18 Month Routine, Pre Manna

Since about May or June we followed the same general routine for Addison and that was the first time I put it on paper. So the last routine was geared for about 12-18 months. I loved having it on paper because it helped me problem solve when things were chaos, helped me accomplish a lot more of our goals (blanket time, errands, etc.). I blogged about it (New Routine, The Wise Series Way) and gave ALLLL this disclaimers about still being flexible and such. What's interesting is I have actually felt MORE free since we put the routine on paper! So it made sense why I have felt so chaotic since we dropped the morning nap in late September---I had no revised routine!!!

Below is the new Addison norm beginning about 18 months. This will change soon based on how we integrate Manna into the routine. Most of the components of Addison's day will stay the same, the timing will just be altered to allow me time to nurse or nap the new baby. Sibling time will be added soon too, YAY!!!

39 Week Doctor Appointment

Quick update from the doctor visit today....

• Progress: 3 cm dilated; 50-60% effaced still. Head down and in pelvis but not applied at. My babies like to just sit in my pelvis.
• Reviewed results of ultrasound last week: Doctor agreed my due date was probably off a week but that does not change anything this late in the game. Just means this one probably wont be as big as Addison. I HATE that they did not explain the entire report to me...they only focus on the size!!!! My friend Tonya went over it with me and helped me see that there is some great news in there, which distracts me from the size GUESSES. Manna scored an 8 out of 8 on the Biophysical Profile, the fluid levels were great and Manna had fluid in his/her stomach and bladder! YAY!!
• BP: 110/60
• Fetal Heart Rate: 130's. Took forever to find it; Manna did not cooperate.
• Fundal Height: Little to no change. The last few doctors believe this is just how I carry my babies at the end. They just sit in my pelvis, but do not fully engage which makes it difficult to obtain accurate fundal height and u/s measurements.
• Next Steps: My final appointment is Monday October 24. Assuming we do not have Manna between now and then that is the day we will set an induction. They will still only allow me to go 7 days late so it will more than likely take place on 26th or 27th. We shall see. However we are still hoping to go into labor naturally!!

Manna Pictures

My sweet friend Sheila took maternity pictures of Manna with Addison recently. She is a wonderful photographer and was looking to expand her portfolio into maternity photos, so I was VERY happy to help her with that. Although I do not LOVE the look on my face in many of the pictures (I was too busy watching Addison be silly) they turned out great. We particularly LOVE the ones with Addison :)

Just random pictures of Addison at The National Mall

Just random pictures of Addison at The National Mall

Just random pictures of Addison at The National Mall

WARNING...now starts a few bare belly pictures......

Halloween Cake

Matthew got a random itch for some cake a few nights ago so we made chocolate cake from a box and then homemade vanilla butter cream frosting. The touches to make it halloween were quite last minute.

She sure is Mommy's helper lately!

Whoops, she got batter on her fingers :)

Every kid needs raw dough or batter eventually right??

The final product

In the words of my Little Tummy Yummy blog...YUMMY IN THE TUMMY

39 Week, 1 Day Ultrasound

Preliminary findings indicate the due date may be off by a week; in other words I am 39 weeks but the tech feels like this is probably a 38 week baby despite the estimated fetal weight of approximately 7.5 lbs. We have suspected this all along, but they do not change due dates if they are only off by a week or a week and a half. Unlike the 35 week ultrasound, Manna was very cooperative and actually has been really calm all day today.

What does this mean? Lots of "unofficial" (not official until the doctor complies his/her report) good things....

1. Estimated weight is 7.5 lbs, but (according to my doctors) this does not measure any body fat.
2. They will probably allow me to go up to 7 days late. That doesn't sound like good news to most people, but it IS good news when you REALLY want to go into labor on your own and naturally
3. Baby Manna is still the perfect size
4. No abnormalities
5. Head down and low low
6. Manna has lots of fluid still (not like big sister)

All in all I think it was all very positive. We will return to the doctor Tuesday (2 days before d-day) for our weekly check up; we are hoping they are supportive (and feel its safe) for us to allow Manna some time to come on his/her own. I think I am destine for an induction or something to help start my labor, but you never know.

Matthew and I tend to take the estimated weights with a grain of salt because they can be up to 25% off in either direction. Only the Lord knows whats going on with Manna and I have to remind myself constantly that HE is in control of timing and size and everything else.