Long Night

Everyone is tired around here today. Freddie had a big tummy ache and
the diapers and noisy gas to prove it (Aunt Liz got the brunt of the
messy diapers). He wanted to nurse nonstop but I think more for
soothing than hunger.
Today I had hoped for shower complete with hair washing and a walk
around the floor to help with the fluid filled thunder thighs but now
I just want some sweet sleep.

Just a quick photo so everyone knows we are ok. I am amazed by how
perfect and sweet he is and how quickly his cone head is rounding.
He's making breast feeding easy.

Once we get home there will be more pictures and updates than you can
stand.

More to follow

Proper post and pics when Erin wakes and is out of recovery bed and we
are in our room.

Sent from my iPhone

Welcome um ba bay

He's here!
Frederick Charles, III
9:52 a.m., 7lbs. 0.7 oz, 20 in long

Maxed out

On the highest dose of pitocin. Antibiotic started since membranes
have been ruptured for 24 hours.

And still hanging out at 5. Doctor has said they will check in another
hour but looking like a section lies ahead.

I am wiped out. Frankly can't imagine pushing right now.

Sent from my iPhone

Slow

Only 5 at 5 so 7 am pushing probably won't happen.

Sent from my iPhone

7 am

If progress continues on scedule it appears I'll be pushing around
seven this morning. I've slept for a few hours and Charlie has headed
home to check on the dogs.

Right now my I have just awoken from an hour long doze on my right
side so it appears as though all of the anesthesia has collect in my
right leg. It is completely numb.

I figure we'll see a doctor in about an hour for another check.

Sent from my iPhone

Progress?

Up to two to three and feeling pressure. Doctor said not to get
frustrated.

An internal monitor is now in place.

Wondering how any pushing is going to happen when I haven't slept or
eaten. Ah well. I suppose this is where that run down look and eats
nothing but lukewarm food when she can get it routine all begins.

We're both feeling fine, sitting in the dark with our eyes closed.

Sent from my iPhone

Rest

Still only one centimeter.

III got a monitor on his head a few minutes ago. We're resting because
the doctor says tomorrow will be a big day.

Tomorrow!

Sent from my iPhone

Hanging out

Meds are cranked. Thinking I'd very much like to see the man with the
good stuff.

No progress two hours ago but I should be getting checked again soon.

Charlie is calm and cool. I am pretty scared.

Sent from my iPhone

Only a 4 mile walk today

My water gave out about mile 3. It was a wet walk back to the car a
mile away.

My cervix is not showing much progress so I'll most likely be getting
some chemical assistance with that shortly.

I'm feeling pretty calm which I'm surprised about. Charlie is on his
way so seeing him may give me permission to hop on the crazy train.

Here we go.

Sent from my iPhone

Charlie caught a coconut

We threw together the costume this morning about 7:30 and made it out by 9am, just in time to catch Zulu since they are notoriously late.


And I was a Zulu coconut, the prize throw on Mardi Gras Day, and was a complete hit along the route. I got thumbs up from men and women alike. Everyone wanted to know when he was coming (Today?) and had to have their picture taken with III.

Kids were in awe, especially when Charlie explained it was a beer belly! And so many people commented they thought it wasn't real at first. More than one woman commented on how brave I was for bearing it today. Hey, it's Mardi Gras. How can I not.

We only took an handful of photos and I wish I had gotten one with more of a profile shot so you can truly appreciate this "coconut" of mine.


We called it a day around lunch time, headed back Uptown for some pizza, and now a long nap is on the agenda.

I hope all the Mardi Gras drunks clear out of the hospital before Freddie starts into action to make his appearance tonight... if only.

Lundi Gras: Operation Free Freddie in Affect

It is a picture perfect day in New Orleans..sunshine, low humidity, cool temperatures, and the streets and restaurants are filled with people drunk with happiness and excitement. I'm feeling a little too rundown to be that high on the Lundi Gras spirit right about now. I have a little business to attend to.

Operation Free Freddie (aka Push da Kid Outta There) is moving forward. Rather than heading out to find an restaurant with outdoor seating, Charlie brought home some SPICY, salty crawfish and boiled shrimp. I imagine I'll be a blimp later tonight because of the sodium. I sucked on the heads and ate as many tails as I could get down.

Don't ask how much the cost, just enjoy them! he says.

Not yet in season, crawfish are $5 a pound.

Now I am pulling items from the costume box trying to figure out something for tomorrow...just in case we lace up our walking shoes, put in a 5 mile walk at 7am, and make it to Jackson Avenue for Zulu. I had abandoned my original costume idea with the intention of going a bit simpler.


Too bad this damn black tutu is a size x-small! Not sure how I'm going to handle this and whether it's worth the trouble of getting it all together tonight considering I may hit snooze in the morning and pass on this phase of the plan. Decisions.

Prenatal Monitoring

Who would have ever thought that someone would find this uterus so accommodating and homey that leaving just wasn't an option?

All was quiet today on the monitoring front. Uterine activity was minimal and the boy performed as needed, but wasn't overly active as he had been at my last visit.

My blood pressure is nice and low, 102/63.

The nurse thought him to be of "average" size, not wanting to invest too much in the ultrasound weight readings for him. She said depending on his position, there can be large variance.

Amniotic fluid is holding steady as well at 12.1. We were at 12.2 last visit. The women in the cubbies on either side of me were given measurements of 5.4 and 7.2 and were sent to talk to their doctors about potential inductions and cervix checks. Not the case for me and III.

We're going back on Wednesday and again on Thursday, and I have a feeling I'll be there on Friday as well.

For those of you more impatient than me!

Enjoying sunshine at the parade yesterday

It is still just two of us on Bordeaux Street.

Let it be known that I am...

• having contractions each day, some stronger than others
• having cramping that can be so intense it wakes me up at night
• eating spicy food each day despite protests from my tummy
• keeping up the walking routine
• feeling he's going to hold out for a March 3 induction

I am heading in to the hospital in a bit for another NST and an ultrasound. I don't anticipate any changes or progression, but I'll get the results up quickly.

Lovin'

• Giant black swallowtails emerging from the chrysalis
  
• Nest building hawks on my walk
  
• Pancake flippin' Charlie
• Beads in the trees
  
• Train whistles
  
• Church bells
• Beads for the belly
• Sun kissed cheeks
• Daily texts and phone check ins
• Crazy neighbors (it takes Mardi Gras to appreciate sometimes)
  
• iPhones
  

40 Weeks 1 Day

I didn't really expect to be anything but pregnant today, but I am none the less finding still being pregnant difficult.

Last night after the parades on Magazine and a huge stack of pancakes a la Charlie, I crawled into bed and actually slept a good 8 hours. And it was good sleep, so good in fact that I don't remember making bathroom trips...which surely happened.

It's Saturday, the temperature is mild, there are parades in the neighborhood, we've been invited to a party but I don't know what to do with myself!

We've done our Saturday morning bakery trip and Charlie's gone to the lab to work just for a bit, but what are we going to do when he gets home? I actually have a huge list going...

• work on costume
• get black body paint
• vacuum
• fill bird feeders
• rake leaves
• pack sammies and head to the parade
• set up my new computer which arrived 2 weeks ago
• clean bathrooms
• bake cookies
• water plants
• connect co sleeper to the bed
• walk, walk, walk

Strangely I haven't the desire or motivation to do any of it. I'm sitting on the porch swing, listening to the marching bands warm up, watching the neighborhood step out, and the clouds roll through.

Prenatal Monitoring

Wondering if this will be the first of many monitoring sessions over the next week as we wait to see what the boy has up his sleeve. I wish I had had my little video camera because FCS was really putting on a show and my belly was pop pop popping.

I thought for a moment last night at the parade that I was leaking fluid. When I mentioned this to Charlie he seemed calm, certainly calmer than I felt inside and was trying to disguise. He told me he was excited!

Well today's monitoring revealed a perfectly normal amniotic fluid index (AFI) of 12.2. Normal for this point in pregnancy is between 5 and 25. The nurse said it can be hard to tell if there's leaking at this point, and to just keep tabs on it if it's not a big gush.

I was happy to get a look at him on the ultrasound because it has been so long since we've seen him! I meant to ask her how big she estimated him to be, but of course was distracted by just watching him move around on the screen. I know I'll probably get another chance to ask next week.

The NST test took a while. Again FCS was as active as he needed to be with his heart rate responding as it should. The nurse said I had an excitable baby and an irritable uterus. Lots of contractions coming up, which I suppose is a good thing right about now, but no definitive pattern picked up.

I need to head back in on Monday morning and do it again. Unless...well, you know.

It's Carnival Time

Muses, on of our favorites, passing right by the house

It's that time of year around here. Some people take advantage of the time off work and school and head out of town, but not us. We love it around here during Carnival. But this year is going to be low key, in case you hadn't come to that conclusion from reading the last 9 months of posts.

Sipping a cold beer was we wait

It does feel a bit weird to not be rushing around, getting last minute costume supplies, packing up the cooler, dusting off the party wagon. We're enjoying the festivities none the less, especially since some of our favorite parades have new routes along Magazine Street, so we're able to walk a few houses down to the corner rather than 4 blocks to Napoleon.

Need to learn how to take some night photos!
This flambeaux was loving the attention and the
cash the crowd was tossing.

FCS was very active last night at the parade. I think he must have been cold and wanted me to cover my belly. He also got down when the bands played. I didn't take many photos because the camera hanging on my belly wasn't comfy and seemed to irritate the boy as well.

St. Aug's Marching 100

I will be heading out this afternoon to get a few costume supplies for Tuesday, just in case. Charlie's pretty convinced we'll be out and about on Tuesday morning with the rest of the city so we must be prepared. Either way, I'm pretty sure this will be a memorable Mardi Gras for us.

40 Weeks

Well, dear boy, you've got about 19 hours left to make it here on your due date. One more day before Dr. M takes off for a week and a half. If you keep this up I'm going to have to get another pedicure. I'm getting tired of shaving the legs everyday, and the bag we're taking to the hospital is growing each day because I keep stuffing in outfits for each of us.

So enough already, show yourself!


Charlie is amazed that FCS is inside. Hello, have you looked at this belly? There's got to be a *huge* kid in there. It is amazing to think he's been growing inside me for 40 weeks.

Later this afternoon I'm going for monitoring. Perhaps he will tap out his arrival date when the monitors are on.


After feeling so terribly Monday and Tuesday, I've felt better, with the exception of my digestive tract. My body would rather run on empty, but I am trying to get in those last fatty, guilt free meals. Which, by the way, must be why my weight continues to creep up a pound or so each week.

I'm pretty worried about my ability to handle no sleep in the coming weeks. I don't function when I am not sleeping. Charlie should be able to handle me, especially since the guy thinks my emotional rants have been par for the course thus far. It will be interesting to say the least.

We're ready, Freddie. We promise.

Just two

Perhaps tonight will be our last night as two...I doubt it, however.


It began with two boxes of chocolate, 75% off at Walgreens, one with lights and one playing a Jonas Brothers' ditty, on the couch.

And if that wasn't enough, we headed to the Hornets' game (skipping the parade) and finished the night of romance with all you can eat pancakes at IHOP.


Tomorrow, we'll have to top tonight, if we are still just two.

One a day

Yummy. I cannot get enough. I wonder what effect this obsession is having on my unborn child.

1 avocado, mushed with the back of the fork
1 small tomato, chopped
some garlic, push it through the press
pinch of kosher salt
a bit of fresh cilantro

This is better than bacon. Yes, better than bacon.

Taco Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground meat
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can red beans
• 1 can pinto beans (Didn't have any on hand, so didn't use)
  
• 1 can mexi corn (I used 2)
• 1 pack of Ranch dressing
• 1 pack of Taco seasoning
• 1 can rotel tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 1 can diced tomatoes
  

Directions:

1. Brown meat and onions.
2. Open cans and seasoning envelopes.
3. Dump everything into pot.
4. Add water to desired consistency.
5. Simmer for one hour.
6. Serve with sour cream, cheese, avocado, tortilla chips.
   

I plan on giving this a whirl with some shredded chicken to make it heart healthier and then again with shredded pork, because we love pork on Bordeaux Street.

I'm not sure how this one will go over with Charlie because he's not so much into beans, but I plan on having lots of avocado, with my current avocado craze, so that may do the trick. Besides, I am barefoot and pregnant, 39+ weeks pregnant at that, and making dinner. The guy can't expect too much more than me opening cans and throwing in some water.

This makes me happy

The rocker arrived today. I love it.

Um Ba-bay Update

At 39 weeks 3 days:

Blood pressure: 124/78
Weight gain: +29 (+27 at home)
FCS heart rate: 130s (same as last week)
Fundal height: 37 (same as last week)

Dr. M: How are you?
E: Crabby. Cranky. Crampy. I am not feeling well at all today. (said with tears in eyes)
Dr. M: Perfect! That's great news.

Well, I thought last night might be the beginning. And maybe it is. I felt exceptionally crampy and I was having some pretty good contractions, but nothing regular.

After a night of no sleep, my crampy feeling returned gradually throughout the day before my afternoon appointment. For feeling so rotten I would have thought I'd made more progress. The cervix is soft, but dialation is still minimal at 2 centimeters.

Deep breath.

Friday is my due date. I need to go in for monitoring. Then I'll find out who will take over for Dr. M if necessary. More monitoring on Monday. After that there will be more monitoring, other appointments, and an induction is scheduled to begin the evening of March 3rd.

Dr. M did say he is very surprised my body is holding on, or that Freddie is holding on, this long. He'll be around for another 6 days, so maybe FCS will meet Dr. M face to face before then.

Something not related, or so I think, is this lump that I've developed under my arm that has had me in a state of panic for a few days. I was so distracted trying to focus on what he was telling me about monitoring, the new OB, and what the next few days will look like, I failed to even show it to him. I suppose having something else to fret over is a good distraction.

No 5 mile walk today. Hope tomorrow I can fit it in somewhere.

Next appointment: Monitoring on Friday, February 20th, D-Day.

Have I mentioned that I am ready?

Look at dem toes! Love a pedicure.

• The pedicure is finished.
• My roots are touched up.
• The bag is packed.
• iPhones are loaded with phone lists.
• Shaving my legs every day!
• I'm lying around the house more and more trying to rest, even though the garden calls!
• I've read those birthing and pregnancy books cover to cover at least 8 times already.
  
• We've moved onto reading our caring for infant books.
• The camera batteries are charged.
  

What else is going on????

• I am walking 5+ miles every day. It takes an awfully long time to get through. Thankfully the weather has warmed and I am able to be outside and walk, but the tank top riding up to the belly button garners some attention at the park. Rightfully so I suppose.
• Spicy food is on the menu. I'm trying to get my hands on some crawfish! I'm also eating an avocado each day. Not that I think he's going to respond to that, but I figure any woman 39+ weeks pregnant huffing it 5 miles each day can eat an entire avocado everyday.
• I can feel lots and lots of movement around and below my belly button. While he used to reserve his movements for upper part of the belly, he's now seeming to wiggle down into position. I also have to say for as much as I have grown in the last few weeks, my back isn't feeling nearly as bad as it had. I really think carrying a breech baby is more of a strain on the back.
• Charlie's been commenting on my swollen piggies in the evenings. They are pretty funny looking.
  
• I'm going to get everything I need for a costume this week. I'm making the costume. We're doing Mardi Gras.
  

My Valentine

Coffee and the paper this morning waiting for the rain
to let up

He's in need of a haircut and a beard trim, but all in all, he's a pretty good valentine. I love him almost as much as the iphone he gave me...and I know he'd say the same about me!

Chocolate Chip Pound Cake Redux

I haven't been taking photographs, gardening, or cooking much, but I knew I had to get the oven going. It is Valentine's Day after all.

I love this cake. I made it last year for Charlie. This year I put a twist on it.


I substituted vanilla pudding for the chocolate, and doused it with chocolate frosting. I intended to buy some berries and serve it tomorrow, but, didn't make it that long.

We will be making this again!

Cake Ingredients:

• 1 box Duncan Hines butter yellow cake mix
• 1 large box instant pudding (Vanilla this time)
  
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 1 8oz container sour cream
• 1 6 oz bag of chocolate chips
• Powdered sugar for cake dusting

Cake Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl with a mixer for 2 minutes
2. Pour into a greased bundt pan (spray with Pam, sprinkle with sugar or flour to dust coat pan)
3. Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees
4. After cake has cooled, dust with powdered sugar

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 stick of butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbs cocoa
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla

Frosting Directions:

1. Bring milk and butter to a boil.
   
2. Add cocoa and stir constantly until mixed.
3. Add vanilla and sugar, stirring until combined and thickened.
   
4. Pour over cake as soon as cake comes out of the oven.
   

This morning

Breaking down again, but I am dressed.

Sleep would greatly help my mental state.

Boiling bottles and breast pump accouterments. Looking at the swing parts all over the floor and wondering why I can't seem to focus on the directions to get it put together.

I think I'll go ahead and make a Mardi Gras costume. That will just about guarantee III will make his appearance and render my belly centric costume useless, right?

I am ready.

Um Ba-bay Update

At 38 weeks 4 days:

Blood pressure: 128/78 (same as last week)
Weight gain: +28 (+26 at home, same as last week)
FCS heart rate: 130s (same as last week)
Fundal height: 37 (same as last week)

Same as last week is the theme here. Maybe not completely, because he did say my cervix was looking better than last week with some effacement and a fingertip dilated. But my bishop score is still not looking favorable for labor any time real soon. I know that can change at a moment's notice so I am holding in the heavy sighs.

We talked again about induction, and his really not recommending it, particularly if the cervix doesn't have some major changes in the next week. He told me he wants to deliver FCS, but would rather see my body figure things out and get FCS here all on its own. Because if there isn't some radical change in the cervix, the chances of cesarean are high, especially with this being a first pregnancy.

On top of that he said he discovered earlier in the day that getting me in for an induction next week is going to next to impossible. Labor and delivery is booked as far as inductions are concerned with doctors scheduling inductions 3 weeks in advance. He seemed miffed by his colleagues doing this, but told me that if I was adamant about an induction he'd do what he could to get me in there.

So we talked some about risks of being overdue. None, he said. Absolutely none. Monitoring would be just a precaution.

And then we talked about what other doctors on the floor would be capable of "handling" me, the self proclaimed "hot mess." (While he didn't agree I was a hot mess, he didn't disagree either!) He said he thought we could arrange for another OB to take over for appointments but he wasn't sure about the delivery part of the deal.

So, as of today, we are on for another appointment next week, to reevaluate and discuss again.

Next appointment: February 16th.

This morning

I put on my jeans, and took them off. 15 minutes on.
I put on my red flats, and took them off. 5 minutes on.
I put on my rings, and took them off. 30 seconds on.

Do I really have to leave the house?

I feel a meltdown coming on.

38 Weeks

Here we are. There will only be one more photo in this series. Ok, I hope there will be only one more photo in this series and I do hope the belly is a mere bulge (yes, I know that's wishful thinking) and FCS is in my arms.


At 38 weeks we have reached the point where when I sit the boobs rest on the belly and the belly rests on the lap. It is something else.


I would very much like to live in the one pair of fleece pants that still comfortably fit for the next two weeks. Getting dressed is quite the chore lately. Tired of the same clothes, especially since they aren't even fitting now.

I've been having lots of contractions and cramping, some waking me up at night and many cause a wince and deep breath. All that and no "progress" evident in the cervix department. The wincing did prompt me to get that bag for the hospital all packed.

I've been pretty emotional lately. Crabby too. I thanked Charlie the other day for being patient and do you know what he said to me..... "No big deal. You're actually like this pretty much all of the time, even when you're not pregnant." I'm difficult. I'm emotional. What can I say. I'm just happy Charlie knows how to deal with me.

Still no decisions about the birth date and induction. With the due date being 2 weeks away I figure the boy may have a plan of his own and we won't need any other. I do have lots of questions for my appointment on Tuesday,

This week we went to the Hornets' game. During the "flex cam" segment at a time out, the camera man was tickled at the idea of featuring me, enormously bulging belly, on the screen flexing my mashed potato "muscles." And my husband couldn't contain his laughter in the chair next to me. Of course I've been getting emails and texts asking if that was indeed me, red faced and swollen, on the screen above the court. Sigh. Maybe by the playoffs he'll be back to show me svelte (wink), flexing, and holding III.

In 2 weeks we'll be parents. Our son will be here. I had my doubts this day would ever come. Charlie was certain we'd never ever be in this position. But here we are. Here we are.

Ready or not..The Nursery

Still not done, but I think this is just about what it will look like when III arrives and so it'll probably look like this for quite some time!

It's not overwhelmingly a baby room. It's stuff I like and I think he'll like too.

The doggie gate welcomes you.


I can hardly fit through it these days, and we're yet to keep the dogs out of here, hence the dog hair tumbleweeds. Both pooches have taken to rolling in the sunshine on the rug. I hope the boy doesn't mind sharing.

He's got some books that I've been saving for some time. I used to have so many children's books but have slowly let them all go except for a handful.


The photographs have been up there for a while. Just some flowers in my garden. Not what I planned for the space, but I am yet to find something else I like.

Inside his very organized closet are lots of great hand me down baby clothes and a handful of new outfits. I hope I can manage to keep these little things organized by size and type of outfit the way Jessica set it up and taught me.


The room has been this shade of green for a while, and when I painted it I was too lazy to do the closet. I don't think he'll mind. I know someone out there who has a thing for unpainted closets...I bet I hear it from her real soon!

The butterfly is a silk kite. Not "oh so baby" but again, I really like it.


I want a little rocking chair for under the floor lamp where my packed bag is currently residing. The shade on that lamp is pink gingham. I was going to trade it out for something else, but Charlie asked me to keep it, so there it stays.

And the crib. No quilt yet. Still on back order. But he's got a blue blankie hanging on the end courtesy of Cindy's crocheting talent!


The ottoman is here, but still no rocking chair. It's currently being shipped from Houston. The chair will go between the crib and side table. I'd like a mobile for the crib and something for the walls, but haven't found anything just yet. Maybe that swing still in the box will get put together tonight! And a few people have told me the rug is too feminine, but I think the boy will deal with it just fine.

The lamp I had to have, and the tree relief print was a wedding gift.


He's even got a few coins in his football bank.

The crib and dresser were Charlie's and his grandmother used it with his mother and his sister used it with his nephews. Someone mentioned they have a family crib and a plaque is added with each name of the baby who used it before it is passed on to someone else. We may have to do that with this crib too.

Nope, no changing table. I'm sure we'll manage without. Don't see myself hiking upstairs (25 stairs) to change diapers anyway, although I'll have to make a trip upstairs to deposit the cloth diapers in the bag.


Aren't they cute?!? We're getting quite the collection and I can't wait to see them on. And a few outfits hang inside as well.


The room makes me happy. It's been a "baby" room since we moved into this house 3 years ago. I'm happy it will be Freddie's room real soon.

Um Ba-bay Update

At 37 weeks 4 days:

Blood pressure: 128/78
Weight gain: +28 (+26 at home)
FCS heart rate: 130s
Fundal height: 37

Dr. M told me he was proud of me today! Charlie told me that a few weeks ago and it put me into full on schwoon mode, and now hearing it from Dr. M makes me excited as well...not quite schwoon mode, but it does make me smile to think about.

He complimented my hard work and good attitude. He admitted that things seemed a bit touch and go early on, but he is confident that we'll have a healthy boy very soon.

Fetal activity is something he wants me to keep close tabs on in these final few weeks. He'll get me in for a NST (non stress test) at a moment's notice to check things out if I am feeling unsure or uncertain about what the little man's up to in there.

The cervix is still closed and long. No signs of impending labor. Good thing says Dr. M because he wants me to be the first to try out the new labor and delivery set up which won't open until February 11th. He's quite excited about it. So, plan on looking for me on the 8th floor at main campus.

We talked about the due date and the option of induction. I'm due on the 20th. Dr. M leaves on the 22nd and doesn't return until 10:30 pm on March 3rd, 11 days after the due date.

He doesn't like to do inductions and doesn't recommend them, especially when the cervix isn't showing signs of being "favorable" for delivery, i.e. the current condition of my cervix. He explained an induction under those conditions would mean a high probability of cesarean, and although that's a perfectly safe way to bring the boy into the world, it isn't ideal.

BUT...at the next appointment we can talk about induction on or around due date if we should so desire if having Dr. M there to deliver is something I need/want/would feel more comfortable with.

He did say that after 40 weeks he'd request regular, several times a week, monitoring of the baby, but he has no concern with going to 41 weeks with that monitoring. After 41 weeks he'd start looking for a reason to induce. I didn't ask for an expanded answer, although next week I may.

Although picking a birth day seems perfect for me because it seems like a measure of control (even though I am well aware that he could show up before the day we pick!), I have reservations about induction and the potentially difficult labor to follow.

So Charlie and I have a lot to talk about before I see Dr. M again next week. Who knows....all of this could be moot and he'll be here tomorrow, right?

And I suppose I'll have to close the baby pool soon, because we may have more information, so get your guesses in today!

Next appointment: Febraury 10th

Progress continues

Charlie has been unable to sleep for the past few nights. One night he had a bit of a panic attack about not being able to bang around with III and this new mama sleeping a weird schedule, and the past two nights he has been up anticipating the day, going through plans in his mind, and just generally being excited about the project. Excitement is good...this is what keeps progress going.

Admiring his work.

Charlie was able to get Lee over here this weekend to help him out wiring the bathroom, rerouting circuits, and to be a watchful eye so he didn't do anything to electrocute himself! Thank you, Lee!

He is quite tickled by the lighted switch in the hall to the bathroom.

They worked ALL day yesterday in the attic and under the house pulling wire.

Lights above the sinks and the tub. I scrapped my designs on
having a mini chandelier type light above the garden tub
and went with the cheaper can lighting.

And today Lee came by for a few hours to help with light installation from the attic. Charlie's still pounding up there, getting in some outlets and another light/heater combo.

There's a light in the shower stall and above the toilet.

He's pretty pleased with himself and what they've accomplished. It's been pretty tricky for him to figure out how to work around previously standard building dimensions from 100 years ago....like having a 14 inch space to work with and a 16 inch light needing to go in that space. Ah, the challenges of working on an old house without gutting and starting from scratch.

I think he still has a few more afternoons to put in before the wiring is completed. I don't know what's next...more plumbing? Tub framing? Shower pan?

There will be updates and we'll see how close this gets to his end of April deadline.