The Day Before

The day before Elena was born, I had a routine weekly OB appointment. We discovered I was not any further along than the week prior (much to my dismay). The doctors had previously discussed inducing at 39 weeks (which I now was), but lots to consider and be careful with with a prior c-section patient. I was first told, no induction under any circumstance because of my previous section, but I talked with a doctor during my 35th week that presented me with some different information and some good reasons to potentially induce. At 39 weeks, I fit those "good" criteria. Baby was head down, head was very low, possibly engaged which drastically reduces the likelihood of it flipping back to breech and also reduces other risk factors like a cord prolapse which is more likely in a woman with multiple pregnancies when the head is not low and engaged.

So....we decided to take advantage of baby's good position and further the odds of a successful VBAC. The nurse left to check with the doctor regarding scheduling of the induction. I was still a bit skeptical at this point because the week before I was told I had to make it to 3 cm on my own because no Pitocin for a prior c-section gal....blah, blah, blah....just lots to consider. Anyway, when the nurse came back in and asked, "How does April 12th sound for a birthday?" I was shocked.
"Tomorrow?!" was all I could say. Thought if this really did go through, it would at least be several days away. Nope; just a few short hours.

I called Ronnie on the way out and asked him if he was ready. Like either of us had a choice about this birth thing. It was going to happen soon enough if not the next day! Anyway, we got our friend, sitter, and brother-in-law in place to watch the other kids, snapped a few last photos together of our "little" family, and went out to dinner to celebrate.

I also planned to sleep that night, but that's not so easy when you know you're having a baby the next day. :)