Baby Watch, Etc.

On the good side of things, Hubby and I got our draft contracts last week, and we are very pleased with the "numbers" side of things! We got passport applications submitted for both the girls (a one-hour process at the post office), and we're in the midst of completing the online process for fingerprinting and criminal background checks. We even got our teaching assignments already, and I'm teaching an intro to film studies class for the first time! This is good because it's new and interesting, but there's also the downside--a new class prep to deal with while trying to finish revising the dissertation---blah. The professor who's been teaching the course there for the past three years has helped tremendously, though, by sharing his extensive experience, textbook choice, syllabus, film advice, etc. Right now, the only films I've definitely decided upon are To Kill a Mockingbird and Crash.

Along the baby front, my arrogant doctor is at it again, making grand proclamations and causing me serious pain when he checks my cervix! Really and truly, I hope he's somehow not around when I go into labor! At yesterday's visit, before he even checked my cervix, he said, "You know what I think? I think you're getting ready to have this baby." Yeah, like he's the fucking baby whisperer or something. When I asked what made him say that, he didn't even have an answer, he just proceeded with the exam. I reminded him that I've NEVER gone into labor on my own, and he said "Your point?" Not good folks...I'm not in the mood for this these days.

Anywho, I'm dilated to a 2 and 80% effaced, which led him to proclaim that he doesn't think I'll make it two more weeks. He admitted he could be wrong, but said he'd be surprised. I hope this baby proves him wrong and decides to stay until my due date, but if she wants to come early, we're ready for her. Mostly. His words, "She could come any day now" tickled H to death, as she's always hoping for some excitement in our lives. At this point, I'm just really hoping my water doesn't break in the middle of class or while I'm grocery shopping or something. But I will be happy if my water breaks on its own, as that will be one less opportunity the doctor has to hurt my lady business.

For now, I look forward to tonight! Several good friends and I are getting together for dinner to celebrate the impending arrival of the bebe, and some of my favorite Mexican food is on the menu!! I might even have a sangria....

Good Baby News!

She flipped! Yayyyyy!

I had an OB appointment this morning, and I'm dilated to a 1, the bebe has flipped to a head-down presentation, and she's gotten much lower (which explains the increased pelvic pressure I've been feeling). On top of that, I only gained 1/2 a pound in more than two weeks--despite all that food I've been eating! This is particularly amazing to me, but maybe it means I've been making up for it with all the walking around airports??

Thanks to all who wished happy baby-flipping thoughts my way, and let's just hope she stays this way!

My Little Nugget

Here's a profile picture from yesterday's ultrasound, where Bebe #3 measured in at over a week ahead, and I'm just entering the phase in which the baby gains most of her weight.



Unfortunately, she's still breech (ugh), and because of her size (4 1/2 pounds), the doctor and ultrasound technician said she only has about three weeks to get herself flipped around. My doctor mentioned the technique used to flip the baby, but he also confirmed that the procedure is quite painful and is accompanied by the possible risk of an emergency C-section if the baby's heart rate doesn't recover after the flip. It's also not guaranteed to work...so. I'm just thinking lots of flippy, gymnastics thoughts for bebe and hoping she turns herself around on her own :)

Sugar and spice and...whatever

I almost forgot to mention: it's gonna be another girl for the AcadeMama family!

I'd secretly hoped for a girl, as I don't know anything about boys really. I like them and all, but eventually they grow up and get married, and next thing you know, you're the mother-in-law that doesn't get to be in the room when your grandchild is born...Hmph.

So yes, another girl, now if we can only agree on a name. I really like Sydney or Alexandra as first names. Hubby, however, is being slow about picking out names that are even somewhat worthy of serious consideration. We'll see how it goes, we've got right at four months to make a decision.