My birthday

Today is my birthday. Luckily there is no sign that Samantha and I could share a birthday. At this morning’s doctor appointment, Samantha’s heartbeat continues to be “textbook.” Last week the nurse said that the other babies should take lessons from Samantha. I haven’t had any contractions that I know of. But there is still time that I could share my birthday with a coworker’s son. My coworker’s wife is in early labor at the moment, and has been for a couple of days.

I’m feeling pretty good. No, I’m not in the “sweet spot.” I have the usual third trimester complaints (backache, leg cramps, get out of breath easily, sleeping is getting uncomfortable, etc.), but at least I’m not on bedrest. I haven’t seen evil Nurse T. (she changed offices), and the rest of the nurses and my doctor have been really positive and supportive. I think that has made a huge difference. 

My belly is getting big and I swear Samantha is trying to kick her way out. I am supposed to be doing kick counts every day. Samantha is supposed to move at least 10 times in a 2-hour period. I find that hilarious, because during her active times, she can get in 10 movements within 15 minutes. And she is active at least 3 times a day. At night when we’re watching TV, sometimes I’ll pull up my shirt, and we watch my belly instead. You know in movies when they show a mouse or something walking around under a carpet? That’s what it reminds me of, except Samantha isn’t as clearly defined. But she is trying. Aaron put is hand on my belly last night and declared, “I think I feel her feet!” Samantha had been kicking in one particular spot, and sure enough, when I put my hand on that area, I could feel that that spot was harder than the surrounding area - just as if she was pushing against us with her feet. It also helps that we know approximately where her feet are located.

Oh, that’s good news I should share! All during this pregnancy, Samantha has been breech. I wasn’t worried of course, because babies usually turn later in the third trimester. Well last week, she had moved. Instead of breech, she was now sideways, or transverse. This is actually worse than breech, but again, I wasn’t worried (and neither was doc). In fact, I took this as good news, because it meant she was finally moving into other positions. By the beginning of this week, she had shifted a little bit more, and her head was more downward than sideways. Today her head is definitely down, although she still isn’t in the correct position for delivery. But Samantha will get there; she’s just taking the scenic route. 

Here's the ultrasound pic from yesterday. When I asked for a picture, the tech said she really couldn't get much because there isn't much room for Samantha anymore. The she showed me "the best she could do," and pointed out an eye, maybe. And I'm like, "But those are her hands, right? That's awesome!" Aaron was equally excited. So no defining details, but hey, it looks like a baby!