Kyen's Birth Story

Friday morning I woke up by 3:30am, kissed my sleeping husband and sons goodbye, and drove myself to the hospital by 4:30am.

I was hoping to arrive early enough to be fully admitted and ready for the scheduled 5:00am induction...we wanted this show on the road. I made it to the L&D floor by 4:45am (couldn't believe I beat Taryn and JD - who were staying in the hotel right across the road from the hospital). I changed into my gown, took a few pictures, and I was hooked up to the IV fluids by 6:00am. Not long there after I started receiving a bag of precautionary antibiotics and the Pitocin drip began. Taryn and JD made themselves comfortable and we hung out for a bit.

Taryn's family arrived and we all visited for about an hour or so waiting for my OB to come in to break my water. My parents and Grandma came up to my room just before the Dr got there at 8:15am. They had stayed in town overnight to be there with me for my induction. I was having contractions by the time my membranes were ruptured, but 12 minutes apart. And I was dilated between 2 and 3cm still only 50% effaced. Baby was high, at a -3 station, but low enough to be engaged - thankfully we did not have to worry about his cord prolapsing.

I was very quickly allowed out of bed and hooked up to a portable, wireless fetal heart monitor (very cool - got'ta love technology). By getting out of bed we were all very hopeful that my contractions would pick up and each half hour the Pitocin was increased to help things along as well.

At 9:00am, I was already beginning to feel that the baby had come down a bit and my contractions were definitely starting to increase in frequency - but not yet in intensity. My husband arrived at the hospital near 9:45am after getting the sitter acquainted w/'Topher and our older two sons off to school for the day.

Taryn, JD, my husband, and my Mom paced the halls with me.

We had people coming and going in and out of the room often - the mood filled with lots of excitement and anticipation of when baby Kyen would make his appearance. We began taking bets on how much he'd weigh - most of us confident that he'd surely be over 8lbs. My Dad was the only one of us who felt he'd weigh less - turns out he was right and won our pot of money.

By 10:00am I was really starting to notice the pain of the contractions, needing to stop in the hallway to breath through most of them. My OB saw us in the hallway and checked the dose of Pitocin I was receiving - stating that I was on quite a lot at that time already (near the amount she'd cut off administering any more). I walked a bit and rocked in the rocking chair hoping to have made some progress since I was now really feeling the strength of being in active labor. Each contraction had me stopped and breathing through the pain - fairly intense cramping at this point.

The nurse checked me and said I had made it to 5cm, but was almost fully effaced. I requested the epidural very quickly after this check of my cervix. They mentioned that the anesthesiologist would be in as soon as he finished up with an emergency C-section (the nurse hoped he'd show up by 11:00am). There were five OB patients (including myself) being induced on this morning, yet only one Dr there for anesthesia. We were a bit put off after learning this information. I had several emotional moments by this point, and just after - kept the Visine close. (I'd be damned if I had to see my little surro son come into this world through cloudy contact lenses).

I had given up walking the hallway by 11:00am, and tried to patiently wait for my epidural through the contractions that were coming on much stronger by this time and nearly 3 minutes apart. My Mom and husband coached me through each one. Taryn would step in to help when one of them needed to leave to get me something or call the nurses in. I was extremely thankful to have them there with me. The contractions had me feeling so tense, I just couldn't get comfortable enough to stay on top of them so they pain wasn't so bad.

The only thing that helped me get through was to moan and lean on the shoulders of my husband and mom while hugging them tightly. This was comforting, but not enough to feel I was relaxing enough to open up my pelvis.

At one point I was only able to sit on the bed with my mom in front of me coaching me to breath (apparently I was holding my breath) and my husband held me on the bed because the pain was so intense I felt like sliding off and away from the cramping. The only way I can explain the pain to them was that it felt like a charley-horse (multiplied by 10) all around the lower front of my stomach. I could tell there was no more, or at least very little, amniotic fluid around the baby to help ease the pain of the contractions...this was as dry a labor as they come.

Poor Taryn, JD (and everyone else in the hospital within earshot, for that matter), they had to sit around the room listening to my moans (many times low screams). Several times I noticed people left when a contraction would start. It must have been hard to listen to. I did catch Taryn, on a few occasions crying as she watch me in pain - wishing it could be her instead. I felt awful, but there was nothing any of us could do at this point, but try to be patient and get me through the contractions the best we could. Everyone was eager to get the baby here, but this was not something any of us expected (that epidural should have already been on board so I could be comfortable).

By 11:30am, I was getting very frustrated that the anesthesiologist hadn't arrived yet. I probably had everyone in the room bother the nurses after each contraction to see where he was.

A nurse came in after DH literally yanked her to my room (my assigned nurse had to help with the emergency delivery) and demanded they turn off the Pitocin to see if it would help space out the contractions from coming so often (every minute now) while we waited for the anesthesiologist to arrive. After doing so, she told us that another emergency came up and it would be another hour or so before I'd get my epidural. "$hit!", was all I remember saying. But, my husband told me later that I was also begging her at this point to give me anything to help with the pain. But she refused and instead put an oxygen mask on my face. If nothing else, this served to muffle my screams (getting much louder now) and of course it helped oxygenate baby and I better.

I remember screaming out in pain saying, "No! No! No!". I don't know why I was so vocal this labor. It was an incredibly painful experience and I think it took me back to when I delivered the twins without medication because I went to fast to get an epidural. I was afraid the same thing would happen again, I suppose. The nurse checked me once more and found me to be about 7 cm and fully effaced, but still not progress enough that I felt warranted all the pain I had just endured (for a couple lousy centimeters)!

It was 12:25pm before the anesthesiologist finally arrived in my room. Apparently my husband forced the nurses to order the on-call doctor to come take care of me. The doctor clearly wasn't very happy to be called in, but I sure loved seeing him...even if he was upset and irritated. I finally had my epidural and tried to compose myself soon after. This was the only time I asked everyone but my husband to please leave the room, so I could gather myself a bit (and primp for all the pictures we'd be taking now that I was pain-free). ;)

As soon as I had the oxygen off my face and comfortable, I immediately noticed the baby had moved down and I felt as though I was sitting on his head (duh, I was). My IPs and family came back into the room and I felt between my legs. Sure enough, there was Kyen's head just starting to crown! We called for the nurse to get my OB there quickly! She checked me and verified that I was indeed complete and baby was at a +3 station.

I noticed I was VERY swollen too. I guess I was sitting just right and the combination of the pressure from baby's head made me swell quite a lot...more then any of my previous births. I knew I wouldn't be requesting a mirror for this delivery.

At 12:40pm the OB arrived with her assistant. They had my bed broke down and raised way up high in the air so the doctor could deliver me standing up. I was nearly 4 feet up 'cause Taryn stood almost even with a full face view of my neither regions...lovely, I'm sure. But you couldn't tell she was bothered by it in the least - her son was about to be born.

JD stood to my right, next to his wife and the baby warmer. My husband was also there shooting pictures and video (and handing me cameras when I requested them - yes, I took full advantage of the view I had of the emotions in the room). Taryn's uncle and Dad stood to my left and her aunt roamed around, trying to get a good view.

Each one of Taryn's family had someone on their cell phones waiting to hear as their new relative came into the world. My Grandma came in just as I was beginning to push and walked right up to be next to me. I didn't realize until later that she was next to Taryn - wanting to see everything closely as she did w/my last son's birth. My twin sister (also a surrogate & pregnant with a sibling for her NY couple), and her 4.5 yo daughter finally arrived just in time to help capture the moment too. They and our mom stood to the back of the room with video cameras in hand - each on opposite sides of the room.

Everything was perfect. I started pushing. First push - Taryn says while the tears stream down her face, "Oh wow, I see dark hair...here he comes!" JD is all smiles, "...like his mama" and claps his hands proudly. I was told to stop pushing while the doctor suctioned the baby's mouth and nose. My OB says, "Okay Heather, big push".

And the next contraction I pushed again. Someone in the room says, "Oh, he's big!" and I hear my mom say, "Come on Heather! Go Heather!" Through my own tears I can see Taryn with her arms out ready to catch her son. Everyone in the room is crying along with us now. Kyen came sliding out at 12:53pm and I'm told to stop pushing - he's here!

JD reaches over to cut his son's cord. Taryn cries out, "Awe, he looks like his Daddy" and in the same instance JD says, "He looks like his Momma!" :) Everyone quickly moves to the side of the room where Taryn places her son in the warmer and the nurse cleans him up. Kyen really starts to cry (music to my ears 'cause my sons had respitory issues - not my IPs little ones though, TG!) The cell phones were raised in the air capturing the sounds of the baby's first moments and the emotions of the room! It was beautiful! "Happy Birthday baby, Happy Birthday!", his Mommy kept saying while taking pictures of him laying there.

My husband leans over to hug me as I cry on his shoulder (I had several emotional moments like this one - it was all so overwhelming). Taryn calls over to me from the corner where the baby was and tells me how cute he is and asks if I'm OK. I still had not delivered his placenta and we were all holding our breaths that it would deliver without complications. And it did (just 10 minutes later)! My OB was very reassuring and knowledgeable. Holding it up for me to see - the entire placenta, in one piece. What an emotional relief!

One by one everyone came to hug me and thank Noel and I for helping bring Kyen into the world. I loved seeing everyone so happy with how the baby looked and how healthy he was.

I got a few glimpses of baby Kyen in the warmer and I knew instantly

(as did my husband, sister, and the nurse) that he may not be as heavy as we all thought he might. Turns out we were correct. Once they got the baby in to weigh him, he was only 7lbs 13oz and 19.5 inches long. Still a nice, healthy size though for a 38 week gestation. Taryn was relieved he didn't come out walking and talking already. ;)

He was first lifted up for JD to hold and after a few quick pictures he was back in Mommy's arms. :) We took a few pictures of them and all of us together. Then Taryn let me hold the little miracle. He had the most petite features and such dark black hair - tons of it! My Grandma was so funny, saying he was very pretty and how she thought he was a girl and didn't know why all along she thought that. I told her, I didn't know 'cause I don't often bake baby girls...LOL.

Before saying goodbye to my parents and Grandma, that afternoon, we had several visitors. Angie's intended parents from NY, showed up with their daughters (the youngest of which was Ang's 1st surrogate baby) bearing flowers for me - so sweet! Kathleen had given Taryn (the day prior at lunch) a beautiful crocheted blanket she had made for Kyen. After exchanging the gifts, Taryn had also bought a gift for my sister's little surro son-to-be, my lunch arrived and everyone took turns holding baby Kyen.

Noel had to get home to our sons and I spent the rest of the afternoon resting and ogling over the baby. Taryn and JD went back and forth from the nursery to get Kyen bathed and fed.

We weren't sure if the hospital had enough empty rooms to allow my IPs to get their own room with the baby. It turns out they were able to find a smaller one on the opposite wing where the C-section patients stay. Which was fine with Taryn and JD. And the following night (once I was released to go home) they were able to stay in my larger room.

Our legal paperwork for the pre-birth order was sent successfully through so my couple's names would go directly on the birth certificate. Taryn and JD filled out all the paperwork (I took pictures, LOL) and received all documents as they would if they had given birth without the use of a surrogate. We were very pleased with how well we were treated and taken care of. Kimberly, another intended mom who belongs to my surrogacy support group and lives in the OKC area, arrived and we visited with her. She bought the baby a sweet little stuffed lamb. That evening LaDonna, another friend from TOSS, came by to visit us as well. It was nice having them there to meet my new little surro family and support us. :)

Later that afternoon my husband came back up and brought our sons to meet Kyen. They stayed long enough to watch Taryn and JD open our gifts to them - a digital picture frame; a little Oklahoma t-shirt, baby bib w/Kyen's ultrasound pictures, and a military baby onesie for Kyen; a teddy bear that they can hang from his crib that plays a heartbeat sound (so he'll have something to remember of me and hopefully soothe him too); a blanket I crocheted that matches the colors of the nursery, and a personalized lamp for the nursery with a picture of us at Kyen's baby shower with a poem that says, "Precious one so small so sweet, dancing in on angel feet, straight from Heaven's brightest star, what a miracle you are." And I received a very nice purple sleep mask (Taryn knows how I can't sleep without one) filled with Lavender (she loves Lavender - it's so relaxing), a bar of homemade Lavender soap, a pretty little necklace that says "love, faith, & trust" (very meaningful), and the most beautiful vase that depicts a family of five from a shop in Newark that I saw when we went shopping (she went back and bought it for me - so nice).

Speaking of gifts, my sister-in-law and family sent over some beautiful flowers. Noel and the boys brought up a vase with three of my favorite flowers too. My twin sister gave me a nice card and baskets I've been wanting as well as giving my IPs a sweet baseball bear and outfit for Kyen (she bought the same for her little surro son - they'll be twins like Ang and I - LOL). And my former intended parents, Stacey and Anthony - and surro kids, sent me a dozen yellow roses with the nicest card. And they sent the baby a nice little basket of goodies that Taryn thought was so generous of them to get.

I've felt terrific since the birth of Kyen. I did end up with a few "cosmetic" stitches, but I was rarely sore and never felt a single after-pain (unbelievable). Rarely did I need an Ibuprofen and I only took one Tylenol with Codine when the night nurse handed it to me in the middle of the night. She thought I'd want it since my epidural would fully wear off by morning and I could avoid feeling any pain by taking it.

My back was a little achy, but that was more then likely from the epidural or a combination of my muscles being so tight during labor (every muscle was so tense - rock hard at the time).

Taryn and JD didn't sleep well that first night, I don't think they've slept well since Kyen's birth - but, they are loving it! ;) I was released to go home after 24 hours post partum. First time, ever! It was great! I didn't get emotional saying goodbye to them there at the hospital because I knew they had another day in Oklahoma and I'd be back up to visit the following day.

I had to take tons of pictures and video the day following, once Kyen was released from the hospital and back at their hotel across the street. It would be the last time I'd see them for a while. Taryn and JD were already using the web cam to show off their new baby to family back in Delaware. I had burned off all my pictures and video for them to have and gave them my bracelets from the hospital as a keepsake too. The boys held the baby and Taryn's uncle brought in a bottle of champagne for us to toast the baby's safe arrival and journey home. We had some laughs and I thought how I'd miss them and all the times we shared together through the pregnancy.

I swaddled my little surro son up in his blanket and held him close taking pictures with everyone in the room to remember these last moments in Oklahoma with them. Quietly I said goodbye to the sweet angel sleeping so soundly in my arms. I kissed him telling him to be good for his parents just like he'd been for me the past 9 months I grew him in my belly. Saying goodbye to his parents was hard - I only broke down once while hugging Taryn. She's been an incredible friend and so strong through all that we went through together. I'm in awe of her! She and JD thanked me again (their whole family did several times) and I gratefully told them how enjoyable it had been for me and how much of a pleasure it was for us too!

They flew home the following day - the baby did VERY well on the plane and they are now home and happily in love with their new little one - a bit colicky, but growing like a weed - This week - April 3rd, at 3wks old, Kyen weights 10lbs 2oz already.

It's been an amazing surrogacy! The pregnancy couldn't have gone better. My couple and their family welcomed us with open arms and I thank God for the miracle of finding them and being able to help them the way I have. Another blessing born into a fabulous family. This journey is over, but there will be more to come. I know we'll remain close and even hope to make several trips up to visit and vacation with them. Maybe even try for a sibling in the future. ;)

***Update - Mother's Day 2009***

After my latest surrogacy journey for a CA couple, a year following Kyen's delivery - I unexpectedly became pregnant with my own daughter (4 years post-vasectomy). My twin sister stepped in to take my place as the Dayton's surrogate, but after several failed embryo transfer attempts they moved forward with a local surrogate. And I'm pleased to announce they are expecting a new baby boy in August of this year! Kyen is now 3 years old...adorable as ever, enjoying "school", and excited to be a BIG brother!

Kyen Birth Update & Video Montage of Our Journey!

*Click this link to view our Surrogacy Montage Video*

Kyen has arrived! I'll write a more in depth birth story soon, but I'm leaving in the morning for a week long vacation down to the Texas coast w/my family (stopping by to visit my former IPs and surro babies on our way home - Friday).

Here are his stats:

Kyen Spencer was born at 12:53pm Friday March 10, 2006 weighing 7lb 13oz and 19.5inches. He was smaller then we all thought he'd be (smallest little boy I've carried anyway), but every ounce of him is amazingly precious! He looks so much like Taryn (her "mini-me"), but you can clearly see his proud papa, JD, in him too.

Labor was VERY difficult (dry labor/no fluid to easy my pain & cranked up to full dose of Pitocin), but quick and extremely easy once I finally received an epidural (near 8cm at that time). The delivery was heavenly - a room full of people w/cameras in hand (15+), lots of emotion (tears, laughter, you name it) - it was total bliss for baby Kyen's arrival.

I wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers for us during our journey. A HUGE thank you goes out to my loving husband, Noel (he's absolutely my rock through these surrogacies and especially during this particular labor/delivery)! Also a giant hug goes out to my Mom (she was the BEST labor coach ever!) & the rest of my family! Grandma, Dad, and Angie thank you for being there w/us & Jen for coming up to visit...Nicole, it's been so nice that you've been so supportive of us too!

I came home from the hospital yesterday (just a 24 hour stay this time - I feel incredible!), but Taryn and JD stayed w/Baby Ky an extra night by choice - feeling more at ease having the nurses around - especially once he was circumcised yesterday afternoon. Everyone is doing well - a little sleep deprived, but wonderfully so!

Oh, and there was NO problems with the birth certificate - our pre-birth order worked! Taryn and JD are legally, as well as biologically Kyen's parents! It couldn't have gone smoother! The staff at the hospital were very accommodating.

Tonight my family and I went over to my IP's hotel (after Kyen was released from the hospital) to say our goodbyes. :( We will miss them all VERY much - I already do so much! Tomorrow they leave very early to return to Delaware. Wish us all safe travels, if you would - thanks!

And I uploaded the still shots I took to a photo montage (sorry no time for captions). I set it to music - a song by Oklahoman, American Idol Winner, Carrie Underwood - some of the lyrics are found below and VERY fitting to our surrogacy journey, if you'd like to read them.

Whenever You Remember

When you look back on times we had I hope you smile And know that through the good and through the bad I was on your side when nobody could hold us down We claimed the brightest star And we, we came so far And no they won't forget Whenever you remember times gone by Remember how we held our heads so high When all this world was there for us And we believe that we could touch the sky Whenever you remember, I'll be there Remember how we reached that dream together Whenever you remember *Click this link to view our Surrogacy Montage Video*

Night before induction

Well, Kyen didn't make his presence known today. So I guess he prefers we stick to the schedule and allow his birthday to be tomorrow the 10th after all. I've come to terms with the fact that my body is doing just fine holding this 'lil angel in and I truly do feel blessed to have had this time with his family (and him). When I look back on this week, I'll cherish the time we shared together in Oklahoma. :)

Today was hectic for me. I've been going non stop since I woke up (can't believe I'm giving birth tomorrow when I feel so damn good - it's just not natural, I tell ya).

We had lunch with my twin sister's IPs before their 4D ultrasound this afternoon (I went to take pictures as Ang did for me) - it's a BOY!...penis vibes radiated off me and stuck to them, I think, LOL.

After the ultrasound,

I came home to pack a bit for my upcoming vacation with my family (after I deliver and get out of the hospital - Monday - we have plans to go to Port Aransas, TX - if all is well).

Then we went to my IPs hotel and drove to a small town called Okarche for some Oklahoma fried chicken (Eischen's - Oklahoma's oldest

bar) - YUM! It's a dive, but we had a great time! My parents, grandma, and mom's boss and fiancé (Fred and Janeal) were all there too.

My family is staying the night w/Fred tonight so they can come visit me at the hospital tomorrow. At the restaurant we exchanged a few gifts - Noel got an amazing thank you card (had me teary) and gift certificate to Bass Pro from aunt Suzanne and uncle Bob! Overall, I think it was a nice evening to end my

IP's time here w/o baby in tow. ;)

Now, it's baby birth'n time! I've got to be up at 3:00am tomorrow, so I'm going to bed now (if I can). I hope to be hooked up to Pitocin by 5:00am (dreading it, but not much else I can do - it's my OB's induction protocol) and then I'll get my water broke by 8:00am...my OB better be on time too - we've waited long enough for baby to get here and that's all I've needed her to help me with.

Please pray that all goes well for us and I'll post again after the little miracle arrives! :)

Feeling better

You'll be happy to know that I have stopped feeling sorry for myself and I'm trying to move on and enjoy these last couple days (as many of you have been pulling for me to do - thank you!) I do (physically) feel amazing - not like I will be giving birth in a few days - AT ALL! I'm usually so exhausted, etc...this pregnancy had been THE BEST yet!

Now, I have to admit that I'm still a little disappointed that things aren't progressing faster then they are, but I'll know soon enough if my body is still in working order by the induction Friday - if that fails I'll be devastated. We'll see I guess. I feel this pregnancy is VERY similar to my very first (I did have a failed induction w/him on my due date - it was awful). How is it possible to not have this baby here already after four prior pregnancies that needed either medication, bed rest, or both to keep the baby from coming to early? This one needed nothing but a cooperative OB that will sympathetically volunteer to break my water to release him...ugh! Did I grow a new uterus or something?...this baby shouldn't be held in so well, LOL.

Anyhoo, we had a nice visit w/Taryn and JD tonight. I'll see them all again tomorrow for lunch w/Ang and her IPs. Then again for a last dinner out w/my family arriving in town to be w/me for the induction Friday.

Here are a few pictures I took - Noel made his "famous wildlife surprise" chili for them to try and we watched the boys swim while visiting them at the hotel.

OK - so as it stands, unless I go into spontaneous labor tomorrow, I'll plan to arrive at the hospital for the induction at 5am Friday - wow!

Last OB Appointment

Well, I had my last OB appointment today (38wk 1day). Taryn and JD met me there and were able to meet my OB. I'll let Tar's post below describe what happened for the most part at the appointment. But, I wanted to add that it was nice to have them there. They were able to hear Kyen's heartbeat again (haven't since just before our first 4D u/s) and Taryn even recorded it on her phone. She has some pictures I'll share that we took at the appointment today too. BP was back to 110/70 and I lost 3 lbs since last week - another sign of early latent labor. Baby D is up high yet (as is normal for multi pars) however, he's come down some since last week's check. I'm afraid Kyen won't make his appearance until Friday after all.

Before I forget, I wanted to send out a HUGE thank you to Taryn's Aunt Suzanne and Uncle Bob for the absolutely awesome, most appreciated, WAY to expensive gift for the boys and Noel (Xbox 360 w/all the bells and whistles). It arrived in the mail for them and the boys are LOVING it...me too 'cause they are getting their homework done as soon as they get home from school so they can play it when they are done. ;) Oh, and Suzanne made me the prettiest fluffy scarf...gave it to me Friday night.

I felt better getting out of the house today a bit more. My twin sister, Angie (also a surrogate), is having a ultrasound this Thursday and her couple (Kathleen & Joe) from NY flew in with their daughters (Madeline and Charlotte) tonight (Charlotte was carried by Ang in 2003). Since my Sis lives 2 hours away from the airport, I thought it would be nice to greet them there - I needed to be out on my feet more too. I loved finally meeting them - they are a lovely family! Here is a pic of us:

We're going to take the boys to T&J's hotel tomorrow to swim and eat pizza.

Night!

Taryn's Post

Looks like Kyen will make his appearance Friday. I tried to tell him he is being evicted, but he likes his Heather (who wouldn't).

We are 2+ centimeters dilated, 50% effaced and his head is at a -3 ( I am clueless on that one).

My family and I are enjoying our time here, relaxing and eating. Tomorrow we are going to spend some time with Heather and put a smile on her face! We are all just so happy to be here, we are eating our way through Oklahoma LOL. The food and weather here is GREAT!

So all is well here!!! Just need to get my Heather happy!!! I know this is tough on her I just hope I am doing and saying the right things.

Not feeling well - Emotional post

Well, today I met Taryn and JD at the hospital to talk to the hospital social worker about our upcoming plans to give birth and have the PBO honored. I'm a tad bit nervous that she took a copy of the order for the hospital legal department to review, but overall the meeting seemed to go in our favor and that makes me feel some relief.

Then she gave T&J a tour of L&D (I think they enjoyed it) and told us that they do not yet have wireless Internet access - blat (not sure who told Taryn on the phone a few weeks ago that they did). So, we aren't going to be able to do a web broadcast of the birth after all. :( That's fine 'cause I seriously doubt my OB will like seeing all the cameras we have planned to be in the room (not counting the computer cams)...she has already told me I can't have pics/video during delivery (but, we are going to try to sneak some in anyway, LOL).

Putting the finishing touches on blanket for Baby D.

Anyway, tonight I haven't felt very well at all...just a bit emotional and feeling yucky all of a sudden, a little crampy but still only having a few contractions - but they are a bit more intense it seems. Things are starting to wear on me overall, I think. I'm trying to enjoy the last few days of the pregnancy, but it's hard being patient. I did lose a little (tiny) bit more of my mucous plug this morning. I couldn't believe there was actually more there to lose after what I already passed Saturday - although I've heard you can build more back up. Oh, and for the last couple days my system seems to be cleaning itself out (my stomach has been very upset today especially). Maybe a sign of impending/early latent labor? Let's hope so!

Tomorrow I have my last OB appointment at 2:30pm. Hoping she'll strip my membranes when she checks me...but I doubt it 'cause she's never been rough or helpful in that way in the two previous checks...it's like she doesn't want to disturb anything so I'll have to make it to my Friday induction (more convenient for her schedule - grr).

I know, I know - the baby will come when he's ready...it's just so frustrating 'cause I'm such a planner and here I am again, the "watched pot". I feel like crying again. Going to bed, if I can.

Here are some pictures and video of my couple and their family visiting us at our house & eating dinner with us at a local BBQ restaurant: