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Just a week left for you, Jessica, and less than that for you, Andrea! I'm starting to think that I may end up a June Mommy. :-( My cousin, who was due the same day I am, just had her baby. Lucky duck! I was going to wait until 38 weeks to start trying anything to get this baby out, but DH and I both got bored of the wait. "Getting it on" with DH is getting difficult and less than romantic at this point, but we've been giving that a try every few days. And I've started walking. Yesterday to the library, and today we all went to the Zoo. I walked some good hills, but I don't think it did any good. At the Zoo,there was this big bronze sculpture of a big fat hippo lounging on the ground, and it reminded me so much of how I feel these days that I couldn't help laying down next to it and having my husband snap a few pictures. In spite of the walking and s_x, so far I've just had more frequent BH, but nothing serious. You know what's weird? I'm sure everyone looks forward to labor with mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness, but what I'm really dreading is. . . . the stress of getting my girls all packed and ready and dropping them off at their grandma's, on top of having to make sure I have all my stuff, too, and the correct people called and informed, etc. Is that crazy? When I think of going into labor, the thought of the labor and pain and all that is more of an afterthought. You'd think that since I so much dread the getting ready part, I might actually make more of an effort to get as much packed and planned out beforehand as I can; but I find myself stalling on that. After all, I can't just pack up half my daughters' wardrobes and leave it all in a suitcase for weeks on end! They have to wear something in the meantime. But I could certainly do more than I've done. To be honest, I've packed my own bags while in labor, every time so far. And you're supposed to have that done, at what, 35 or 36 weeks or something? I'm so bad! Have any of you heard anything like this from your hospital? My husband called the hospital the other day, and they told him that unlike in the past, my older daughters will not be allowed to come visit their new sister in the hospital. They'll have to wait until I bring her home. And I was looking forward to that! I think my older daughter was, too. For her, the hospital holds a sort of awe and excitement. Anyway, it's because of the swine flu, apparently. They said that no one under 16 is allowed into the Ladies' Center; not even siblings. They said it might change back to normal in the next few weeks, but that we'd have to find out when the time comes. Grumble, grumble, grumble. . .

Jessica, yes I wear it all day. I take it off at night just to wash it. It stretches out during the day. I have people tell me I don't look like I had a baby 2 weeks ago, but I know that if I didn't wear it they wouldn't say that. My chiropractor thought it was a good idea to wear too, but it has to be tight. I think I bought mine at babies r us. They have a lot to choose from. I chose the one that didn't look like some torture device used in the middle ages. Hang in there ladies. You're almost done.

Ok...I'm grumbling now. The doctor and I had a plan..it was if all was good, I'd be induced Monday, but be put in for cervix ripening on Sunday. Well, the hospital had other thoughts. According to them, this is an "elective" induction because I'm not 41 weeks. I talked to my docs 3 weeks ago about this...was a__sured that my age was considered a risk in their practice. Ok...so what, right? Here are my choices. A. Go in Monday..with just a pitocin induction. This option stinks, because with me, it's getting the cervix to open that's a problem, and the pitocin only option will just give my baby a cone head or worse! My son had a huge "divot" in his forehead where he pounded my hip bone for hours while my cervix opened. B. I wait another week until Thursday when I will be 41 weeks. But this is what they cautioned me. "greatly increased risk of still birth for women past 40 weeks who are over 40 years old. I asked the doctor to "appeal" to a higher authority, but haven't heard anything. *sigh* I'm just worrying now. What would you do?

Andrea, I can't imagine why they wouldn't stick to the original plan. It seems your doctor would have the final say in what happens and the hospital would follow their orders. I mean 40 weeks is Term!! I would definitely voice the things you mentioned and maybe find out if the doctor could deliver at another hospital if the current one maintains its stinkerness.

Yeah, that is rediculous. I would def. put up a fight about that especially if you have such a high risk of a still birth. We gotta watch these doctors and hospitals! We trust that they know what is best and trust what they do to us and tell us but they are just humans like you and me! At my last appointment, my doctor had written down that I was 35 weeks! Instead of 39! I tell yah, if we don't keep them on their toes, it is our bodies and babies that will be affected. I would def. maybe even considering switching doctors! I can not believe they are changing the plans this late in the game! Good luck with whatever you decide to do. I have had no indication that the baby is coming. I have been cleaning a lot, but that could just be because the house is dirty! No action in my body different from the usual kicks and punches, that aren't so cute anymore!

Ugh, I have a horrible sinus infection. First one I've every had!! And this late in the game is no fun. Anybody ever have one of these while PG? My doctor prescribed some antibiotics and I had hubby buy me a Neti Pot which felt kind of weird, but sorta worked too. Sorry, just feel like being a baby for a bit. Blah! :P

Jessica- hang in there with that sinus infection. They are the worst. You know you saw the Neti Pot on Oprah the other day... just joking! So I had an NST yesterday, and baby looks great! Apparently I was contracting and didn't even know it. Today I had my 39th week appointment. My Ob. offered to strip my membraines and I cut her off saying, "Do it!" I am keeping my fingers crossed. Anyone have any experience with having their membraines stripped? I have not, and contend, will not go near the castor oil that I bought. How is everyone else? Andrea, any news on the induction deal?

I think they stripped my membranes with one of my kids...did nothing for me. But then, neither did breaking my water. My gf had it done 3 weeks ago, it was still days before her little one arrived. I don't think it "hurts" anything (except you when they attempt it) so long as they don't rupture the membranes too. My news - I called the doc and was insistent that he appeal to a "higher" authority. I will be admitted on Sunday for cervix ripening...induction to follow on Monday! :) I guess I just needed to be persistent. I know I grumble, but I do think I have a good doc! Things are getting busy around her this weekend with soccer games and ballet recitals...but...I will post when I have news! Can't wait to hear about your news! Jessica - isn't it weird how you can be contracting and not know it? Maybe you'll be next! A

Way to put your foot down! Wow! So you get to head for the hospital the day after tomorrow. I can't wait to hear more baby news. I've never had the membrane strip. Jac, are you saying that your OB stripped your membranes on the spot, or is it something still to be done? I'm curious to know what it's like. I had a weird dream the other night. My baby girl was born, and of course she was beautiful and perfect. But the strange thing was that I wasn't there when she was born. She had to be brought to me afterward. No one but my mom was allowed to be there at the birth; not even me. As if that was possible. Must be a guilt thing: my mom wasn't allowed in the delivery room last time, and she was very upset about it. Jessica, sorry about the sinus infection. My daughter, my husband, and I all caught a cold last week, and I was thinking it would just figure that we'd all be sick for the baby's birth. But we seem to be mostly over now, fortunately.

It's a long story, Jac. My mom disapproved of me marrying my husband, and gave him a *really* hard time when we were dating. He tried his best to smooth things out, but she wouldn't have it. She was furious when we eloped, and she only tolerates him because we're married now, and she doesn't believe in divorce. So they try to be civil when they're together, but they really can't stand each other. With my first pregnancy, I was nervous, not knowing what to expect. I wanted my mom there because she's a pro at having babies. (She had six kids, all without drugs.) I figured if anyone could give me the support I needed to have the drug free birth I wanted, it would be her. DH finally gave in and let her be there, but afterward he told me that he felt like she was too pushy, and kind of took over the whole thing, leaving him feeling left out. With my second baby, I didn't feel like I needed so much support, but I was still willing to have Mom there, just to make her feel happy. But DH was adamant that she wasn't allowed. We argued and fumed over it throughout the pregnancy, and I really kind of thought that he'd change his mind again, just like the first time. So I didn't say anything to my mom, and she just a__sumed that things would be the same as the first time. Finally, because I was only wanting my mom there for her own sake, and because my marriage was suffering, I gave in and said he could do it his way. But I insisted that he had to break the news to her himself. He did. . . but not until I was actually in labor, and she'd traveled all the way from Washington state to SoCal. It was ugly, let me tell you! Apparently, after we left for the hospital, she made all my brothers and my dad and even the renters miserable for days. She refused to come to the hospital and visit the baby, and only held her later when I gave her a special invitation to. Her loss! She tried to continue the whole mess for a while afterward via email, but I stayed as uninvolved as possible, and it finally blew over. She hates my husband more than ever now, unfortunately. So that's why she wasn't allowed, and probably the reason behind my strange dream. I felt awful over the whole thing, and was angry with my husband for the way it was handled. But still, I respect him for standing up to her. (No one else ever does.) And though they won't say so, I think the rest of the family does, too. The cool thing about the dream was that the part where I held my baby felt so realistic. I was nursing her and everything. It was like a little taste to hold me through until I finally do get to hold her. I hope your membrane sweep does something for you. It'd be great if your labor started tonight or tomorrow!

jac are you having contractions? Sometimes the membrane sweep is just what you need. I can't remember how far dilated you were before they did that. Did it hurt? I'll be eager to hear how it worked (is working?) for you! A

Haven't had time to catch up on everyone and will soon, but just wanted to say that I had my baby yesterday and on the same birthday as my first born!!! What are the freakin odds, lol????!! What a birthday present my daughter got. As most of y'all know, I was originally scheduled for a repeat c-section on May 20th due to my firstborn not dropping and decels, etc. So that was what I had planned. In fact, my FDD's 2nd birthday was scheduled for today. Well this baby had plans to steal some serious thunder. Sierra Faith was born on May 15th, 2009 at 6:21pm weighing in at 7lbs 13oz and 20 inches long. I woke up Friday morning like normal, I was fighting that sinus infection and had actually gone into the ER the night before due to the pain, where they monitored the baby, said I was at 3cm, 70% effaced and sent me home with an ambien and Tylenol. Friday, around 2:30pm my brother and I headed off to buy stuff for DD's birthday party while DH stayed home with DD. We ate lunch, shopped around and then my water started trickling at SAM's club. I didn't even think it was my water!! Contractions came pretty quick after that. We managed to pay and load all the items. I called DH and told him to be ready. We picked DH and DD up, headed to the hospital. Arrived around 5:45pm. I still thought I had plenty of time to get prepped for the c-section, even though contractions were coming around 4 minutes apart. NOPE!! I was 8cm when I arrived at the hospital, the nurses 911'd my doctor and basically said, there is no time for the ER, that baby is coming now!! I didn't even have time for any medication. So doctor arrived 12 minutes later, said he broke 3 laws driving to the hospital, and 5 pushes later, Sierra came out and was delivered in the triage. It was the most painful but wonderful experience I have ever had. DH was an awesome coach and got to witness everything, plus he got to cut the umbilical cord and I got my miracle VBAC, though it was quite unplanned. Sierra and I are doing great, she's nursing like a champ and I am so glad I don't have to face the c-section recovery. DD received quite the birthday present! :) We postoned her party until next Saturday. It's so funny how things work out. I guess combining birthdays will be easy for a few years. I just had to share this, because I never thought I'd get to experience a v____al birth and though it was the most painful thing I've ever experienced in such a short amount of time, it was also the most beautiful thing to sneak one by my doctor who was so dead against a VBAC. Good luck to all the mommies! C-section or however the babies get here, a very happy and healthy birth to you!

Congrats, Jessica72! I so glad you had the opporunity to experience the v____al birth too! Sierra already sounds like she is going to be quite a character. How is your daughter handling sharing her birthday with her? llmommy- sounds like the issues between your mom and hisband are tough! I am sorry that you have to weather that, but hopefully as time pa__ses, everyone will put their issues aside more and more and remember the common beautiful bond they share: your children. I can't stand my mother in law- seriously- but, I do try to put my feelings aside... as much of an a-hole that she is! BabyMakes7, I was about 2cm dilated and over 75% effaced when they did my membrane sweep yesterday. I have been experiencing mild contractions for a while, but felt and not. On Thursday I had a NST which was registering contractions I didn't even know I was getting. Since my membrane sweep yesterday, which I didn't find all that bad, I have had some stronger contractions and just experienced the "bloody show" about a half an hour ago. But still, I am not counting on anything... who knows. I have been told for the last three and a half weeks I could go any day now, so I am not putting too much stock into this. I am due Weds., 5/20, and he doesn't come, we will schedule an induction to take place the following week. Let's go remaining babies!

Jessica ~ congratulations! What a wonderful story! Sounds like everything went great and now you can say that you have delivered 2 babies both ways! So cool!!! Jac ~ I am with you. My little one is due on Tuesday 5/19 and if she is not here by then we are scheduling an induction for the following week as well. My doctor just said that she was content hanging out in there. So that is good, she is not stressed at all and just hanging out. I have had no feelings about her coming. I am very anxious and am looking for those contractions to come! Everytime I stand up, I am hoping my water breaks. lol. That is sad. I went to the doc yesterday and she said that my cervix was soft and "forward" and I was about 1/2 a fingertip dialated. I think I already posted this... lol. Idk - I am very tired. No bloody show or anything! I am starting to get discouraged. My hubby and I are going to go get some hot mexican food tonight for dinner and plan on having s_x when we get home... So hopefully that will bring on something of interest!!! Hope you are all well... Best to you and your girls Jessica ~~ Enjoy your new life!

Jessica, that's amazing! I'm so happy for you. I guess Someone knew better than the doctor did. Who would have thought labor would go so fast? And what a birthday gift for your older daughter! At least you only have to plan one party for your kids every year. :-) Jac, you saw blood? That's a great sign! I hope you go soon, and don't have to be induced. Same for you, MIM. Good luck on the spicy food and s_x. At least you have an idea of where you're at, discouraging though that may be. Maybe my doctor will check me next week. . . I've been thinking that I need to drag Hubby out on a date without the kids. It will be our last chance for a while. But he's just been keen on going out with his friends this week. ARGH! Sure, it's kind of a pain finding someone to watch the girls, so I guess it cramps his spontaneous style, but I get tired of always getting stuck watching them while he goes out and has fun. How 'bout I ditch *him* for a while? OK, to be fair, he's not always like this. I mean, he likes to get out from time to time, but it seems like this week it's practically every night. And he did let me go out by myself for a while last night. But I'm PREGNANT! I can be as illogical and unreasonable as I want!!! :-p

Congrats Jessica! :) I'm so happy for you! I'm scheduled to go in this evening....I'm already a little frustrated with the hospital, as the doctor's office said we were doing one thing, and they have "orders" for something else. I don't know what to do now, but at any rate, I'll be laboring tomorrow...unless of course I get so upset with them that I leave! LOL...I wouldn't put it past me. I've decided I'm not doing the pa__sive thing this time round. I hope someone else goes tomorrow too! Have a great rest of the night, I'll update on Tuesday when I get home! My remote access hasn't been working so I won't be able to update after today. Hugs to each of you & your little ones! A