Today at three o'clock, I had my 38-week appointment slash last prenatal visit before Baby Brother's scheduled delivery on February 5. I learned from the nurse that the protein level in my urine was still at +3 but that I had lost two pounds since last time, which means my swelling has gone down. Blood pressure checked out just fine, as usual. I saw the doctor, who measured me at 43 centimeters and said she wouldn't be surprised if I had a ten-pound baby in there. I mentioned last week's HELLP scare, and she looked at the notes taken during my last visit. We talked for a few minutes about life with two small children, as she herself is the mother of two boys fifteen months apart. By a quarter to four, I was on my way home.
That was easy! I thought. No more drama.
At four-thirty, I walked through the door. At four-thirty one, Luke informed me of a message from the doctor on our voice mail, instructing me to page her at my earliest convenience. She had called at four o'clock.
Well. That can't be good.
I paged the doctor. She called me back. After examining my file more thoroughly, she discovered that my 24-hour urine collection revealed a protein level of 691, which puts me in the category of "mildly pre-eclamptic." If I were 32 weeks along, I'd be on bedrest, she said. But since Baby Brother is full term and growing well (ha! that's an understatement), there's no need to keep him in there any longer.
"So, what does this mean?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
"It means that I would be more than happy to deliver your baby tomorrow."
And there it was.
As it turns out, I'm not having the baby tomorrow. Because my pre-eclampsia isn't severe and my blood pressure is good, my doctor was fine with postponing the c-section until Saturday. So the new game plan is for me to go to work tomorrow long enough to tie up some loose ends and then scramble like mad to clean our house. (Three cheers for doing the last of our shopping and finishing the baby's room over the weekend.) Luke's parents will arrive tomorrow evening (a gazillion more cheers for wonderful in-laws willing to watch their granddaughter while her pushy brother makes his way into the world). At five a.m. on Saturday morning, we'll depart for the hospital. I should be under the knife by eight.
I'm not sure what to feel. On one hand, OH MY GOD AM I SICK OF PREGNANCY. It hurts to get in and out of bed. My clothes don't fit. The Braxton-Hicks contractions are taking their toll. The last of my work projects can be easily passed along to other members of my department. I'm tired all the time. Our bags are packed. I'm done.
On the other hand, I'm not ready for surgery. I'm freaking out over having to leave Kara. I'm upset that our family of three is losing four precious days together. I'm worried about recovering from surgery while meeting the needs of two young babies. I need more time.
But all of that said, I still know that I'm lucky, because the first scare was enough to whip our asses into gear and the second one bought us another day and a half to wrap things up. Poor Emily had to leave from her doctor's office straight for the hospital for the births of BOTH her children. In the grand scheme of things, my rushed birthing experience isn't that big of a deal.
Remind me I said that when I'm hyperventilating tomorrow.
Expect one more post before Saturday.
Like you said, at least you have a day and a half to prepare. He will share his birthday with my brother-in-law unless he decides to come even earlier!
Good luck! I will be praying for you!
Posted by: AJU5's Mom | January 29, 2009 at 11:24 PM
Wow, you have such an amazing attitude about everything! What a shock to find out your baby is coming early! I'm glad you were able to get everything done and will be looking forward to reading your next few posts!
Good luck wrapping everything up and make sure you take some time for yourself before you newest little one makes his way into the world!
Posted by: Parsing Nonsense | January 29, 2009 at 11:38 PM
I'm so excited that he's on his way!!! Oh, I totally understand your concerns. . . but in the end, you'll have Baby Brother!!!! yay!!!
Posted by: Katie | January 29, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Well, it sounds like good news.
Best of luck to you and the young lad.
Posted by: The Duke of Argyll | January 30, 2009 at 01:07 AM
I know you must be freaking out and I feel bad especially when you said your family of 3 is being cut by a few days. But you are a wonderful mom, Luke is a wonderful dad and you will do fine with the new baby when all is said and done.
How exciting! He is on the way. I will be awaiting the good news and be sending good thoughts your way on Sat morning.
Posted by: Jenny | January 30, 2009 at 01:19 AM
I am so excited for you all. I cannot believe how fast time has flown by. Seems like just last week these posts were about little Kara. Easy for me to say I know. My prayers are with you. Love to all, deb
Posted by: debi | January 30, 2009 at 01:51 AM
You'll be fine-- no one's ever actually really READY for the baby to arrive. It's more like: "Person the battle stations!" dontcha think? It's great you have such a great support team at the ready and you're strong-- you'll be fine. Now go smooch that big girl! :)
Posted by: Kenandbelly | January 30, 2009 at 04:06 AM
I am excited too. Grandma and Grandpa could clean house(even if it was not in the regular Frema style.) We are looking forward to seeing you, Luke, and Kara today and to meeting Baby Brother. Take care.
Posted by: Grandma Molly | January 30, 2009 at 07:39 AM
I think every second- (or third-) time mom freaks out about leaving her baby to have another. I hope you aren't beating yourself up too much about that. How wonderful that Luke's parents can keep Kara at her own house and you don't have to worry about her being in a strange environment. We lucked out too, and after delivery I resolved to stop worrying and use my time in the hospital wisely (i.e. baby in the nursery at night and an Ambien for me).
Posted by: Erika | January 30, 2009 at 08:03 AM
Ok, now that I've explained to my husband why I'm CRYING... WOW! I'm glad you mentioned Emily--that was immediately who I thought of. Pre-eclampsia sucks and was responsible for my delivery at 36 1/2 weeks. Glad you're not to the "full-blown" stage. That's zero fun. I"m glad you'll get a little extra time to spend with Kara, even if it's being cut shorter that you'd planned. Sounds like she'll be in great hands with Luke's mom and dad. Can't wait to see pictures of your sweet boy. Happy birthing day! I'll be thinking about you.
Posted by: Jen L. | January 30, 2009 at 08:32 AM
Kara is going to be great! Playmates are her house to show around - she will get to come visit you and bb (I wonder if "the" name is the same?) She is going to have a blast- I am betting it will be harder on you than her.
Good Luck! I know you will do great. :)
Posted by: Christina | January 30, 2009 at 09:25 AM
Yowzah! It seems like just a week or two ago that Luke was frantically searching the drug store for those elusive tests.
If the choice is spending more time with Luke and Kara as a family of three or cleaning - I vote for spending the time with family. No one ever says I wish I had spent more time cleaning.
Posted by: Mrs. Higrens | January 30, 2009 at 09:26 AM
Oh, exciting! I've never been pregnant, but I can totally understand the conflicting emotions you're having. Good luck!
Posted by: Fraulein N | January 30, 2009 at 10:14 AM
OMG! I can't believe your newest little one will be here tomorrow. I hope the very best for you and know you will be just fine. I can't wait to see your new baby!
Posted by: Brandy | January 30, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Oh wow!!! Tomorrow! I'm so excited for you! I know how nervous you must be, but it will be over before you know it and you will be holding Baby Brother. Congrats to all of you and I hope all goes well!!
Posted by: Rachel | January 30, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Congratulations! I'm very excited for you, even if you are a bit freaked out. And January babies are the best, so little brother was just making sure he got to be born accordingly :-) Fingers crossed for a smooth delivery this weekend!
Posted by: Dawn | January 30, 2009 at 11:09 AM
You know the little buggers are in there saying- Go ahead! Plan my arrival. I dare you.
I'm sorry the end was so up and down stressful for you but I can't wait to see pictures of baby brother!!
Posted by: r+k+mama | January 30, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Yep - Asher was 11 days early, and Lucy was 14 days early. It's the Parents.com curse! If you blog there, YOU GET PREECLAMPSIA!
Guess what though? You'll survive, you'll be totally fine, and so will Kara. The first few weeks are actually easier than the few weeks after that, so enjoy it! :)
Posted by: Emily | January 30, 2009 at 01:05 PM
YEA! Baby Brother! In less than 24 hours!
Posted by: Michelle | January 30, 2009 at 01:37 PM
Yay! Good luck! :D
Posted by: Melissa | January 30, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Oh my goodness! How exciting! I'll be thinking of you & your family. :)
Posted by: Becky (StinkyLemsky) | January 30, 2009 at 03:31 PM
I can't wait to see you tomorrow sister. I know you have a lot of thoughts going on in your head and I just want you to know I'm here for you and support you in whatever ways I can. I love you sooo much. Hope you're getting some rest tonight. xoxo
Posted by: Sissy | January 30, 2009 at 09:57 PM
Heading to bed...just wanted to check in one more time to say (as we put it in the theatre world) Break a leg! Can't wait to see Baby Brother. Sending prayers and good wishes your way. Enjoy meeting your son! :)
Posted by: Jen L. | January 30, 2009 at 10:59 PM