the calm before the storm....

Well, it's approximately 20 days from delivery if I don't go into labor before then. I can't believe that the time is finally here to meet little Ava Renee! It certainly has been an interesting journey so far. I thought we were going to meet her a little over a week ago. I woke up at 1:30ish (early on Aug 17th) with some uncomfortable contractions but it didn't seem major. I got up for a few minutes and then tried to go back to sleep. As soon as I got back into bed, I realized that I was going to be too uncomfortable....I stayed up through the night just timing and monitoring my contractions and wondering "is this it???"

Finally, Ryan's alarm clock went off around 5:20 or so and I told him I thought I was in labor. I called the doctor and my mom at 6:00...the doctor sent me to the hospital since the contractions were so close together and I was only 35 weeks at the time and mom headed to the house to be there when Audrey woke up.

They hooked me up to all the monitors and sure enough...contractions were ranging from 3-5 minutes apart and lasting 30-45 seconds each. I was definitely uncomfortable but I still didn't feel like I did when I went into labor with Audrey. The doctor came in and checked me....I was dilated 1 cm and 50% effaced. They told me that because I was past 34 weeks they didn't want to give me drugs to stop labor but they didn't want to encourage labor either...so it was a waiting game. It was definitely preferable for Ava to bake a few more weeks so her lungs would be healthy and strong.....They gave me fluids which didn't stop the contractions, and then they gave me some pain medicine which allowed me to rest but still didn't stop them either. They finally let me eat around mid-afternoon and for whatever reason...the contractions began gradually slowing down and then almost completely stopped. Maybe Ava was hungry :) I know I sure was!

Anyway... they finally let us go home after a long day. In the meantime, my nana and mom were at the house entertaining Audrey and "keeping themselves busy" as they say.... They hung curtains and did some general cleaning and did WAY too much...but it certainly was appreciated :) Mom took Audrey to her house to spend the night that night in case the contractions started up again, but thankfully we were able to get a good night's rest!

Now I'm a little farther along and getting anxious. I really want my body to go into labor on its own b/c I really enjoyed that with Audrey. There was a lot of excitement in that for me....making those phone calls saying "I'm in labor!" and going through the process that I had learned so much about even though i ultimately had to have a c-section anyway. Although i have a scheduled c-section down the road, I would love to avoid the surgery this time. I think if she comes early I **might** be able to deliver her if the doctor feels it's safe to do so. Because of some situations from my prior surgery, I can't put my body under any stress like a truly difficult labor or an induction...but if my body attempts it naturally then maybe it can be done! So...now that you know what I'm praying for...let's all pray together!!

Today we got a lot done in the baby's room. Mom came over and we put together Ava's changing table and organized some things while Audrey was attemping to take a nap. I finally feel like this house is ready to bring a baby home to....

My new camera should be here very soon! I'm hoping tomorrow. The first order of business is to post some new pictures of Audrey and some of Ava's nursery. I can't wait!

I wonder if Ava will be born on any of the upcoming holidays and family birthdays? We just passed my dad & brother's birthday...both on the 27th, my great-grandmother's birthday, our anniversary is the 30th, and both Ryan's dad and brother's birthdays are in the early part of September in addition to Labor day and a few other birthdays as well. Good grief! SO....time will tell I guess!

More to follow soon! I promise. I feel back in the groove finally.... for whatever reason I'm starting to get my energy back. I think it's this "nesting" thing that hits before the new baby. I call it the calm before the storm ....