Appointments!

I feel like I see my doctor more than my own reflection in the mirror! I am not only at the once a week appointment stage, I am heading in everyday for blood pressure checks and get the privilege of seeing my doc twice this week! I cannot believe I am managing my blood pressure at all with all of this running around! Today for example I went to the Zimmerman clinic...all the nurses are in a meeting, so I head to Elk River. I get in, bp is fine with the second check BUT the nurse comes in with yet ANOTHER jug for me to collect a 24 hour urine sample. UGH!!!!! Doc told the nurse I would not be happy...OH REALLY?? This is only the THIRD time you are making me do this! But she wants to check my proteins again. Why? I go into this test knowing the plan, so I guess it's another 'better safe than sorry' test. The plan as it stands is that Friday I will be checked for blood pressure, effacement (how ready my cervix is) and fetal heart count/baby movement etc. Monday night I will be admitted into the Princeton hospital. My cervix will be softened overnight and the pitocin (labor inducing hormone) will be started first thing Tuesday morning. If all goes well, William will be born sometime on Tuesday, April 28th. Sounds like a great plan to me. I will be exactly 39 weeks...so it is only one week early and there should be no repercussions as far as baby's health is concerned.
Although bed rest is prescribed, I have been trying to tie up some loose ends. We have made some last minute purchases of things I want to have for baby. A few more gowns, a mobile for the crib (totally raised my blood pressure putting that stupid thing together), a hamper and a few more new born size sleepers. They are so CUTE and I can't wait to see Will in all of his comfy cotton clothes!
Zach did surprisingly well with his first trip to Babies R Us today. That place is overwhelming, but he stayed focused and let me shop a little without giving me any grief! I remember how well he used to play with our niece Kaitlynn and her toys when she was a baby and I am sure he is getting excited to dig up that inner-child and press buttons that play music and zoom tractors across the carpet! :o) The toy and heavy equipment (swings etc) aisles were definitely more fun for him, not the clothes. Makes sense!
We do have a list of things we want to get done before baby but we are feeling very ready. This weekend will be spent at home finishing up last minute things, just things that might fall away, like paying bills and watering plants, if we don't do them now. I am looking forward to just spending time with Zach, enjoying each others company before the big change. It's been 15 years together and the last 6 just the two of us under one roof (not counting Grandpa), so this will be a big adjustment. We'll have a new #1 in our lives! Maybe we should try for one more dinner/movie night before Monday, just for fun!
We did have our last baby class on Monday and we both definitely learned some. Doesn't matter...ready or not here he comes! But we talked a lot about postpartum care...fun stuff like baths, car seats, feeding, toys and not so fun stuff like shaking baby syndrome, SIDS, postpartum depression etc. It was good information and good reminders. We both know to go with our gut on so much of this...but books and hand-outs are nice too.
So as it stands...we are counting down the days until Monday nights check-in at Hotel de Fairview and the big debut of William!! :o) Again, we will keep you posted via e-mail, phone tree or text! Keep us in your prayers...a healthy baby, a speedy delivery, patience for each other through prep and delivery...peace!
Thank you in advance! See LOTS of you very soon!