34 Weeks

SO close!!!  Just 5 more weeks until induction, but hopefully Nora will find her way out before that.  My GD has been good, more manageable since they put me on Glyburide about two weeks ago.  It's the minimum dose, twice a day, and along with the specialized diet, it gives me just the edge I need to keep my numbers low.  But, since they did decide to add medication, I'll be induced one week early.  They won't schedule that date until around the 38-week mark.  I was hoping to have a definite date by now, but I guess I'll have to wait. 

We finished up the last of our birthing classes, and overall I'm really glad we took them.  Although we didn't learn a ton of new information, it did spell out the birthing process a bit more clearly to me.  It also explored many of the possibilities for complications, pain relief, and possible procedures.  Most of all, it solidified my desire for a completely natural birth...no medication.  Josh still thinks I'm crazy, but with all the added risk an epidural brings, it's just not worth it.  That being said, I'm also not too proud to beg for one should my labor be more unbareable than I'm expecting.  However, if my mom gave birth to 3 children, all naturally (one of them weighing in at 10 lbs.) then I think I'm capable too.  I think the key is to relax, manage each contraction by using breathing and counting, and keep in mind that the "pain has a purpose".  With each contraction, Nora will be progressing more and more toward finally coming into the world :)

Yesterday we had another ultrasound to check her weight, and a non-stress test to make sure she isn't be adversely affected by the meds.  She measured in at 5 1/2 lbs, which is EXACTLY (to the day in fact) where she should be.  Already she's our perfect little angel :)  It's encouraging to know that even though it took me a few weeks to be able to get the GD under control, she wasn't affected by it.  The stress test also confirmed that she is a healthy, active little one.  It did show that I had 2 contractions during the 40-minute test, but since they were all in my upper belly and weren't especially painful, they're nothing to worry about, just practice.  We'll have the NST's every week now until I deliver, just to be sure Nora's still tolerating everything.

Here's another picture of me this morning, 34 weeks exactly.  Getting lower and lower!