MONKEY BUSINESS

Practice makes perfect!

LOW RIDER

Sean's Family (sister, grandma, and mom)



My Family (sister-in-law, mom, and sister)



I had my weekly doctor’s appointment on Friday (September 23), and she checked my cervix.  Nothing has really changed since the last cervix check (September 6) – the cervix is still closed and CG is still “ridin’ low.”

Kristi, my sister, and Meggan, my 19 month old niece, came in town this weekend.  Even though I was lying on the couch most of the time, it was so fun getting to spend time with them.  Meggan definitely provided the entertainment, and Kristi patiently provided the in-person parenting advice as Sean and I bombarded her with questions.

There was a time during this process when I wasn’t sure if I would be able to experience a shower.  I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to have two showers in my honor and to celebrate CG’s upcoming birth with my friends and family. My second shower was on Saturday and held at my parents’ house. (The doctor gave me permission to travel short distances!)  My sister-in-law, sister, and mom planned this exciting event.  I am very appreciative of their flexibility, creativity, and attention to detail because the day could not have been more perfect.  It meant the world to me!  

I am 33 weeks today, but it was last week that was a huge sigh of relief.  At 32 weeks the baby reached major developmental milestones, which help the baby to survive outside the womb.

31 WEEKS

Sadly, this is the first picture of Sean and me since I have been visibly pregnant. 

A picture from my first baby shower

My next doctor's appointment is not until Friday, so there is no new baby news to report, which I guess at this point is good news. 

On Sunday I was able to enjoy my first baby shower given by my best friends from grade school.  We started a mother/daugher tradition with wedding showers and decided to continue this tradition with baby showers.  Even though the shower had to be at my house, it was perfect - low-key, delicious food, and enjoyable company! 

3.5 POUNDS

This is one of the 4D-type pictures we received.  You cannot see part of CG's head
becuse it is so low.  However, you can see his/her closed right eye, nose, mouth,
and right hand, which  is just under his/her mouth. (This is a head-on view.)

I made another appearance at the doctor's office today, but unlike the previous visits, this appointment was scheduled.  The doctor requested an ultrasound to check my amniotic fluid, which measured really well.  At 30 weeks the amniotic fluid should be above 9 cm and below 26 cm;  my fluid measured at 16 cm.  In addition, the technician measured the weight of the baby.  CG weighed in at 3.5 pounds, which is a little above the normal weight at this gestational age!  Sean and I were also able to see a 4D-type view of CG.  CG was not too active during this viewing, but he/she smiled for us twice.  This was definitely an exciting moment for Sean and me.  The doctors can no longer predict what is going to happen. (Actually, I think they gave up awhile ago!)  So, right now it is somewhat of a waiting game, which we hope lasts at least a few more weeks.

30 WEEKS

After a long 9 weeks on bed rest, I have finally hit the 30 week stage of my pregnancy!  Even though I am not in the hospital, I have become a frequent flyer at the doctor's office.  Due to my increased contractions, the doctor checked my cervix again today, and it has slightly changed since last Thursday's check.  The cervix is still closed, but it is really soft.  In addition, the baby's head has dropped even more.  We continue to talk to CG about staying in Mommy's belly as long as possible and to keep growing.