have finished our child birth preparation classes (and I’ve attended another baby shower this weekend) is the best plan! It could be that I will finally get off my butt and still not go into labor for weeks, but most likely my being active will bring labor on pretty quickly. So, I spent the weekend on the couch and in bed, as per usual these days. Chad is nesting for both of us and has been cleaning the house, patios, and cars like a madman for three days straight. It’s hard to sit back and not help, but he doesn’t seem to mind. He is such a great husband, I can’t wait to see him as a father! (Okay, that’s not true – I’d like to wait at least another week!)
As promised, I have pictures of our new niece Mia. There are the pictures of her from the hospital that Alex sent to me that you may have already seen. If not, click here to see them. I was able to get the doctor’s permission for a quick visit with Mia on Friday. She is so cute and very calm, I hope we are as lucky with Jackaruby! Below is a picture of me holding her, click here for more pictures.

It’s not an update on our baby, but it’s a baby update nonetheless! My brother and sister-in-law had their second child yesterday. Mia Rose Miller was born at 6:32PM on February 12, 2007. She weighed in at 7 pounds 6 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. I hear she has dark hair and big feet (it must run in the family). It’s killing me not to jump in the car to go see her, but I’m sticking to doctor’s orders and continuing my bed rest. Chad and I are hoping to be able to go see the new little miss and the rest of the family this weekend once they are home and after we have seen the doctor on Friday and hopefully been given the green light for me to be more active (but not too active – we’re still not ready for Jackaruby to come). In the meantime I have been promised pictures of Mia and will share them as soon as I get them!

Super Bowl weekend is here and I, like most Americans, will be spending a large chunk of it on the couch. Unfortunately, it seems I will be taking up temporary residence here since my doctor has put me on 2 weeks of bed rest. I had my 34-week check up yesterday and told my doctor about having felt quite a bit of pressure and a bit of cramping. I didn’t think it was anything to be concerned about. But, she checked and I am a little less than a centimeter dilated and about 15-20% effaced. The baby’s head is very low putting lots of pressure on the cervix. By laying around for the next two weeks, possibly longer, I will be taking the pressure off and stave off an early labor. We’re not ready yet! And I’m not sure Jackaruby is quite ready, either. The doctor says I’ve got to get to at least 36 weeks, but I’m hoping for 38 at the minimum, as that would be considered full term. I say that now, but give me a couple weeks of this and I might sing a different tune! I’ve got lots of magazines and books, music, games, baby shows on tv, and a great husband to keep me from being too bored.
Chad helped me pass some time this morning by painting my belly with the Chichago Bears logo. His Dad is a huge Bears fan, and we’re all hoping they do great tomorrow. See below for a sample pic, you can also link to a few more here. Go Bears!