I just returned from the doctor today and we had our ultrasound done. It wasn't supposed to be until next week, but I developed this weird head to toe rash (cause of which is still unknown), and had to go in early. (BTW, did anyone at our shower last weekend come down with a rash? I'm still trying to determine cause for my rash, if so, please let me know.) Since I was there, the doctor decided to check the placenta and put an end to this discussion of whether or not I would have a c-section.

Unfortunately, the placenta is still in a bad position (placenta previa), between the baby and her exit, so we were left with no choice but to schedule a c-section delivery. I saw my regular doctor today, instead of being rotated through his practice, and he disagreed with the other doctor's assessment that we should deliver at 36 weeks. In his opinion, she would do better, not just for lung maturity, but for eating as well, if we waited until 37 weeks. Since I chose this doctor specifically for his level of expertise in high risk pregnancies like mine, I decided to follow his advice and go with 37 weeks. Furthermore, he has performed over 4500 amnios without a loss, which is an impressive record considering the general risk is much higher than that, about 1 in 250. As a result, I have scheduled an amniocentesis for August 9th to check for lung maturity , and delivery via c-section on August 10th at 9 am. Apparently only 2% of infants fail the lung maturity test at 37 weeks, so the likely result will be to go ahead with the scheduled c-section on the 10th. Dr. Roshan thought I would probably be in the hospital for 3-4 days afterwards. Two bits of good news too: 1) The placenta previa is oriented towards the spine, meaning they do not have to cut through it to deliver the baby and there is less likelihood that I or she will need a blood transfusion during delivery, and 2) scheduled c-sections seem to have a faster recovery rate because you didn't suffer through labor for hours and you have more energy. If it were an emergency c-section I would be looking at 4-5 days in the hospital.

The baby looked well today. He checked her size ( a whopping 6 pounds 2 ounces ALREADY at 34 weeks), her amniotic fluid levels (normal), her heartbeat (normal) and her movement (active as always). Since babies are supposed to gain 1/2 pound per week, we can expect she'll be close to 7 1/2 pounds at birth despite her prematurity. I was only 6 pounds myself when born, but Joel apparently weighed 8 pounds 12 ounces so it's not surprising that she's growing so large so quickly. Maybe she'll be tall like her dad! No wonder I look like I'm carrying a giant playground ball under my shirt.

I had never had this happen before, but it was soooo cute I thought I'd share. This morning, Joel was showering and the bathroom is right next to the MBR. I was in that half asleep state, still hadn't rolled over yet. Kate was asleep, she hadn't kicked yet this morning either. Then Joel dropped something in the tub and it made a loud noise. I didn't move, but the Kate did that startle movement and then went back to sleep! Awwww, it was so sweet! I guess her ears work!

Two days ago, I woke up with a little foot wedged above my rib cage. I tried everything I could do to coax it out of position. I rubbed it (it kicked back!), I tickled it, I massaged it, I pushed it, I talked to it, I tried to reason with it, I applied ice to it...all to no avail. Finally, yesterday, she suddenly moved it out of the way and I breathed a sigh of relief! It was more than 24 hours with this wayward foot stuck in a spot it didn't belong and it was PAINFUL!

Today has been quite an exercise day for Kate. I haven't eaten a bite yet, but she has been kicking like I gave her a sugar rush! She is getting so big these days, and you can feel the little body parts under my skin. Soooo cute! Last night as I was going to sleep, she was very active and kept tickling me from the inside just under my left ribs! I'll bet she thought it was funny! This is the part of pregnancy I enjoy.

What I don't enjoy is having my ankles swell and becoming less mobile! Last night we went to Houlihans for a quick snack that somehow turned into dinner. We were sat in a booth, and I almost didn't fit! I had only about an inch between tummy and table, and I'm not a big person!

This past week I've been craving sweets and chocolate. I even made a batch of cupcakes and ATE THEM ALL! Since we ran out, I am considering making more today. Yummy! I'm also back on my asian food kick. We had Thai food and Chinese food last week, and I'm hoping for more again. I don't know what it is about fried rice that I have been craving this pregnancy, but I'm sure into it!

A few days ago I bought a swimsuit from Target that is actually quite flattering for a maternity swimsuit. I'm looking forward to some weightless heat relief soon!

Well, it's back to unpacking now. Must get this place ready for baby!