Waiting

Well, I have gotten several phone calls this past week concerning the upcoming birth of our baby. We had thought he would be here by now, but, alas, he is not. We had our last ultrasound in Iowa City on the 7th, about 38 weeks into the pregnancy (I think I counted 13 ultrasounds this pregnancy, crazy, huh!). The baby is still doing AWESOME! However, as a precaution, they like to induce at about 39 weeks. The problem is this has to all be coordinated with my doctor here in town. We had tenatively scheduled the 14th as the day to go in, but then he went out of town and I wasn't able to see him for two weeks. The doctor I saw instead felt this was too early. I told him the Iowa City drs. wanted me induced at 39 weeks (they had also sent a letter to this affect). He asked if the baby had an exchange transfusion, I said no, and he said they probably just didn't want me to go over my due date. I knew my doc was on call on the 18th so I asked him to schedule it for that day. He said my doc had changed call days so now it is scheduled for tomorrow, the 20th! That is only 3 days before my due date (I guess I should be thankful it is not 3 days after). It is no fun having to be induced either. Letting your body do it the natural way is so much better.

I am more than ready to have this baby. At our last ultrasound they asked me if I have big babies. The largest one we have had is 8 lb. 3 oz. This baby's head was off the charts at 38 weeks and they said he was measuring 8 lb. 6 oz. give or take a lb. (I pray it is not give). That was nearly 2 weeks ago. This has given me more anxiety than normal about giving birth especially with it being pushed back a few times. Add to this the fact that I have been asked several times if I am having twins (one person even asked if I was having twins or triplets!!) and I have been a little nervous. I talked to my dr. about this. He said I wasn't measuring too big and that he would be surprised if the baby was over 9 lb., but that they would closely monitor things. He is a great dr. and I like that he has delivered 3 of my babies already. I don't know if he can remember those births, but I like to think he knows what to expect at least a little. It also gives me some comfort knowing that my mother gave birth to a 9 lb. ? oz. baby. How big were you Shane? I am built a lot like she was, so hopefully things will all go well. It would just be so difficult to have a C section with 4 children and a baby to take care of, and no family that could come and stay for an extended period. I know our church family would take good care of us, but you hate to have to need it for so long.



Amidst all the waiting the kids have been anxious too. Ben tells me almost everyday, "I want my baby brother to come. How long until the baby pops out?" (if only it were that easy, pop!). We have kept busy though. The kids started school this week. At least I didn't go into labor the first day of school. They are both enjoying it so far. It is nice that the routine and the school are familar to both of them this year so they have had less concern. Anna was worried, but then the first day went so well, she has been fine. I know our routine is going to be screwed up a bit with the coming of the baby, but hopefully it won't take too long to work all of that out. It has been nice to have more time with Liz and Ben. I just can't believe how much quieter it is around here without the older two. Ben has also done SUPER with potty training. He hasn't had an accident in several days. He will even tell me when he needs to go even if we are at a store or church or whatever. That is a huge relief to me. I just hope that it continues after the baby comes. I have just been trying to complete as many little projects as I can and stay caught up with the house and laundry so there is less for Greg to worry about when the baby comes. I can't remember the last time he had to do the laundry! It is great the kids are older this time too. The older two have been making their lunches for school (with a little coaching) and can get their own breakfasts. I think this will help me so much. They are also good at entertaining Ben and doing their daily chores. I think they are excited and looking forward to the baby's arrival. It has been amazing how they have just sort of known, intuitively, the last few weeks that it is very near (OK maybe the shrinking size of my lap has something to do with it).

Well, hopefully our next post will be about our new baby and how healthy he is, and what a great labor and delivery it was. PLEASE keep us in your prayers. Soon the Finch 6 will be the Finch 7!