32 weeks and Fireworks (part 1)

Well this post has needed some revisions, and additions since it was started (see Fireworks part 2 to follow).  A couple days ago I was planning to update with our newest information and associated updated timeline ~

Our growth scan/US for 32 wks was done 7/1, and keeping up with previous measurements this little one was no longer so little ~ at least for gestational age.  Major bone lengths, head and abdominal girth were all closer to an average for 34 wks.  We were guessing what the weight would be; 4 1/4 lbs?  4 1/2?  Either of those are well ahead of average.  You can imagine my reaction when she told us an estimated 5 lbs 1 oz!  Good thing we're planning a C section - a full term baby would be at least 10 lbs at this rate! 

Next, we finally had a C section date set, following some discussion in deciding the best timing in the 34-36 week window.  The dilemma being both to give baby longer to mature and in trying to not push our luck with my bleeding events; all with a lot of professional opinions out there but no solid data to guide the choice one way or another.  Ultimately we settled on a date and I knew no matter what, I was looking at 3 more weeks at the most.  It felt good to have that "one last goal" in place, although with all the back and forth I wondered if it would matter.

The past week somehow I had been feeling different.  I can't say how, just know I had this feeling I wasn't going to get much farther.  I was certainly getting much bigger though!  And with this last growth spurt came more frequent "minor" bleeds, expected really for this phase of baby and uterus growth.  No matter how expected though, it still makes for sleepless nights and drowsy days.  My pattern has been nighttime events all along, and each time is harder to fall back asleep as I can't help but wonder if it is done or if this is going to turn into "the big one." 

On July 4th my always entertaining husband suggests the middle name "Pendence" ~ which I was more confused by than anything.  We had already narrowed a list of middle names, and I had no idea where this was coming from...until he also says we'd have to change the first name to "Indy" if it was going to work.  Ha ha, always the joker!  Of course I was clear that was not going to happen, besides the only way that would work would be to have this baby on that same day.  So instead we had our hospital provided "picnic" lunch (another long stay patient perk) complete with table cloth and picnic basket & all took naps at various points in the day.  We said our good nights as usual, and Chris headed out to tuck Lydia in at home after she gave baby hugs.  (This has been the cutest thing, as she hugs my belly, gives kisses and talks directly to my belly button as if it is a direct portal to communicate with "her baby"). 

Another evening, ready to tuck in and just waiting for my nurse to do her nighttime assessment.  We always plan for that between 10-10:30 so that I can have the "do not disturb" status then until 6:30 am unless I need something ~ just another perk!  And then promptly at 10:15 my nurse arrived, as did more bleeding.  Which became more bleeding...and more nurses, and the start to our very own fireworks extravaganza!  This July 4th birthday suddenly felt not just possible, but likely.