Thursday, March 31, 2011

Prentatal Update: 36 Weeks and Counting!

Down, that is. We're counting down! Although it seems weird to me that as I add another week I'm actually counting down at the same time. Seems a little backwards.

That may explain why when I'm asked how far along I am I keep replying in weeks left. Like today I would say, "Four weeks!" People get really confused when a seemingly 8 month pregnant lady tells them she is four weeks along. Please don't be scared off by my genius-ness. It's intimidating. I know.

I went in for my 36 week appointment today. We are both doing well. We did find something out today that I've been suspecting for awhile, though. Before I tell you about that I have to give you some background.

When we found out we were having a boy I was thrilled! I still am, too. Believe you me. We don't need anymore Drama Club members. Hazel and Amelia overflow that department just perfectly.

Anyways, though I DESPERATELY wanted a boy I kept having this thought that maybe Jackson would pull an "Uncle Summer." To clarify, Uncle Summer is my oldest sister. (Abiah nicknamed her Uncle Summer and she likes it. If you don't, I'm sorry.) To "pull an 'Uncle Summer'" means that we would spend twenty weeks preparing for a boy baby because the ultra-sound technician pointed to the screen and said, "There "it" is! A boy!" but we would be surprised at the delivery to have a girl instead.

That happened to my mom when she had Summer. She had three boy baby showers and had to take everything back. Of course that was a "few" years ago and ultra-sounds are clearer now. When I mentioned this "thought" to Hot Hubby he quickly told me that it wasn't the case and to stop talking that way.

Well, today it was confirmed that Jackson is NOT pulling an "Uncle Summer." He is, however, trying to pull an "Auntie Am." Auntie Am is my sister directly after me. The third of the four of us girls (Summer, Me, AmberLee & MaShayla). To "pull an 'Auntie Am'" means that a baby is breech. (My mom was in the hospital for FOUR days in labor with AmberLee who was born breech.)

Thankfully there are things the doctors and midwives do now that will help us avoid a breech delivery. They are giving me until 37 weeks and 6 days (April 11th) for Jackson to turn on his own. If he isn't turned by then they will try turning him manually.

To be honest I'm nervous. I know that turning Jackson will be uncomfortable. The part I'm most concerned with is the rare complications that can rise due to turning a baby. If Jackson shows stress or decline after being turned they will do an emergency c~section. Though I definitely won't put Jackson or myself in danger, severe abdominal surgery doesn't sound fun.

I am praying that he either turns on his own or, if they have to turn him, there will be no complications. I am also asking God for peace. My heart is kind of all over the place right now. This has been my specific prayer this evening:

Prone to wander, Lord I feel it.
Prone to leave the God I love.
Here's my heart.
Oh, take and seal it!
Seal it for thy courts above!


Join me, please!

6 comments:

Paul D. Hunter said...

It's fascinating how the elements of our lives are intended to remind us of just how dependent we are on a good God. Life seems to ebb and flow and we seem to think we are managing it quite well until something reveals life is a little backwards and we come back to the original foundation stone in our lives with Jesus. We need God all the time.

Prone to wander? Yes! Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the One I love.

Thanks Shiree! Love your blog. Love you heart. Love your family.

Marie C. said...

Good luck to you -- tell that baby to turn! Or ask my mother what she did -- I don't remember if it was with Micah or Benjamin, but one was breech and if memory serves me correctly (and it doesn't always, which is why I say ask my mother), I think she did a few things to turn the baby around and we were all very thankful that it worked.

As a side note, I have to say that I love "Uncle Summer." We also have something like that in our family. One of Rene's kids thought that Joanna was a boy for a while, so now we have an "Uncle Joey." :-)

Hang in there -- you're almost done!

Wait, are people planning on bringing meals when Jackson arrives? Can I get in on the action? :-)

Amanda Todd said...

I am praying for you hon! I really hope he turns! My son has so much fluid to move in they are calling him "breech" even though he'll be head down at the beginning of the ultra-sound and head up by the end. Praying for good timing for us lol. I'll be praying first that your boy turns on his own but I'll also pray that if not, the midwife will be able to do it easily and without too much discomfort!

How exciting that you're so close! I'm so excited for you guys!!!

Unknown said...

My sweet Shiree, Remember your father and mine has told "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Phillipians 4:6. I am standing with you before our father and asking him for his peace to surround you and for him to take good care of his precious Jackson and His beloved daughter Shiree.
Sheila

Art said...

Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still

pistolsnprincesses said...

Thank you all for the encouragement. I know that in all things I am stronger because I have amazing family and friends like you all and an amazing Father who takes care of even the smallest of details.