Still Thankful in December

Is it really December? I have seen the Christmas lights - I have even gotten out Christmas music CDs today ... but I still can't quite believe it is DECEMBER! It's even supposed to SNOW tonight or tomorrow (lightly) ... I am trying to gather the courage - and find the time - to get my Christmas decorations down from the attic. Maybe tomorrow?


Today was a special day for me - and I was able to share it with my children. I was supposed to get an ultrasound today at my doctor appointment. I would have liked best for my husband to come with me - but he wouldn't/couldn't ask for time off work & didn't want to obligate anyone to take his classes this morning. SO, I asked him if I could share this experience with my children - and they did play hookie from school to come with me!

Unfortunately, 35 week ultrasounds are harder to interpret than the earlier ones since the baby is SO big, and it is harder to pick out individual body parts. Plus I have one very stubborn baby girl! She is in a transverse position (sideways) with her feet planted firmly in my bladder. We could also not see her face at all, though the u/s tech was trying to check for any signs of cleft palate - I think she glimpsed part of her lips at one point & all appeared to be ok.
Otherwise, the baby measures about 6 lbs now (!), and she is still a girl!

The doctor came in for just a minute - and his comment was "those are horrible ultrasound pictures" - ha! And they are ... you can't tell much at all because of the baby's bent and upside down position. I am not even sure what these pictures are of - the top of her head?? Maybe.

However, the tech was able to measure my amniotic fluid which is plentiful -and other parts are measuring in exact accordance to my due date. Because of the transverse position (which would make a VBAC impossible anyway), I am getting another ultrasound next week to see how we will deliver this baby - and possibly even when!

After my appointment, the kids and I did some browsing at outlet stores and Target. I did find a few things - tennis shoes on clearance for my son - and a cute shirt for Anna. We had lunch at Panera Bread Co. It was fun to spend time with my children - and to contribute to a special day off school for them! They took turns sitting up front by me during the 50+ mile drive to and from the appointment - and talking my ears off :) I loved it!
We also stopped by the hospital where I plan to have this baby and peeked in at the maternity ward. :)

So, I am thankful for this day and its memories. It won't be long until much of my time will be taken up with a new baby ... and I am glad that I had this chance to do something fun with my 2 older children that they will remember.