Over due! {41 weeks}

Well, here we are 9 days past our due date. And even for someone who doesn't mind being pregnant and who is never on time for anything in her life, even *I* am annoyed that Bean isn't here yet. It's like you wait and counting down for this magic date. You stress about everything being ready on time. Then this date gets here (and you still don't have everything done) and the date flies by (and you STILL don't have everything done) and you also still don't have a baby.

I think the hardest part for me is the waiting and the not knowing if/when anything is going to happen. You can only try everything under the sun to induce yourself naturally until you start to wonder if all these "tricks" that worked for so many women, were just coincidence. (They probably were.)

In any rate, we met with our Nurse today and she checked my cervix and GUESS WHAT!? For the first time in three weeks I was actually dilated! Only 1cm but that is progress! Unfortunately, we were kind of forced into picking an induction date because we are so close to 42 weeks. Soooo, we did. But to keep this interesting we aren't going to say what date we picked! Haha. See how fun that is?! So only we know when we will be going in for sure to get this ball rolling. However, ever since our appointment this morning I have felt more "contractions", if you will, so maybe she will just come out on her own sometime tonight! Who knows!? Haha.

That's really all we have to update with. There is always more we can do around the house to be better prepared, but I think that relaxing and napping trump most of those things and that we should just enjoy these last few quiet moments NOT doing anything, while we still have the chance.

I never thought I would have a "41 weeks" picture, haha.
From BabyCenter.com:
A bit over 20 inches long, your baby has continued to grow and may now weigh almost 8 pounds. As cozy as she is, your baby can't stay inside you forever. For your baby's safety, your practitioner will talk with you about inducing labor if your baby isn't born in the next week — earlier if there are any problems. Most practitioners won't let you wait more than two weeks past your due date to give birth because it puts you and your baby at increased risk for complications. About 5 to 6 percent of women have prolonged pregnancies that extend three or more weeks beyond their estimated due dates. Babies born at 42 weeks and beyond can have dry parchment-like skin and are often overweight. Waiting that long to deliver also increases your chance of developing an infection in your uterus that could be dangerous for your baby or of having a stillbirth. What's more, your labor is more likely to be prolonged or stalled, both you and your baby have an increased risk of injury during a vaginal delivery, and you double your chances of needing a c-section.

So, there you have it. Sometime this week we will finally meet our daughter and you will all finally know what her name REALLY is! ;)


The next time you see a post from us, there WILL be a baby here.
{OMG we are going to be parents!!!}

<3 Brad, Jenna, & Bean

#BeanWatch {40 weeks!}

By now, you would think that you would finally be meeting our little Bean. Well, welcome to the club. Haha. Now, I know that babies don't normally ever make their arrival on their due date, I have accepted that fact. But I would like to think that some progress would be made by now. Instead we are now on what we have coined as "Bean Watch"!

We had an OB appointment on Wednesday with one of the doctors that we really like. I had my cervix checked again this week and I am still not dilated but she said that I was 50% effaced and the baby was at -2 station in my pelvis. (And now that I think about it, maybe the lady said that last week as well but I might have misheard her... Who knows.) In any case, the doctor said that in first pregnancies it is normal to efface before dilating. I am not sure if she was just trying to make me feel better or not, but I'll take it. Also, the nurse who checked us in said that what I have been experiencing could very well be mild contractions and not just braxton hicks, so that's good. I guess I have been expecting pain more so than just tightness and pressure, but maybe that means this won't be as painful as I am imagining. Haha! One other thing is that the doctor did not force me to pick an induction date this week. She was on board with me wanting to wait it out and she seemed excited that I was hoping for a natural birth, so that was really reassuring.

This week has been really on edge for us. With her due date coming and going, we are seriously trying to relax and spend time together and get last minute things done... but all that is on our mind is when is this little girl going to make her appearance into the world!? The 18th was Brad's dad's birthday and he really wanted a granddaughter for his birthday but she had other plans. (Haha, sorry Dad!) And my birthday is this Sunday, so maybe she is aiming to steal my birthday from me! Only time will tell. I have been walking every day and that seems to make my belly get really tight (and it's also making my legs really sore, ugh). After I post this, I am going to pump up my exercise ball and get to bouncing on that because a few people told me that worked for them. Spicy food doesn't do anything for me because I've been eating spicy food for the past 9 months, haha. So, I have tried all the natural ways to jump start this thing, but I must make a really comfy living quarters. And as long as she is happy and healthy, I am okay with her staying in there. We are just getting really anxious to finally meet her! <3

Not much room left in there, maybe you should come out. ;)

From BabyCenter.com:
It's hard to say for sure how big your baby will be, but the average newborn weighs about 7 1/2 pounds and is about 20 inches long. Her skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a bit if it's a snug fit through the birth canal during labor. This so-called "molding" is the reason your baby's noggin may look a little conehead-ish after birth. Rest assured — it's normal and temporary.

So like I said, not much left to do but wait... And finish packing the hospital bag. And finish the thank you cards. And finish the mobile I'm making. And maybe clean the house. Haha.

Crossing our fingers that next week's blog will be featuring our new addition.

<3 Brad, Jenna, & Bean