38 Weeks- Bed Rest

Went to the doctor on Monday and our fluid level dropped to just below 8. Dr. Lewis said that was ok for now but that I had to stop working and basically stay at home on bed rest until Maddox arrives. She said if my levels drop again then she will probably induce but either way she will not let us go past 39 weeks which is just next Friday. When I went back for a follow up visit on Thursday my fluids had not dropped anymore so that was a relief. As much as I hate to admit it, maybe this bed rest stuff actually works. They decided to do another weight check and it looks like Maddox is approaching 9 pounds which puts him over the 90th percentile. So Dr. Lewis and I had a conversation about our options. Basically, on Friday morning we can either induce labor or schedule a C-section. What I would like to avoid most is attempting a vaginal delivery and ending up having to go C-section anyway after hours and hours of labor. Dr. Lewis said that we did have a very good chance of that happening because of our current situation. For example: when labor is induced but not progressing quickly enough a C-section is required. We are not even 1 cm dilated yet so we would have a long way to go. If the baby's heart rate starts to drop a C-section is required. Hours of labor, getting stuck in the birth canal due to large size, low fluid levels, and an aging placenta can all cause the baby's heart rate to drop, all of which we already have against us. Also, there is a very good chance that the baby's shoulder or collar bone could break because of his size. To top these great conditions off, Dr. Lewis is not on call this weekend so if we ended up with an emergency C-section a doctor I am not familiar with would be doing the surgery. If we schedule it Dr. Lewis does it and it is not a rushed situation, therefore all this considered Jay and I thought it best for Maddox and I to schedule the C-section with Dr. Lewis. This way Maddox nor I get into a stressful and/or emergency situation and it really seems like the best choice for us. We could still go into labor naturally before then but if not it looks like by lunch time on Friday we will finally get to meet our little Maddox face to face. I am very very nervous but just as excited. Its hard to believe that in less than a week we will finally have the family we have been dreaming about for years and we will get to hold this little man that has been living inside, and kicking me, for the last 9 months.

Jason has been absolutely incredible through out this entire process. He completely takes care of us, from rubbing my feet to doing almost all the housework, well since I've been on bed rest all of the house work. He is so excited and involved in this entire pregnancy I know he is going to be an amazing and loving dad. I love how he snuggles my belly and talks to Maddox every night, it is so cute. I can not wait to share this amazing experience with him.

Bubby Rob came home for good on Monday. We are so excited, it seems like he has been gone forever and it is a great feeling knowing that he is not leaving again and the entire family is here and awaiting the new addition together.

Our nursery is pretty much complete except for a few finishing touches like the monkeys and some shelves we are still looking for. I hope Maddox loves it as much as we do.

One of Maddox's monkeys is finally complete, only 3 more to go! Its a Griffey monkey doing the swing man pose in case anyone can't tell.

I have one more belly buddy pic to add to the collection. Our best friends Danny and Ehryn are 12 weeks pregnant and we couldn't be happier for them. Maddox and Baby Cartwright will be spending a lot of time growing up together, they just don't know it yet. Looks like they will be just about 6 months apart. I know the picture is a little pathetic, Ehryn is beautiful and well... I pretty much resemble the Good Year Blimp by now but we knew we didn't have much time and we would regret it later if we didn't get the picture.