Holy Dilation, Batman!!!

Tuesday we [namely; myself, Olivia, + Jason] had our final ultrasound and the first of several weekly appointments. The doc said she was in a wonderful position - already dropped, upside down, chillin' to the left, and turned (meaning, a less painful back labor - *knock on wood*). Anyway, we also had a test for GBS which included a swab in the almightiest of no-no spots which wasn't nearly as bad as my foolish request to check if I was dilated.

Now, in reality, a woman can be dilated 1-3 cm for up to a month, so I thought I would take my chances and see what's going on down + up there. Well, as I awaited for the normal sensations of a gynecological exam - it became the WORST feeling ever known to woman, and especially if really thought about, mankind! Down then UP he went...only find that I was am not dilated at all and that, indeed, I have a sailor's tongue (mentally, I was thinking 'What have I gotten myself into - this isn't even labor and it totally sucks'...of course, a more abbreviated, X-rated version came out in that 3 seconds). So, ladies, don't ask to be checked until the last possible moment - I promise, you DON'T want to know unless you really are in labor.

So, this weekend we enter our 36th week which means if Liv decides to come she would not be considered pre-term + is now totally cherub-like and what the doc approximates a 5-5.5 lb baby at the moment. I will begin the raspberry leaf tea ritual once again. As a refresher, the tea strengthens your uterus; however, in my case, it made my BH contractions less painful and more frequent - so I ceased immediately as to not self-induce or create stress on Liv. Anyway, figured I would go ahead and take our chances now that she's good and ripe...and dang, now that I pseudo-know what I am in for....need to work the Kegels + the tea!

On another note, the Pope is visiting the UN (where I work) tomorrow. So, Olivia and I will get to see him speak to the staff + delegates. Well, atleast she'll get to hear him and see the lighting scheme through my burgeoning belly!

And one one more FINAL note, found out that within the first year of little babe - as long as I am breastfeeding I get two hours to leave early or come in late to feed the little lady. Sweet - so hopefully, I can work my lunch in that two hours and get to leave by about 2:30ish....Niiiiiiice.
Here's to a healthy baby, leaving work early to spend time with the fam, and [hopefully] voluptuous boobies.

xoxo
la maman.