Flying and Splashing

Isla practices crawling by “flying” on her belly, then splishes and splashes in the new tub.

Pre-Labor BBQ

On this unusually warm San Francisco day, I visited UCSF for yet another fetal monitoring session. I was a bit cranky about it because it was such a nice Saturday and I wanted to enjoy the outdoors, not be stuck in a tiny shared room where I had to wait longer than usual. Nothing much had changed. The baby’s heart rate and movements were still normal, but the fluid was registering low. I was to come back on Monday for more testing. All these appointments are hardly the way I envisioned relaxing before the Big Day, but better to error on the side of caution, I suppose.

Yesterday I had my first ever acupuncture appointment. She stimulated my feet and hands with fine needles and hooked them up to a low electric current. It was unlikely that one session would be enough to induce labor, especially since I hadn’t reached my due date, so we set up another appointment.

Another tool to get the labor juices flowing is stripping the cervical membrane, which I’ve had done twice (not a very pleasant experience, but I’m sure nothing near what labor will be like). The ultimate home remedy for labor induction is castor oil. Apparently, once taken, contractions usually start within 24 hours. I may consider this route if it means avoiding a hospital intervention, but the idea of having the runs while in labor doesn’t sound too pretty.

Last night, while sitting alone in a comfy chair, I read Isla two Peter Rabbit books. I told her that we were so looking forward to meeting her and that when she decided to come out, I could read her more books. We were ready for her arrival and would love her to join us as soon as she was able.

After my appointment at the hospital today, Mason and I went over to our friends Camila and Andrew’s home for a BBQ–a rarity in SF. We dined on dogs and sipped cold bevmos in the shade while watching their son Cassius play.

Uncle Mason practicing fatherhood with Cassius and his new drum set.

Little did I know that I would be starting labor about 12 hours after this photo was taken.

6th Belly Shot

Bending over has become increasingly difficult! In our world of schedules and time management, it’s strange to think that my body, and the one I’m carrying inside me, has a time line of her own–and she’s not telling. Only 5% of babes are born on their actual due date. Really, it should be called a “due month” since anywhere between two weeks before and two weeks after the due date is considered normal. Isla could come any time now through June 6–though I hope she doesn’t wait THAT long! Any guesses as to her arrival date and time?

5th Belly Shot

I think Isla had a growth spurt today! She was moving around a lot, doing somersaults and back flips. Sometimes she makes it hard to breathe, but other times it’s comforting feeling her little feet and back pushing around.

4th Belly Shot

I’m feeling bigger and more stretched than ever! Sometimes I watch my belly roll in waves like a gopher running underground. Crazy!

Valentine Belly

3rd Belly Shot

I’ve been feeling lots of movement in the lower belly region. Sometimes it’s like an involuntary twitch, other times it’s a full-on kick. Nothing painful though–sometimes she even tickles me!

2nd Belly Shot

Definitely grew a lot this month! It seemed to happen overnight. There were a few hours in particular when I distinctly felt my belly shift and my skin stretch. Wow.

1st Belly Shot

Here’s the state of my belly in early December, 2008. Look for new pictures throughout my pregnancy, documenting the growth of the babe!