38 Weeks - Induction Set

I haven't blogged any pregnancy updates, or blogged at all for that matter, since the middle of May.  Boo.  So, lots to catch up on.

The gestational diabetes has been the biggest thorn in my side.  My glucose numbers have been awful and my OB has continued to increase my insulin to figure out where I need to be to manage my sugars effectively.  At this point, I am now on 20 units of NPH insulin at night, and 5 units of regular and 15 units of NPH insulin in the morning.  This combination has finally seemed to get my numbers where my doctor is happy with them.  I'm praying that the baby is healthy and doesn't have any issues with all of this once he's born.  And, I'm also hoping that I can put all this behind me and don't have to worry about it anymore once he's born too.

I've had two ultrasounds since my last update.  At the one at 36 weeks, he was measuring 7 pounds.  Today, he's measuring 7 pounds 11 ounces.  I know that it's not completely accurate, but it's a good base to judge.  Basically, he's huge!  My OB thinks that I should still be able to have a vaginal birth, which makes me happy.  I really want to avoid a c-section if possible.  Of course, if the baby's health or my health is in jeopardy, then I understand.  I also have extra fluid.  Drew and the doctor sat and compared what I was with Annelise and what I am this time after the 36 week u/s, and I have double the fluid that I did with Annelise.

I've been doing twice a week NSTs and, let me tell you, they are boring!  Baby looks absolutely perfect though, and that's all that matters!

Physically, things have started to take an uncomfortable turn.  My feet are usually sort of swollen all the time now.  They get worse if I'm on them for a long period of time, or if it's very hot outside.  For the past four weeks or so, my hands and wrists have really started to hurt.  They will fall asleep in the middle of the night.  They also seem to hurt way worse during the night.  When I wake up to use the bathroom, it's very painful to try and bend my fingers.  My OB said it's carpal tunnel.  I'm hoping that it goes away quickly after delivery!

I'm up about 42 pounds now.  Yikes!  My poor belly is huge, and my skin is so stretched.  With Annelise, I just got stretch marks on my sides.  Now, I have them all above my belly button too.  It's pretty gross.  The other day, I got out of the shower and Drew took one look at my belly and said, "You will never be the same again".  Thanks pal, love you too!  He's also made some other fantastic comments that have made me feel quite heifer-ish.

He still moves around a ton.  I'm so amazed at how much he moves.  It's comical to watch because my entire belly will move and shift when he does.  I can usually feel his knees or feet run along my skin.

His room is coming along.  Drew and I have been working on getting things organized and hung up and arranged.  We just have a few small details left.  Everything else is basically ready for him.  I've washed the car seat, but we probably won't install it until we bring him home from the hospital.

As of right now, we are scheduled to go to the hospital on Wednesday the 2nd to start the induction process.  He'll probably then be born on the 3rd.  I'm nervous about being away from Annelise for all that time.  I'm afraid that she's going to have a rough time with me being gone and not able to come home.  We are planning on having her come up to the hospital right away after he's born so that she can meet him.  I can't wait to see my two children together!