34 weeks and counting....down!

Today we had our 34 week u/s and OB check. Baby, as usual, looked beautiful - and happy :) - as is evidenced by the big smile she gave the camera today! She measures a little petite, but already weighs 4lbs 7oz. She also seems to have a head full of hair - some measured as long as an inch!!! I love seeing that pouty little face - that still looks ALLOT like her big sister. I love getting to see her, but I really love watching her mommy or daddy light up when they see her on the screen :)

Also had the ever-so-lovely Strep B swab and the blood work for the HIV and CBC panel that go along with it. Oh yes, and the getting-more-painful-by-the-week PIO booty shot :( Can't say I'm going to miss that at all, honestly!

And finally, we have scheduled our c-section! While we were really hoping for 12/24, because its a Saturday, the doctor couldn't convince the head nurse at the hospital to schedule that day - which happens to be IF's birthday! So we had to "settle" for Friday the 23rd. Yep, little miss Alexandra Noelle will be making her grand entrance as an almost-Christmas baby! Assuming, that is, we can get through another 2 1/2 weeks without issue. We are all really hopeful this will be the case, as giving her a few more weeks to bake and grow will be the most ideal. At that point, I will be 36w5d - not quite what is considered to be full-term, but darn close. And less risky to me than waiting another week or 2.

As we are nearing the end of this ride, I've been thinking allot about how tough this journey has been - and thinking about my attitude along the way. I am not a complainer by nature. I tend to look for the positive in everything, even when there doesn't seem to be anything positive to find. But I realized that I have done a bit more complaining that I should have, and for that, I am truly sorry. I feel so extremely blessed right now - to have made it this far without issue, to be carrying such a precious little girl for such a remarkable family, for having my health and nothing more than some inconveniences along the way, and for my beautiful and supportive family!

I cannot say enough positives about how well my kiddos have handled the ups & downs of this journey; they have done such a great job of being "little grown ups" when mommy has been on bed rest, or not feeling good. They have each stepped up and done big & little things around the house, helped me when I've needed it, and been real troopers when things haven't gone quite as we were expecting them to. They have given up things, and done so willingly, even if not always joyfully, all for the sake of the health of this baby girl. They each pray for me all of the time, which I love, and truly believe that God is in control. I love seeing these traits bloom within each of them. It hasn't been easy for any of us, but they've done a remarkable job of handling each hurdle as it has come. Even when we talked to them about our "normal" Christmas plans being interrupted, they all jumped on board with the change of plans and are happy to postpone opening presents with mommy & daddy until I am back at home. Of course, Santa will still come on Christmas Eve. And as an added bonus, my entire family will be in town on Christmas Day offering to help care for the kiddos while mommy is recuperating in the hospital! Christmas Eve will be handled by Michael's family, adding to the blessings I feel for the support system we have all around us.

And to my wonderful husband Michael, words just cannot express the gratitude I have for him. He has truly been my rock when I have crumbled under the pressure, and has stood by me through each step of this journey - the highs and the lows. It hasn't been easy for him, and I don't take a single second of his support for granted. I know he is a rare treasure, and I truly thank God for him each & every day.

And finally, for my family & extended family, friends, and acquaintances: I would like to say a very humble thank you. For the words of encouragement, the prayers, and the support. There have been times when I couldn't have gotten through the day without you.

So, now that I have waxed all sentimental, I would like to tell my wonderful IP's that I am grateful for you as well. I know that we haven't had it easy, and that we've had our moments of doubt and fear, but God has brought us farther than we could have seen just a few months ago, and I know He has us securely in the center of His very large and capable hands. We have made a very long journey, and can now see the light at the end of the tunnel - and its not a train :) God is so very good!!!