Hello Anna! And hello to 38 weeks!

Yesterday I got a wonderful treat from a long-time friend. Anna Laakman, who has literally been my friend since elementary school, came to visit me for the afternoon! She is currently living and working in Columbia, so she took a half day to come hang out before I have this baby! We just hung around and talked and even went to the Legends for a little shopping. She wanted to see everything about the nursery, and of course I loved showing it to her. She brought Abigail a gift and wrote not me, but Abigail a sweet note for me to read to her when she's old enough. So special. Our friendship hasn't changed a bit, even after all these years. Many more to come!



Today I had my weekly appointment, and praise the Lord, everything still looks wonderful. Today I was 38 weeks 1 day and here's a summary of what Dr. Piquard said:

1. Measuring right at 38 weeks.
2. Heart rate 155 (she's a very consistent little girl).
3. My blood pressure looked perfect.
4. Slightly more than 80% effaced.
5. Abigail even lower than last week and now putting pressure on my veins...causing some mild swelling in my legs and feet. Something to monitor, but not concerning.
6. Size estimation: Somewhere between 7 and 7 1/2 pounds! I love it.
7. Timeline: Dr. Piquard said that IF she sees me next week, we will pick a back-up date the week directly after Thanksgiving to induce. Woohoo! I don't particularly want to be induce...I'd rather go into labor naturally, but if it comes to that, I'll be glad to have that date set.
8. Ready for labor. She said I could literally go into labor tonight, or Abigail could wait all the way to the due date. We shall see.

Historically in my life, I haven't been very good at waiting. If I were being honest about my personality, I tend to like to plan, to know what's coming, to make preparations, check things off lists that I've constructed etc. I thrive in structure. What a lesson pregnancy has taught me. Not only is it basically waiting from start to finish, but I have no control over anything except how I take care of myself in order to take care of Abigail. All I can do is my best for her and pray for her development, although I begun praying for her outside my womb quite a while ago. But somehow, what seemed like forever away, is now. She could come tonight, tomorrow, on Monday, in 8 days, 2 weeks, 2 1/2 weeks! I have no clue and I just can't get over it. I will admit, I'm praying for sooner rather than later, and I wish I could "plan it out." But the Lord is so faithful and has been so faithful to David and I. Sometimes, letting go of my "planning mindset" isn't so bad. Abigail is in the Lord's hands, and isn't He a better planner than me? See you soon Abigail! Want to come tomorrow? :)