¡¡7 MORE DAYS!!

I finally got to see my doctor this morning... YAY!! She said I'm still dilated to 2 cm & that the baby's head was in a good position. I was a little disappointed that I haven't made any progress since they last checked me, but she stripped my membranes (that was fun) so maybe that will help my body move along a little more quickly. The really good news is she scheduled me for an induction one week from today, January 5th. I was a little annoyed that I'm being induced only ONE day before my due date - Meagan, tell me you feel my pain :). However, I'm going to try & focus on the fact that I WON'T be going overdue & I'm going to be grateful for that! I gained another 4 lbs over the last 2 weeks (which puts me at 25 lbs)... Can I just say how much I am looking forward to having my body back to "normal"- It'll be great to be able to shave my legs, tie my shoes, paint my toes without feeling like I'm going to suffocate!

This big belly is DEFINITELY getting in the way :)

Merry Christmas!!

This year my thoughts have been really drawn to Mary (probably because I'm 9 months pregnant & am anticipating the birth of my 1st son, so I feel like I can relate to her in some degree)! I've been pondering over everything that she went through & am SO inspired by her... I am amazed that she traveled so far on a donkey & then delivered in a stable (I can't even imagine how uncomfortable she must have been); besides already having the overwhelming knowledge that she was carrying the Only Begotten of the Father! What a strong woman she must have been! We watched the church video "Joy to the World" for Christmas eve & my heart was full when it showed the scene of Mary admiring the newly born Jesus- What a beautiful gift!! I hope all of you felt the love, joy, and inspiration of this wonderful season & have had the chance to reflect on the beautiful story that is depicted in the nativity!

The end is near... I think

I had another ultra sound yesterday to check the baby's size & yep, he's still in the 97% for growth. They said he weighs 7 lbs. 15oz- That's right, only 1 oz shy of 8lbs @37 weeks ("Normal" sized babies are in the 6lb. range @ 37 weeks)! They also said my amniotic fluid was low (still in the normal range, but at the low end) so I'm going in for another ultrasound on the 23rd to check the fluid levels.
I went this morning to review the ultrasound results with my Dr. & talk about the possibility of an induction, but she got called in for surgery so I didn't even get to see her! Instead I saw one of the mid-wives; she just cultured me for strep B (fun, fun), told me I was dilated to 2 cm. (Woo-Hoo) , and said I should come back next week to talk to my Dr. about the induction. BUT when I went to schedule my appointment they told me the Dr. was on vacation all next week- ERR!! I guess I'm just going to have to be patient... it's NOT that I'm all gung-hoe for being induced or eager to get him out right now, but this is my 1st time going through this & I'd just like a little insight as to what the game plan is going to be! I kinda like having a plan & KNOWING what the plan entails!
In other exciting news, I've gained 5 more pounds between my last two visits (for a total weight gain of 21 lbs) ... I'm feeling it (& seeing it), let me tell you!! Oh well, the end will come soon enough!!

(T minus 20 days & counting)

Temple Lights

Last night we got to go see the Christmas lights on the temple grounds- it was GREAT to get out of the house on a Sunday evening for a change (I'm sad to admit that we usually waste them away in front of the TV)! It was a little chilly, but chilly is a welcomed feeling for me since it seems like I'm sweating non-stop these days & can never cool off! The lights were beautiful, as always, and it was just nice to walk around in such a pleasant atmosphere & visit with Anthon!

Woo-Hoo for Finals!!

So, I'm normally not excited for finals week in school, but this semester I am! This is my last semester of prerequisites- I took my Microbiology lab final today & once I take my lecture final on the 17th I'll be DONE (for a little bit at least)! YAY for a break! I'm submitting my application for the nursing program this month (that is, if GAY Show Low High School will ever send me a copy of my transcripts I've requested like 5 times!), so I'll have a break from school for however long I have to wait to start the program (anywhere from 6 months- 2 years). After I start the program it's only 2 more years & I'll actually be TOTALLY FINISHED!! Woo-Hoo! I feel like the end is finally nearing : ).

Family Shower

My family threw me a baby shower this past Saturday & it was WONDERFUL!! I had such a great time visiting with everyone, eating the yummy food, playing games & opening all the awesome presents (we got pretty much EVERYTHING else we needed)!! I only have a couple pictures right now that my cousin e-mailed to me so I'll post them. THANK YOU everyone who put in their time to plan/organize the party, and to everyone that came & celebrated with me!! FAMILIES ARE THE BEST!

Chase Shower

The people I work with threw me a baby shower last night... it was SO MUCH FUN!! They just had it at the branch right after we closed & had dinner for everyone (Which was FABULOUS by the way)! I had such a good time- here are some pictures of the festivities: (*Top picture: Brian, Tony, & Justin- guys that braved the shower! *Bottom picture: Yvette & Anjie holding Drew- the hostess with the most-ess!)
Some of the awesome things we got include diapers, clothes, & toys-THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all who came!!