She felt Violet's head...

We visited the doc today and Kate had a cervical exam. The nurse midwife was able to feel Violet's head and Kate is 1cm dilated. Wow! She said there might be a little bit of blood so don't be worried. When Kate got up there was a medium size spot of blood. Kate started crying (more whimpering) and we asked again and they said it is normal. The fact that she was able to feel Violet's head made everything more real.

On our way out of the office, thankfully we ran into Dr Sebestyen on the elevator. She always has such a great energy. She assured us the blood is normal and there will be a lot more during labor.

Any day now...

We are literally days away from the birth. Kate's contractions, while not regular, are more frequent. She is way more uncomfortable in general: back pains, belly aches, some nausea. These are all signs of the body preparing for birth.

No one ever told me, or maybe I did not listen, but sleeping for her is the worst part, or not sleeping. She just can't get comfortable in bed. She can't breathe well when laying down or even sitting up, really. So, the time when she normally rests the most is when she is the most uncomfortable. It's frustrating for her, but she is handling it well. I spend a lot of time scratching her back and that usually gets her snoring. Yes, she who never snored before except for cute little mouse-like sniffles, now snores like a sailor. It's cute too, but sometimes it's way loud and startling in the quiet of the night.

All is well and the little butterflies in my stomach are fluttering more each day in the biggest countdown of my life.

Random panoramic image

I discovered a new feature on the Canon G9: panoramic images.  This is me laying on the bed with the computer.

35 week sonogram

We could only get an image of Faye's, Baby A, head and foot this time. I pieced them together in what I thought was the correct position.

And the tape says, 47 weeks

So every time we (yes, I go to EVERY appointment with K) go to the doc she measures K's belly, vertically from pubic bone to sternum-ish area. The length of the tape tells how many weeks you are measuring. Normal stuff done every time. Well this time things were a little above normal you might say. Or longer than normal. She is measuring 47 weeks pregnant. The average gestation period for single babies is between 37-42 weeks. She is 5 weeks, in size, beyond that. With twins, that is par for the course. It is an amazing thing and I am so proud of her. It takes a great amount of strength and patience to do what she is doing and I see it everyday.

We are hoping for another week or so, but if they come now they'll be fine and it is likely they'll go home with us. In a week, there is a 90% chance they'll come home with us so that is our minimum goal.

No planning this stuff of course so when they come, that is their time. I am ready (because I know not).

Rain

It's finally raining here. It's been a month easily since the last little spat and that one didn't even count. This is a real rain. Sitting in my office listening to thunder and the splashing is a calming relief. It could rain for a month straight and I would not care. Please do!

One man's relief is another man's suffering. We have hurricane Dolly to thank for our respite. I hope she was not too harsh on those on the coast.

35 week update -- silver medal

Our perinatologist gave K a silver medal today.  35 weeks = silver.  High five.  We aren't going for silver though.  36 weeks is gold.  As cheesy as it sounds, I find the analogy comforting.  It provides a focal point.  Mentally it helps you create the energy to "get there".  

Every day we talk about when we think it will happen.  "So, when do you think they will come?"  It's fun,  a diversion.  Deep down I know they will come at some time that cannot be known and making predictions is just a silly game.  Still, it's entertaining.

It will happen when K's uterus stretches to the point of "this is enough" and commences the process which will bring it relief.  We heard today, from our perinatologist, that the babies' pituitary glands are in charge as well.  The babies might tell the mother's body when the show is to begin.  "You can go jump on a trampoline or hike up a mountain but you aren't going to go into labor until those little babies' pituitary glands say go, or your uterus has had enough", he said.  I've never heard the part about the pituitary gland until today.  Good to know that our little girls can tell us when it's time.  

My bet is August 3rd.  But all I care about is healthy babies and healthy mom.

Stats:

The doc said they both weigh about 5 lbs each now and heart rates were about 145.  Good movement and breathing reflex.

K's blood pressure is 138/78.