36, 37 and 38 Weeks

And the weekly checks for baby Clare's arrival began on December 4.

• 36 week check was nothing. No progress. 
• 37 week check on December 10 was nothing as well. I went to my hematologist the next day to see how my platelets were doing.

37 week check entourage... oh geez

My platelets dropped big time - panic mode! They were in the 70s and so I started my prescription.

I had my blood drawn the day before (Thursday) my 38 week appointment to see how they were looking after a week of my prescription. No change!! Double panic mode! I wasn't suppose to see my hematologist, but I tracked her down and she said there wasn't much to do. I'd have to wait. I crossed my fingers that my 38 week appointment the next day (this past Friday) would be no change in the dilating/effacing area as well.

• 38 week check appointment results on Friday were 1 cm dilated and 0% effaced. Baby Clare is still high up in my belly. Phew... Now the waiting game to see if this prescription will kick in and I can get my epidural. 

I'll be 39 weeks on Monday and I'm suppose to have my blood drawn again on Wednesday. I'm going to walk into the hematologist on Monday morning to see if they'll check it sooner. I can't wait another few days because I'm guessing this baby will be coming later next week. Right now my guess is the day after Christmas... Matt says there is a full moon on Christmas and my grandma the baby nurse at Fairfax Hospital always said crazy things happen on full moons in the delivery/baby ward... I wouldn't be so opposed to a nice Christmas morning and wheeling into the hospital that night - baby being born on the 26th, ideally :) My 39 week appointment is on Christmas Eve (Friday).

I've felt a little cramping and I'm quite tired. I'm really, really trying to take it easy.

Cross your fingers for my platelets to hit 100 before my 39 week appointment! Otherwise, this delivery story may be more dramatic than the past two that were extremely uneventful, peaceful and pain free.

But most of all - I want a safe and healthy delivery for all. We are very excited for baby Clare's arrival! I can't believe it is right upon us. I've been asked if I'm ready for 3 and honestly, I haven't had a single anxious thought about having a third child at home. Maybe it should phase me more, but I figure the more the merrier! Yes it can get crazy, but the fun outweighs it all. Famous last words, right :)

I still need to pack my hospital bag... we really need to get our act together over here. I do have a few goodies pulled out for Clare's hospital bag. I love the tiny little gowns and hats for a baby...

Clare Virginia goodies

25 Days

Less than 25 days til my due date! WHAT?! I haven't done a thing for a nursery. I've gone through Grace's clothes, but they're in stacks not really in drawers. I have the bassinet and bouncy seat out only because I pulled them out for Kristin and Kay's visit back in October. No hospital bag packed... Great progress! We did pick up the new wheels over Thanksgiving weekend. A giant Suburban is ready to be filled with children. Ha! William and Grace were pretty excited when Matt pulled in with the car. They hugged him like it was Christmas Day. Too cute.

Perfect size for Christmas tree and decoration shopping

Matt and I had one last vacation a few weeks ago before Clare's arrival. We went to Arizina for a friend's wedding and it was super relaxing. Perfectly timed with feeling nearly too tired to travel, but really wanting one last chance to get away. 

Sedona day trip

Gorgeous wedding in Paradise Valley

My first weekly check was the first Friday in December and no progress at this point. I feel so much pressure though, which I'm sure just naturally happens with a third pregnancy. Baby is lower each round. I looked back at my post for Grace at this time and it says I saw Dr. Dukes for this appointment and he said I was beginning to efface, but not dilated. Grace arrived exactly as William did - 3 days early - but I progressed more quickly leading up to her delivery day, which obviously didn't matter in the long run. I can't decide when this baby will arrive! I am very happy to wait till my due date, but I can't imagine I will go beyond that day.