So, I had an ultrasound to check out Ceili Rain’s size. Estimated through ultrasound she was around 7 lbs 4 oz…that means that she could be anywhere from 5 to 9 lbs…which is good. Dr. J agreed with me that she probably wouldn’t break the 9 lb mark like little Josiah.

Another thing that was seen is that the fluid level was at 7 cm. This landed me with another ultrasound (a chance to watch baby, oh man…can’t you hear my groans) next week to check fluid levels. If they are going down, I’m just guessing that that will mean an immediate admit into the hospital with an induction. Dr. J doesn’t want the levels to go below 5 cm.

Oh, and I’m at 1 cm..which basically means very little to nothing!

So, with that and with Mark’s work schedule, we have scheduled an induction for the end of next week. And for all curious onlookers, I am planning on blogging throughout the labor! Of course, I’m sure Mark will do a lot of the updates…especially if I’m sans-epidureal. Should make it interesting, no?!

Another thing, for all skeptics…Mark saw again and the sonographer confirmed that she is definitely Ceili Rain and not a boy!

Now it’s prayer time:

1. The amniotic fluid levels either go up (if that’s possible) or stay the same but don’t go down.
2. I don’t have to be induced but will go into labor before the scheduled induction.
3. If I go into labor, that we have someone to help with the kids!

This was the question most asked at church today…or rather, “I bet your ready to get her out of there, etc.”

Yeah, I guess I am really uncomfortable and it would be nice to meet her. But, this time I don’t have that sense of urgency yet. By now, with all the others I’m sitting on the edge of my seat with everything ready and waiting…bags packed and everything.

For some reason, this time is different. I guess watching a friend suffer through a miscarriage and other friends have babies go on to heaven…this past year has made me grow up a lot in my patience with my babies.

I can say that right now, I truly am uncomfortable and not sleeping and it’s hard to walk (I mean waddle). That’s all true. But this time, this pregnancy, I just have a strong desire to just wait until God is ready for her to be born. I’m taking each day as much in stride as possible (even if it means dissolving in tears when Mark calls or collapsing in bed when he comes home).

So, am I ready? I guess so…if she is! But I still haven’t got my bags packed.

I went for a check up today. I’m 36 1/2 weeks. I have a friend, who is using Dr. J as well and she is due just a couple weeks after me. Our plan is to be induced on the same day, after my due date. She’s having a girl as well.

However, Josiah, for those that don’t remember, was 9 lbs 6 oz. And I expressed a strong desire to try to avoid delivering a baby bigger than that. Dr. J agreed and so, I go back a week from Monday for an ultrasound to see about how big she is and if I’m progressing and such. Then we’ll decide from there.

I have a real strong desire to go into labor on my own, but am trusting God and praying for wisdom as we get closer to having her. And yes, for those that are wondering, as long as everything looks good, I will not have an epidural again. Cheaper, quickest recovery, and overall just easier…

Oh, and she’s head down, which has been a concern of mine for a few weeks since I keep feeling her rear/back poke me…but Dr. J showed me how to make sure she’s head down.

I’ll work on a post in the next few weeks to update everyone on our adoption. It’s hard for me right now to split my brain between the birth and adoption, but I’m working on it.

Today is 9 weeks until my due date. Not to say that Ceili Rain won’t come after my due date but it’s close enough. I’m getting excited and anxious to try and get some things done.

I feel so blessed and more in love with this little girl every day. Right now she is punching and kicking me trying to get comfortable and I absolutely love it. This has truly been an enjoyable pregnancy. I’m getting so excited as each week passes knowing that we’ll get to meet this little one soon!

I’m pretty certain that she is now head down as I feel like there is more lower down and my shirts are barely covering my lower belly (despite buying larger shirts than what I normally wear). I also have noticed that I can’t walk a ton so shopping trips are getting a little more strenuous.

All part of it and I’m truly grateful for each moment!

1. Zoe’s (or should I say, “the girls”) room is getting a redo this week! I’m so excited that we are able to paint and rearrange for Zoe and Ceili Rain. Right now, it looks as though we’ll start Josiah in the “big boy bed” with big brother the first of December. Zoe’s getting a flowery girly room with lots of bright girly colors. I think she’s pumped. Of course, we’re painting it pink. We’ll get the paint sometime before Friday and start painting on Friday. Mark got Ceili Rain’s closet converted into a changing table/closet for her. Still some rearranging with other things in there (mainly Zoe’s toys) and it’ll be good to go for her. For those that don’t know, Zoe has two closets. One is rather large and the other is a smaller, standard size. Ceili Rain will use the standard size for now.

2. Ceili Rain is very low. I mean extremely low. Yes, I know that according to old wives’ tales that babies carried low are boys, but apparently Ceili Rain didn’t get the message…or she’s grown another appendage since the ultrasound a few weeks ago. I can feel when she squeezes by my bladder and that warrents an immediate trip to the bathroom. I feel kind of bad for my friends and family, but sorry, you guys, you’re not allowed to rub my belly to feel her move. I’ve had a couple of acquaintances at church ask if she’s moving and then put their hand on my belly. I either tell them, no, or I just say yep, and she’s way down there…and try not to actually show them as that would be inappropriate to show in public! Mark has felt her move and so has Zoe…which thrilled her to death. On the plus side of having a low carrying baby, she isn’t kicking me in the ribs (like three of the others did) and I can actually breathe fairly easily!

3. In one of Zoe’s creative writing assignments last week, she was asked to draw a picture of a blessing from God. She drew a picture of her holding Ceili Rain. To say this girl is excited about her little sister is putting it mildly!