38 Weeks - 5 Days - SINGLE DIGIT COUNTDOWN!

I have finally reached single digits until my due date. After being pregnant for 10 months (yes, it is truly 10 months) and thinking that the day will never come, it feels so great that Ava is only days away from being born. Today Tate and I went on another 2 mile walk and this time I had to stop 3 different times because of the strong contractions I experienced. These contractions are what I call the big-daddys, the ones that stop me in my tracks and get me to grab my belly and moan. :) Poor Tate was worried sick because he thought I might go into labor right there at the park. :) I had to reassure him that I always get contractions when I walk, so it wasn't that different from other days. However, today's contractions were a bit more intense. I felt much better having him there with me just in case. After our walk we ran a bunch of errands together and I soon started to feel very uncomfortable. Little Ava has managed to put a lot of her weight now on my pelvis and bladder and any bump in the road or quick stops make for a very uncomfortable trip. Not to mention, every time I get in and out of the car I have to rest because I get really strong contractions. On a few different times today Tate stated that he thought I was going to have Ava tomorrow because of how strong my contractions were. I still think she will hang out for awhile in my tummy, but I am not exactly sure that I will make it to my DD of 9/9. Either way, I am finally on the single digit countdown and that means she will be here with us very soon. Ava, mommy loves you so much and can't wait for you to arrive.

38 Weeks 4 Days - Day at the Race Track - Show Me Big Money

Today Tate and I decided to do something different so we went to the horse track at Cantebury Downs. Since I have been working from home now and not feeling well, it's been hard for me to do a lot of things outside so I was very excited to get out and enjoy the weather. Tate and I got to the races and found some great seats outside in front of the track. We spent time going through the different articles and experts opinions on each of the horses. It was actually really fun. One thing I realized is that my husband and I are very different when it comes to gambling and betting. I like to take the nice, safe route and pick 1-2 horses I think will win because of their stats and of the opinion's of others. Tate on the other hand likes looking at which jockey is riding the horse and he also likes to bet on the long-shot. His point is that if you pick the favorite, you won't win very much, but if you pick on the long-shot you can win a lot. Although that is very true, you still need the long-shot to win and the horse is picked a long-shot for a reason....they are not likely to win. LOL. Thankfully Tate and I worked as a team and my wins evened out his losses. :) I won $24.00 on one race and another $14.00 on a different race. Needless to say, I was VERY happy. We ended up walking out of there after bidding on 6 races only 7 dollars less than what we came with and that included food, admission and a paper. :) Pretty cheap day for this soon-to-be mommy and daddy. The only bad thing that happened was that my acid reflux starting kicking in on the way home and I got pretty sick. We had to stop at a gas station because of my stomach. I truly can't wait for the day when I can eat a meal and not have to worry if I will be able to keep it down or not. All in all, it was a great day with Tate and that is all I could ask for.

38 Weeks 2 Days - 1st Daycare Interview

Today Tate and I went on our first daycare interview. I know it seems early, but I wanted to see what is out there in case the perfect place is just waiting for us to call. We found a place 5 mins from our house. It's an in-home daycare with a woman who is just starting up her own business. She was an elementary school teacher and decided to stay at home after having her first child. She was very nice and her home was very comfortable and clean. We talked with her for awhile and we left feeling great about her. She does require a deposit to hold the spot until December, however she will use that money for our 1st and last week of daycare so we really wouldn't ever lose out on the money. We still have other daycares to interview, in fact we have another one tomorrow night.

Today I caught myself staring at my tummy watching Ava move around and wondering if she will ever come. I know it's only a matter of time, but I have waited 9 1/2 months for her arrival and now I think I am just starting to feel a little antsy. It's hard to believe that in less than 2 weeks it will no longer be just Tate, Bailey and I. I absolutely can't wait for her to come. Every time I open my blog and see her little face I smile and think to myself about how beautiful and how lucky I am. Ava, Mommy is ready whenever you are.

38 Weeks - Doctor's Appointment - No Further Progress

I had big hopes for today because I had my 38th week appointment this afternoon and I was really hoping that things have "progressed" more than last week. Unfortunately, that was not the case. I have been hoping that Ava would come a little early because my acid reflux has kicked back into high gear again and I was sick all day yesterday and up all night long unable to keep my food down. It's been a hard couple of weeks, but on the bright side, I only have 2 more weeks to go (maybe even less). I brought a laundry list of questions to my doctor's appointment today and he knew I meant business when he entered the room. :) He sat down right away so I could ask him each and every question. He is a really nice doctor and he is always able to put me at ease. After my examination, he told me that I am still 1 cm dilated and about 40-50% effaced. I discussed with him my continuing problems with acid reflux and he told me that unfortunately there isn't much I can do, but he did decide to switch my medication to another (completely safe) one. Now I will be taking this new medication 4 times a day and hopefully that will help. I am hopeful anyway. I also made sure to get the correct phone # to call when Ava finally does decide the time is right. I am trying to make sure I have absolutely everything ready. :) He told me that we will talk about possibly inducing me next week IF and that is a big IF, everything looks to be in good shape. I would have to be at least 2-3 cm dilated and 70% effaced before he would even suggest it. He has said that we just need to get this little peanut out of me so my body can return back to normal. But, I am not going to push anything. Ava is going to come when she is good and ready and unfortunately, I think she is waiting it out for a September birthday. All I care about is that she is 100% healthy.

37 Weeks 6 Days - Last Birth and Parenting Class

Tonight Tate and I had our last birth and parenting class. It was one of the most interesting classes because we had 2 couples from previous classes there with their 2 and 6 week old babies. They told us their birth stories and gave us a really good idea of what to expect and what to ask for when we go into the hospital. They both had very different stories. One was an almost picture perfect delivery and the other had an extremely hard labor process which ended up in a c-section. Hearing their stories and seeing their tiny babies really hit home with me and I just kept thinking about what it will be like when our time comes. It was so nice hearing the "real stories" of what to expect during labor and delivery and once you bring your newborn home. One of the women there said that her water broke when she was only 1 cm dilated and 70% effaced, so that really isn't too far off from me. However, I really believe Ava is going to stay tucked inside my tummy for a little while longer. I do not expect her to be an August baby, but you never know. After class we made sure to get our names on an email list so we could all stay in touch and share pictures of our little ones after they are born. This class was a long process, but it definitely helped both Tate and I prepare for our special day.

37 Weeks 5 days - Still Walking

I just finished a nice long walk with Tate and Bailey and it felt really good. It is so nice outside, around 76 degrees and it's hard to believe summer is almost over. Tate has to go back to school a couple of days this week on Tuesday and Wednesday. We have our last birth/parenting preparation class tomorrow night and although we have learned a lot, it's been a long 6 weeks at 2 1/2 hours each session. But, it has prepared me for what lies ahead and Tate has had a chance to hear about all of the things I will be going through during the labor process. We have officially finished Ava's room by putting up wood blinds yesterday and all of our bags are packed and ready to go. We even have the car seat set up and ready to go in the car as well. I'm telling you.....we are READY. :) I met my girlfriend, Dee out on Friday night for dinner and we had a great time laughing and chatting about the past. I hadn't seen Dee for over 2 years, yet when we got together, it seemed just like yesterday. While at dinner, I had a TON of braxton hicks Bcontractions and had to end up going to the bathroom 4 separate times. Dee thinks I will have Ava by Wednesday, but I honestly have no idea when our little princess will come now. It seems like every day she is moving further down, but it's hard to tell if that means anything. I will just have to wait until my next doctor's appointment on Tuesday to find out for sure how things are moving along. So, until then I am going to keep on walking (with Tate now of course) and trying to stay active as long as I don't go too far away from home. :)

37 Weeks 2 Days - Ava's Bassinet

This past weekend when I went out to lunch with my girlfriend Melissa, she introduced me to "Once Upon A Child". I still needed to find a bassinet for Ava so she could sleep upstairs with Tate and I her first few months. I knew it would be really hard to get up every 2-3 hours each night and head downstairs to Ava's room. Plus, I am going to be a new mommy so I know I would not be able to sleep knowing Ava was so far away from me. I think the bassinet is perfect. The best part was that I got a great deal on it and I was able to take the entire bassinet apart and wash it. I had to make sure Ava's little bed was as clean as possible. :) The bassinet is nice because it is lightweight and the top is removable as well so I can bring it up and down the stairs with no problems.

I find myself going into Ava's room a lot through out the day just admiring things and wishing my little girl was here. I have to admit that at times it feels like she is never going to arrive but I know in my heart that it is not much longer now. I went for a walk last night and I must have went too far because I started having really strong contractions and I didn't know if I was going to be able to make it back. I honestly even thought about asking a police officer who passed by to give me a ride home. LOL. After I waddled my way home with Bailey, I laid down on the couch and I started to feel better after about 15 min. Of course I had to call my girlfriend, Kristie to tell her what happened and to find out what was going on with me. Kristie said it could be the very beginning of pre-term labor and that it might be a sign that our little Ava is on her way. :) I am still thinking that the earliest Ava will be here will be late next week, but that is just a complete guess. From now on, I have direct orders from Tate to shorten my walks and to walk with him whenever possible. :)

37 Weeks - Officially Full Term - Doctor Visit

Well I have finally made it! I am officially full term and the doctor told me today that Ava is ready to come out. :) We have once again confirmed that Ava is in the perfect position and she is sitting low. Although I have not dilated any more than 1 cm, I was told today that my cervix has thinned out to 50%. That means I am half way there and considering that my cervix was not thinned at all last week, I think I have made a lot of progress. Tate and I were able to see Ava on the ultrasound screen today and we saw her tiny little fists right up by her face. There was a lot of vernix floating around in the amniotic fluid so that is another good sign that things are progressing. I made sure that my tummy was measuring out okay because I have been told a lot lately how small they think I am and of course after awhile, I started to worry about it. Thankfully my doctor told me that I am measuring out perfectly and that everything looks great. She just thinks Ava will be a small baby and as long as she is healthy, I am all for that. :) I am so thankful for my weekly appointments because if nothing else, they put my mind at ease. I started packing my suitcase for the hospital today and now I just need to get a few comfy clothes to wear for the days and weeks after I deliver. My doctor did tell me that there are a lot of women out there who do not dilate more than a cm before labor starts and that it was a good sign I was already 50% thinned out. :) I will just need to make sure I am not too far away from home from here on out. Come on little Ava, mommy is ready any time you are. :)

36 Weeks 4 Days - Lunch with Melissa, Ella and Evan

Today was a great day as I met Melissa, Ella and Evan out for lunch at my favorite restaurant, Jakes. It was a beautiful, sunny day and it was so nice to see all of them again. Melissa and I have a tradition of going to Jakes together and sharing our favorite turkey sandwich together. :) Ella and Evan have grown so much and Ella was amazed at how much my tummy has grown. :) I explained to her that I am going to have a new playmate for her and she was really excited. I told her that her new friend's name is Ava and that she is getting ready to meet Ella. Her eyes lit up and it was honestly one of the most precious moments I have experienced. I can not tell you how amazing it feels to know that I will soon have a little girl who I can introduce to all my friends children. Our children will be able to play together and be friends of their own. I absolutely can't wait. Since we were celebrating my birthday at lunch, I was able to share a big hot fudge sundae with Melissa and the kids. Evan was successful getting his little fingers into the bowl for some good bites of ice cream. He knows good stuff when he sees it. We had such a great day. I always love spending time with Melissa and the kids. Thank you Melissa, I had a great time! Love you!

36 Weeks 2 Days - Nursery Update - Almost Ready to Go

I think Tate and I have finally made most of the finishing touches on Ava's room. I am really happy how it turned out and it makes me feel so happy every time I go in there. The only thing missing now is our little girl. However, I think she will be making her presence before her actual due date of 9/9/08. I have been noticing a few "changes" these past few days and it just makes me realize more and more that Ava could really come at any point. Tate is hoping I hold out for at least another day so he can make it to his baseball game. LOL. I think we will be able to make that. The only things I have left to get for Ava are baby monitors for her room. I am so excited. We have waited such a long time for her arrival and knowing that it is not far away makes me so happy. I can't wait to be a new mommy and to hold my baby girl in my arms. I already love her so much. I can't imagine what it will be like the first time I see her.

36 Weeks - Doctor Visit - Progress has started

I went to the doctor today for my 36 week (9 month) appointment. Everything went really well and I found out that the process has officially started. I have begun dilating (only 1 centimeter) but the process has begun. The doctor has confirmed that Ava's head is down low and in good position. I have also been feeling a little relief from acid reflux so I am trying to take full advantage of that by eating more. :) It just hit me today that our little girl could show up at any time. I honestly don't think it will be this week, at the earliest I am betting on a couple of weeks from now, but you never know. Only Ava knows the answer to that question. Tate and I are busy finishing up getting the last few items on our list to make sure we have everything for Ava's arrival. I still have to pack my suitcase for the hospital, but I have all of Ava's things ready to go. I guess I am already starting to think like a mom and putting her little girl first. :) So from here on out, I will just need to take things day by day and see what happens. Ava, mommy can't wait to hold you in my arms. Come on out when you are ready, let's just hope it's not too long from now. :)

35 Weeks 5 Days - Couples Shower

Today Tate and I traveled to Rogers, MN to attend a couple's shower hosted by our good friends, Kristin and Ryan and Tim and Mara. It was a beautiful day and everything was perfect. It was so good being with all of our friends again and seeing all of their kids running around. I can't wait for Ava to join the group. :) We had a fun day hanging out with our friends. We couldn't have asked for a better day and I received a lot of great advice on being a new mommy and how to get through the labor process. :) Thank goodness for good friends!

35 Weeks - 4 Days - Day out with Tate

Today Tate and I had plans to spend the entire day together. We headed out on the boat in the afternoon and boy was it hot! Yes, I have still been sporting my bikini but I guess I have to be thankful I can still fit into it. Tate had to help me in and out of the boat and we put a chair in the water on a sandbar so I could relax in the water and cool off. It is really nice being able to just pack up the boat and head out wherever we want, whenever we want. After spending around 3 hours on the boat we headed back in. Tate and I rested for a little bit and then headed out to dinner. Tate managed to get the restaurant to agree to sing happy birthday to me while I was visiting the ladies rest room. Yes, it was embarrassing, but at the same time, very sweet. After dinner, we headed out to the movies to finish the night. It was a great birthday and Tate bought me a designer diaper bag, thanks to the help of Jenna helping him pick it out. :) Thanks Jenna! I love it!

35 Weeks 3 Days - Happy Birthday Mommy!

Today was my birthday and it was a very fun day. I went into the office for awhile and then headed over to my sister's place to meet up with my mom and my sister. I have been trying to follow the doctor's orders and only staying at the office for 4 hours at a time when I do go in, but it's hard to leave once I am there. But, I managed to pull myself away a little early to enjoy a night out with my family. We had reservations at Palmino, a restaurant in downtown Minneapolis. We had so much fun talking and laughing together. We kept talking about how things will be different next year at this time with my little girl now joining us. We have always had a tradition of celebrating my sister and my birthdays together with my mom and next year I can't wait to share that special time with my little Ava. Who knows? She could end up being a Leo like her daddy, mommy and auntie Kimmy. :) That would definitely make for a busy household. Tate is playing in a baseball game tonight and is planning on taking me out tomorrow. This is going to be a fun-filled weekend! :)

35 Weeks 2 Days - Doctor's Visit

Today I had a follow up appointment with my doctor. Tate was there with me which is always nice. My doctor gave me some pretty strict instructions about working from home as much as possible and when I do go into the office, she only wants me working 4 hours and then heading back home. My boss has been really great and very understanding and really doesn't want me to go into the office anymore from here on out. But, it's actually nice to go in once-in-awhile so I will just have to listen my body and little Ava and see how things go. Everything looked good at my appointment. Ava is growing right on schedule even though I don't seem to be gaining anymore weight. I have still been fighting my acid reflux problems, but I am starting to understand more of the things that are "safe" for me to eat and I stick to them. It's always so good to hear that our little Ava is doing well and growing. My doctor said that if my contractions continue next week, they are not going to stop them and they are just going to let nature take it's course. :) I have a feeling little Ava will hang out for a few more weeks, it's very possible for her to be an August baby instead of September. You never what this little bundle of joy might do. My contractions continue to be really strong, so who knows? :)

35 Weeks - Only 35 Days to Go!!!

Yeah, I have made it to 35 weeks! After everything that has happened this past week, it is good to know that I have made it another one. According to whattoexpect.com, little Ava should be measuring around 18 inches long and weighs somewhere around 5 lbs. We had our 3rd birth and parenting class last night and got to visit the hospital (which we have already visited last week). :) But, Tate was able to see the postpartum room that we will be staying in after Ava is born. About an hour to an hour and a half after Ava is born, we will be transferred from the labor and delivery room over to the postpartum room. The postpartum room is much more comfortable and has a better TV. :) Last night when we were in class I formed my list of things that I need to bring with me to the hospital. My goal is to have to my bags packed for the hospital by this weekend. I have also picked out the outfit to bring little Ava home in. :) Tate and I still need to get the stroller put together, but now that Tate has more free time since ball is pretty much done, I have a feeling he will get that done this week.

My doctor's nurse called me this week to schedule another doctor's appointment for this week. They want to have a follow up appointment since I was back in the hospital last Friday. As of right now, they have not put me on complete bed rest, however they have "encouraged" me to stay off my feet as much as possible and to limit the amount of time I am at work. I spoke to my boss yesterday and he is really understanding and is in complete favor of me working from home as much as possible. When I do go into the office, I will only be working half days to help lessen the time I am there. It's so great to work for a company that truly cares about their employees.

It's hard to tell what little Ava's plans are for her mommy and daddy. I could see her arriving early, but then again you never know, she could surprise us all and stay inside for another 5 weeks.. :)

34 Weeks and 3 Days - Another trip to the hospital

Today was my first day back to work since my visit to the hospital on Tuesday. Everything was going pretty well until around 3 pm when I started having very strong contractions that lasted almost 15 minutes with few breaks in between. I called the nurse line and she got in touch with the doctor on call. It so happened to be the same doctor that admitted me to the hospital on Tuesday. After hearing my symptoms the doctor told the nurse to have me come in right away. Unfortunately, my hospital, Fairview Ridges was closed because they were full. So, they made arrangements for me to go to Methodist hospital. They did not want me to drive so they I had two of my co-workers bring me. Once I arrived at the hospital, they admitted me and hooked me up on monitors to watch my contractions and little Ava's activity. Tate arrived shortly after and sat with me while we waited. After awhile since my contractions were still occurring the doctor decided to give me a shot in my arm that would stop the contractions and have no affect on little Ava. Once I received the shot, my contractions slowed within minutes and eventually stopped. I stayed in the hospital for another 2 hours being monitored until they finally released me. I am currently not on full bed rest yet, but I have a feeling if this happens again, I will might be. I am a little worried, but my cervix has not begun to open yet and there does not appear to be any thinning within the cervix as well. This is really good news. Ava still seems to be sitting pretty high in my tummy so that is also good news. I have really limited how much activity I have during the day. I just need to make it another 2 weeks and then I will be considered full term. Ava must be pretty excited to come into this world, but we just need to keep her in there a little bit longer. Her room is almost completed. We just need to hang a few pictures and the blinds, when they come in, and we should be good to go. My sister is coming over tomorrow to help figure out where we should place the pictures. It has been so much fun decorating her room. I will take pictures of the finished nursery when everything is complete. I want everything to be perfect for Ava's arrival and they way things look, she could be arriving sooner rather than later. :)