I had been having some crazy blood pressure issues and was put on bed rest at 36 weeks. I was seeing the doctor and having an ultrasound and non-stress test twice a week at that point. Baby Lee had been breech the entire pregnancy and at 37 weeks I had a talk with the doctor about my choices. Either schedule a version (which would require the doctors to physically try to turn the baby before inducing labor) or a c-section at 39 weeks. I asked if I could have one more week to try to turn the baby. The doctor gave some suggestions to me but warned that I really should be staying in bed on my left side for the blood pressure issue. I spent that entire week bouncing on a big exercise ball. This was supposed to make more room for the baby to turn. Sounds crazy but sure enough, I went in at 38 weeks for an ultrasound and she had turned!!! Unfortunately the doctor changed my blood pressure medication because it was even more out of control and the medicine I had been on was apparently no longer working. I had to start a new medication that made me feel terrible and had to go back to see the doctor a few days later.
(I forgot to mention that each doctor's appointment from 36 weeks sent me to the hospital to be monitored for several hours to make sure my blood pressure wasn't affecting the baby. Scary but always turned out okay!)
I returned for the second appointment my 38th week of pregnancy and my blood pressure had not come down. They decided that it was time to get Baby Lee out! I had two options: schedule a c-section on Monday, February 21st OR come in on Sunday, February 20th to be induced. I decided that I wanted to give my body the chance to be induced because I didn't want to not experience labor. We scheduled a 3:00pm induction on Sunday... just 5 days away!
I spent the next few days, ignoring bed rest, and getting everything ready. The baby bump was HUGE by that point and even small chores were exhausting! But I was happy to be up and moving. I went to Benihana with some friends for a last girl's outing. It was sad when I couldn't eat very much because I would get full after just a few bites. But it was a lot of fun! Now that I think about it... Libby had her ultrasound that morning and announced she was having a Baby Boy!!! It was a very happy day.
Sunday came before I knew it and Kimberly was coming in from out of town, Tara was taking off work, and my Mom as trying to rest up as much as possible because she knew I'd need her! Tara came up to visit Sunday morning to bring Michael and I several frozen meals that we could make once we came home and a few absolutely darling baby gifts. She really does spoil me! She helped calm my nerves a bit and then said she would meet us at the hospital. I took my time getting a shower, straightening my hair and putting on a little makeup. Michael and I took a few minutes to lay quietly in bed and reflecting on how these last moments of just a family of two felt. We were excited (him more than me) and nervous (me more than him).
The nurse told me to eat before coming into the hospital and I completely forgot. We stopped at McDonald's and I got some chicken nuggets and WATER (which I was completely obsessed with throughout my pregnancy). I ate a couple nuggets and chugged the water. I was so worried about not being able to drink any more once I got to the hospital. I was SO thirsty I was convinced this would be the hardest part of delivery, not allowed having water. Boy was I wrong :)
