An Amazing Journey: Ch. 17 -- In the Home Stretch About This Page:

[Jennifer Marx]

In the Home Stretch



I’m delighted to note that today is August 1st! After the scare with the OB a few weeks back, I was worried I would need to deliver Alexander before August. But here we are -- I'm healthy and Alexander is still tucked safe and sound inside. Since the day I learned Alexander’s due date, August has held special meaning for me. While growing up, I’d noted that there were no holidays or birthdays (within my family or circle of friends) in just one month of the year: August. So when I learned my due date was August 12, it seemed like the last piece to a puzzle and it just “fit.”



There’s no fear of going overdue and having a September delivery date either. The midwives, whom I have been seeing instead of my OB when she left the practice recently, say they “don’t want me to go far.” I asked about this at my last appointment and it basically means that my delivery date is also my expiration date. If Alexander hasn’t come along on his own by August 12, the midwives will likely recommend that I be medically induced. This is due to my hypertension — while it has been well-controlled, there is always the risk of complication at this stage. Thankfully, we are both healthy. My bloodwork continues to come back normal, as do my blood pressure readings. A non-stress-test of Alexander on Thursday was also healthy. On Friday we had an ultrasound to check his size (as some babies of mothers with hypertension can be small) and a couple of other things. The ultrasound looked great and we learned that he’s currently estimated to weigh 7lbs. 14 oz. (give or take a little over a pound).



So I’ve got about ten days to encourage little baby Alexander to make his appearance on his own. A cervical check on Thursday showed I was 50% effaced, a fingertip dilated, and at a –3 station. Alexander’s head is down and he’s in the right position. I think he's "dropped" because it's easier to breathe now and my appetite has returned! So it appears I am making some progress! The midwife applied a prostaglandin gel to my cervix to encourage it to progress further. And we’ve been trying some natural labor inducers at home, too. I’m not feeling obsessed or worried, but I am eager for a non-medicated birth if at all possible. I do sense that I’m making progress, albeit slow.



On the home front, I do have more news to report: Allie has arrived and she’s staying for the school year! Back in May when Dave and I tied the knot, Allie asked if she could come live with us for the school year and be more involved in our growing family. Allie normally lives with her mom in New Jersey -- her mother would miss her terribly, but she’s very supportive of Allie’s needs and encouraged the visit. So this past Monday, Allie left her home and friends in New Jersey and arrived here for the year! In anticipation of her arrival, we redecorated her bedroom with a Harry Potter theme (a favorite of hers) and made more space for her many belongings. She’s been settling in very nicely and the only pothole we’ve hit so far was over eating veggies at dinnertime (nothing new there!). I have to admit that I was anxious when we first decided to have her come for the year – I wondered how I could learn to take care of a brand-new baby while still meeting Allie’s needs. Allie is an only child and not used to sharing her adults -- we've had some pointed conversations with her about what life will be like with a little brother (she says she doesn't want to change poopy diapers or listen to crying) but I believe she's slowly getting used to the idea of being a big sister. I've observed changes in her attitudes already, and she's done really nice things like bringing a gift from home for Alexander (one of her toys from when she was younger). I’ve also had plenty of time to think about things and work out some details for myself. I'm not expecting Allie to be a huge help with Alexander, but I do believe she will come to form a strong bond with him with some encouragement, and that's what really matters to me. I believe this will be a positive experience for all four of us!



We just received a lovely e-mail from a fellow author by the name of Lisa Shapiro. She wrote a delightful book called "How My Breasts Saved the World: Misadventures of a Nursing Mother." We received a copy of this book at the big book convention in Chicago back in June, and gave her a copy of PassPorter Walt Disney World in exchange. Apparently Lisa is going to Walt Disney World soon and is just loving PassPorter! And I'm happy to say her book is excellent, funny, and inspirational (it was the only book I brought back from the convention that I read all the way through). It made me feel great to hear from her -- I admire her for overcoming many breastfeeding problems and sticking with it -- and here she says she loves PassPorter! Just too cool.



You can probably tell from this update that I'm in good spirits, and I do feel great! I'm amazed I feel as good as I do at almost 39 weeks of pregnancy! Please do send us some pixie dust to help Alexander make his way into the world soon. Perhaps there will be time for another update (or two) before I deliver, but if not, watch for the news at our web site!

[graygables]

Oh, Wow! You are going to be one busy Mama, but I can tell that Allie will also be a great help and support to you. How exciting for you all that you get to spend this special time together! I'm glad that you are feeling better and moving along. August 12th is a great day for boys to be born...my Dad was born that day! Here's some that you have a chance to rest and relax a bit and that young Mr. Marx makes his appearance right on time!

[mousestruck]

You're in for a very exciting year! What a wonderful opportunity for family bonding, and for Allie to thoroughly enjoy the role of big sister. Here's plenty of pixie dust for a healthy and soon delivery!

[limabeanmom2003]

Dear Jennifer,
You're in the home stretch now! Based on your effacement and the other indicators, it sounds like things are moving along just right! My doctor recommended raspberry leaf tea to help bring on labor, but it didn't work for me. Someone else recommended eating eggplant, but I can't back that one up either. My labor was induced when I had my son 1 1/2 yrs ago. When they start the induction drugs, those contractions kick right in!

As for Allie, you will appreciate the extra pair of hands when you get home from the hospital. How wonderful for her to be there when her brother comes home! She will remember this forever.

Like the Johnson and Johnson commercials say, "Having a baby changes everything!" I wish you and your family all the happiness in the world.

Lori

[chezp]

Thanks for the update Jennifer - you do sound like you're in great spirits and good health, which is the most important thing. Sending you for the next couple of weeks and I hope Alexander makes his appearance all on his own. It's lovely to hear Allie's arrived and I'm sure, as you say, it'll be a positive experience for you all.

Best of luck to all of you - I'll be keeping you in my thoughts! I can't wait for news of when to send the card!

[debe]

Was happy to see an update from you today. Glad all seems to be going well with everyone. Looking forward to reading the on the arrival of your little (was hoping it would have been yesterday... DD's B'day )

Your next hurdle is going to be a tough one (unless you are like me with little labor time or pain) but the end result is well worth it! So here's to you and hope your delivery is an easy one.

[Snapple]

Sending pixie dust for Alexander's arrival!

[vsonnier]

Sounds like you are almost there Jennifer! Hopefully Alexander will make his debut right on time! I'm glad Allie has the opportunity to spend the next year with y'all. It will be a great opportunity for her to bond with her new baby brother and you may be suprised by how helpful she can be! Sending a ton of your way!

[tammyr]

Good luck Jennifer on Alexander's arrival and here is plenty of dust to help in his arrival

[TinkerBelz]

I just wanted to add that although I only had my PP for a few days I found your message board and saw the post about your pregnancy. I read your "story" with interest as I too have PCOS. Although I am not trying to get pregnant (and won't ever again try), I could totally understand your frustrations and joy. I cried when I read how you finally became successfuly pregnant. I too was fortunate to have a sweet baby girl - who at almost 13 sometimes isn't so sweet. LOL But I wouldn't trade her for anything in the world!!

Anyways, I just wanted to send this note along for a wonderful delivery and well wishes for the precious time you have ahead for you and your family!

BTW - one thing I wanted to share with you. After taking me 9 yrs to conceive, I was never really worried about labor/delivery. It never was "bad" to me. I was SO happy to be having a baby that I never cared much about anything going on. Just to see her little face was all I focused on. She did try to come early at 28 wks but we managed to hold on until 35 wks and she came home at Day 4.

I don't know if it was because of the infertility or what, but I held her ALL the time and you know, she NEVER cried. I mean, never ever, not even when she was first born. She slept throught the night the day we brought her home and was SO easy. I'm sending pixie dust for the smooth delivery and smooth days after you are home as the new mommy!



Yvonne

[ilovelilo]

I'm so glad to hear everything's going so well! Sending you and your family lots and lots of for Baby Alexander's safe delivery!

[disneyknut]

Glad to hear everthing is going well... I think I picked Aug 10th (DH's birthday) for the baby poll so if you could possibly talk to Alexander on coming that day I'd appreciate it
Continued success in your pregnancy & in labor/delivery

[whoSEZ]

Jennifer -- so glad to hear all is well! I'll be sending good thoughts for all four of you, and I can't wait to hear that Alexander has made his way into the world.

[DouglasE]

So many big changes are coming your way!

I'm glad to hear the appetite is back. Something freakish happened in my adolescence and I am constantly hungry. All I need is the income to support the hunger! At least you have an excuse (Alexander) to give in to eating well.

All my best and mucho

[rescuesk]

I can't believe how close it is! for all of you!!