Emerson Kate Williams

She's here!

Emerson Kate Williams
Thursday, May 24th
3:10 PM
8 lbs 7 oz
20.5 in.

So, remember when I said I was under no false pretenses that birthing this child would be easy or uncomplicated? I was right. :)

Thursday morning we checked in the hospital at 6:30 AM. By 7:30, I was hooked up to Pitocin, had my water broken {so weird}, and started decent contractions. The only hitch we had was that Emerson was still really high up, so we needed her to make her way down. The whole time I felt pretty good. I mean, the contractions were getting closer and stronger, but they weren't that bad. My doctor came by and said they were going to see if they could "wipe the smile off my face" by really getting me into labor. We had the sweetest nurse who pretty much never left my side the entire time. She would answer any questions I had before I even could ask them, so I felt pretty confident that things would go smoothly. 

The nurse had trouble keeping Emerson's heartbeat on the monitor, which isn't anything new. We thought it was just because she was moving so much that she kept just getting away from it. About 10:00, the nurses decided to see if they could put the internal monitor on her head so that we would have a steady record. When they examined me, she was still really high up and they weren't sure that they were actually feeling her head. Another doctor from my doctor's practice {mine was in surgery until that afternoon} came in to examine me and see if he could get the monitor on her. When he examined me, he said he definitely wasn't feeling her skull...He thought he felt her nose. That meant that she was  NOT in the right position to come out. 

During this time, my contractions were getting much stronger, and Emerson's heart rate would drop drastically. It would come back up fairly quickly, but she was dipping too low for it to be "ok." They put me on oxygen and laid me flat on my back. I was taken off of the Pitocin to hopefully help Em deal with the labor a little better.

Contractions + Oxygen mask = ugh

We stayed that way for awhile. I had contractions pretty much one after the other, and increasing in intensity. Let's just be real...they sucked. Big time. Since she was coming down funky, it was causing me to have major back labor and it just hurt all over. Add to that 10 different people talking to you and asking questions, and I wasn't feeling great anymore. 

The other doctor came in again examined me. This time he said he was sure that he was not feeling her skull, and he was certain I would need a c-section. My doctor was close to being out of surgery, so he wanted her to make the final call. The nurse started prepping me as we waited for my doctor to finish her other surgery. She came in and actually said she thought she poked the baby in the eye. That was the last straw. My doctor ordered an emergency c-section since Emerson was also in distress. Everyone in the room seemed upset or worried about how I would feel about having surgery, but I was totally ok with it. I had a minute as we waited and I sent out a text and Facebook message asking people to say a prayer for us. They definitely did because Justin and I both were completely calm and content with everything that was happening. Even as I was being prepped for surgery, I couldn't have asked for nicer people to be taking care of me. They were cracking jokes and carrying on conversations like we were hanging out at party somewhere. It really put me at ease and I didn't have a chance to think about anything that was happening other than how strange it was to have no control over my body. 

About 35 minutes after being told we would have a c-section, we were here...

Our family of THREE!

It turns out that Emerson was trying to come out with her mouth and chin first-not ideal for a safe birth. She was really swollen on parts of her face, and had a few minor bruises. They were all pretty much gone by the next day though. She has incredibly long fingers and toes, tons of sweet, LONG baby soft hair, and the cutest little face you ever did see. 

In some ways it is surreal to realize we have a baby, and on the other hand it's like she's always been here. I could literally sit and stare at her sweet little face all day long. I'm trying not to spoil her too much, but it's hard when you realize she'll only be this age once in her life.

We're home now. Things are going really well so far. I'm struggling a little bit with breast feeding, but from what I've read when you have a c-section it takes things a little longer to "come in." We're working on it though, and I'm sure things will come together soon. We'll take Emerson back tomorrow to the pediatrician for a weight check, which should prove to be interesting. It'll be our first time to have to get ready to go anywhere with a baby. She's so chill though that I'm pretty certain it will be pretty easy.

I'll update more on our hospital stay, coming home and stuff like that as I have the time.

Update...

I went for my check up today, and found out we're having a baby

 TOMORROW!

Well, we're going to attempt to have her tomorrow. So far this child has done whatever she pleases, so I'm under no false pretenses that labor with her will be easy or fast. 

I went in for my appointment today and my blood pressure was high. Like, in the "panic" range for me high. It's been borderline high every night this past week, but my morning checks have been great so I didn't think much about it. I figured it just went up after I had been up and around all day. My doctor walked in, looked at my chart and just said, "Today or tomorrow?" meaning "When do you want to have this baby?" She went on to say that we're only 3 days out from my due date, so we have nothing to lose by going ahead and inducing. I'm dilated and effaced a "good amount" (whatever that means) so she doesn't see the need to push me too far and have my blood pressure continue to be high therefore, putting us at risk. She made me wait around for 10 or 15 minutes to recheck my numbers. If they went down, I was allowed to go home and go back tomorrow to start the induction. If they were still high, I was to immediately go to the hospital and check in. They went down...a little bit. She thought about it for awhile and finally said to come back tomorrow, but to take it easy tonight. 

So, at 6:30 AM tomorrow I'll be checking in to the hospital to have this baby girl. People keep asking if I'm nervous or scared. Honestly, not really. I mean, I'm struggling a little with the pain factor and whether or not I can really do this-birth a kid, but overall I feel pretty peaceful. I know whatever comes my way is completely in God's hands. 

This Bible study/devotional thing I've been doing, Soul Detox, has been a huge help to me. This first week focuses on replacing "toxic" thoughts with Truth. It's made me much more aware of that inner-monologue we all have. Instead of being fearful and thinking things like, "I can't do this." I'm trying to proactively replace with Truth like, "I can do ALL things through Christ." All things includes giving birth. :) It's one of those cliche verses, but Philippians 4:8 has become one of my favorites this week. 

Source: familybees.blogspot.com via Leslie on Pinterest

If it isn't true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or worthy of praise, it needs to be replaced with something that is. The TRUTH is that I can do this, simply because God will allow me to. His hand has been in this from the very beginning, and there's no way He'll remove it now.

So, if you happen to read this and you're the praying type, we'd sure appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we bring Emerson into the world. Specifically, we'd like for you to pray that the delivery would be uncomplicated, as painless as possible (I believe in miracles!), and stress-free. Pray that the induction will work, and work in a timely manner. Pray for my doctor, the nurses, and other staff who we will come in contact with. Pray for our families, some of whom will be traveling to get here. Pray for peace and rest for Justin and I in the next 18 hours or so. And, of course, pray that Miss Emerson Kate will be born healthy and whole.

I'll try to update with pictures and info on Sweet Girl as soon as I can!

#SheReadsTruth

I've been home alone most days for several weeks now. Justin works and so does everyone else, so I'm pretty much left to my own devices. I've managed to make it through 5 of the HP books {again}, and I'm currently on number 6. I've watched enough tv and movies to make me loathe most tv and movies. I'm sick of cleaning my house. We're not quite rich enough to spend my days shopping. Quite honestly, most days, I'm bored. I miss work. I miss my students. I miss other people. Most of all, I miss having conversations about things other than anticipating our baby's arrival. I need a pick me up. I need to be reminded that there are other things in life.

One great thing that has come from me being home alone is that I have discovered several new blogs and bloggers that I have become obsessed with really like. One of them is Maggie from Gussy Sews. She not only makes all kinds of cute, ruffley goodness, she also blogs a lot about making a difference, being positive, and living a creative life. She's just a cool girl. A few days ago, she posted on Twitter that she was looking for a way to get back into reading her Bible. That sparked my interest. I've definitely been in a rut. The next day she posted that she and her friend from this blog were going to start the Soul Detox plan from the You Version app. They created the hashtag #SheReadsTruth so that whoever wanted to join them could link up through Twitter or Instagram and share what they are learning. People started posting about it left and right! They were all loving this thing.

I thought about it that whole day. Was it something I really wanted to start now with a baby due any day? Would it be cheesy? I don't know any of these people in real life, so is this dumb? Then, they started posting pictures and thoughts on what they were studying, and I knew this was perfect for me.

Here's why:

1.) As much as I'd love to be doing Kelly Minter's new Nehemiah study or Beth Moore's study of James, it's impractical for me to take either of those on when my world is about to be turned upside down for a kid. I know they are amazing and everyone is singing their praises, but I am afraid I would start it and quit as soon as Emerson arrived. What's the point of that? 2.) This plan is on my phone...something I always have with me. It will be easy to do as I rock our sweet baby girl, and it doesn't require a bulky Bible and workbook. {Granted I've been journaling points I love and answering the questions the app gives you in a notebook, but you can also easily do that on the app.} 3.) The topic is perfection. Soul Detox? Yes, please! I'd love a fresh start. 4.) It's free. 5.) The devotionals and reading for the day are short and simple. 

So far... I love it. I really do feel like my brain is being used and my heart is being challenged...already.

So...wanna join me? Today is Day 5, and you can easily catch up. {I started it yesterday and caught up with no problem.} All you have to do is make sure you have the You Version Bible app {FREE} on whatever device you use. Under reading plans, search for "soul detox" and you're there. If you want to share thoughts or whatever, you can link up with everyone doing the study on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #SheReadsTruth. Lots of people are just starting, so you wouldn't be behind. :) OR just do it for yourself. Please let me know if you do start it. I would love to know what you are learning. 

PS. If you are looking for something more in depth, I saw on LPM's blog {Beth Moore} that they are doing Kelly Minter's Nehemiah study as their Summer Bible Study. Click here for more info on that. I've done both of Kelly's other studies {some twice!}, and they are AMAZING. I've heard the same about this one. It would be great to do if you have a group of girls who want to do something together, or you can just link up with LPM. I plan on doing that study at some point in the future. 

Either way, I'm praying that we all begin to feel a little refreshed in our hearts and our minds. 

What a difference...

about 7 months makes.

The top picture was taken at our first ultrasound confirming that we had a healthy, viable baby on the way at about 8 weeks. The bottom one was taken yesterday at 38.5 weeks along. Isn't it amazing to see how God takes something to tiny and let's be honest, non-human looking, and turns it into this perfectly formed, sweet little profile?!?!

Yesterday's ultrasound was to get an idea of how big Emerson currently is since I'm measuring ahead (turns out I have a lot of fluid) and we've found her heartbeat in strange places. As of now, she looks to be about 7 pounds and 7 ounces...perfectly "average." We think she will be long though, which isn't that surprising since Justin and I both are kinda tall. She was very chill, and is in the perfect position. My mom and I were shocked to see how much she looks like her daddy. She pooches her lips out just like he does, and appears to have his nose. Baby Girl also has his sense of humor. :) As we were watching her on the monitor, she curled her leg up over her sweet little belly and stuck her foot right in her mouth! The lady doing the ultrasound tried to catch a picture of it, but it didn't turn out very clear. It was by far, one of the best ultrasounds we have had.

I was a little anxious about my doctor's appointment. My sister went for her check up with the same doctor the day before and jokingly told her that everyone wanted me to have the baby this week. The doctor told her that I've been so easy-going about all of it, she didn't think I was in a hurry but we would "see what we could do." That made me excited/nervous/scared/thrilled you name it. I didn't really know what to think. Of course I want her here, but the reality of it all made me a little nervous. The past few months we thought my high blood pressure and her size might mean I have to be induced or have a c-section so I've been preparing myself for that. I honestly got my hopes up a little bit that this would be "it" and our baby would be here. However, after my blood pressure has been great the past few weeks and seeing that she's not going to be gigantic, we've decided to wait her out another week or so. Technically, my doctor can induce me at 39 weeks (tomorrow) without a medical reason, but she has a family obligation this weekend and really wants to be the one to deliver Emerson. She asked me to try to hold off until next week, or preferably next weekend since she's on call. I thought that was incredibly sweet that she cares enough to want to be the one there when I have her. It also turns out that this weekend would have been really difficult for Justin's brother to make it here, which nobody told me until yesterday! Hearing that he would have a hard time getting here makes me not want to move until Monday just to insure this baby isn't coming out. If you know Justin or Jonathan, you know they are unbelievably close. I can't imagine him not getting to be a part of this. So now instead of praying that Emerson will come, I'm praying she'll stay put until Monday! We'll see if she listens.

So that is where we are now...a little more waiting. I'll go back Wednesday for a check up, and possibly induce that weekend if she doesn't come on her on. I really thought I would be upset about having to wait another week, but I'm not. I think seeing her sweet little face reminded me that God is completely in control of all of this, and she will be born at the time HE appointed for her. Who am I to go messing with God?

In the meantime, I'm enjoying hogging her daddy all to myself. Good grief, I married a good man. The best. I can't even put into words how much he means to me or all that he does for us. I just know that I am incredibly, undeservedly blessed to even have him in my life. He will be one incredible father, no doubt. I can't wait to see him in action.

Randomness

Nope, no baby yet. Justin and I both have come to realize that you can't just call people out of the blue when you're this close to having a baby. Every time we call anyone they freak out that it's "THE" call...it's not! :) We either get that or multiple calls and texts a day asking if she's here yet. I suggested playing a joke on everyone and acting like she arrived and we kept it a secret, but I was quickly shot down. I need some excitement around here.  

In the meantime, let's talk some randomness. 

• I am a children's book junky. That's no surprise since I'm a teacher, but honestly I haven't invested in as many books as I thought I would for Emerson...yet. I ran across the book God Gave Us You a few weeks ago, and literally stood in the aisle at Lifeway and cried. (hormones!) If you know someone having a baby, get them this book. It will be in heavy rotation around this house. I picked up it and Charlie the Ranch Dog for our friends who just had a baby boy. They have basset hounds so Charlie was perfect. Who even knew Ree wrote children's books?! I am hoping she does a lot more. It was really cute!

• A new Burlingtons opened up near us. My mom and I stopped there after my doctor's appointment last week. I was actually impressed. I'd definitely go back there and look for Em clothes as she gets older. Next to the check out line, I spotted this...

          

        First of all, WHY do you need a urine finder?!?! If your pet is peeing on your floor so much you 

        can't distinguish it from the actual carpet, you have much bigger issues. 

• My amazing mom bought me an early Mother-to-be-Day gift!

             I'm already in L-O-V-E! 

• My sweet hubs knows me amazingly well. We're trying to enjoy our last few days as a twosome. It's included an at-home date night of movies and chinese and an actual date to dinner and a movie. The sweet guy came home bearing this for me even though he thinks the combination of chocolate and mint is "disgusting." I think it's heaven in a paper cup.

• I realize I'm probably late to the party on this one, but I am so in love with this right now...

    I'm a sucker for a guy with a good voice and an instrument. 

Fantastic 5

Total sidenote: Thank you to all of you who have called/texted/emailed today to tell me that what I'm feeling is completely normal. I truly appreciate your sweet words. I am happy to say, I mastered the baby bangs last night and got a good amount of sleep. In all seriousness, you guys are the best! Thank you for your encouraging words.

On the old blog I used to do a list of my favorites every once and awhile. I thought I would continue the tradition over here, but give it a catchy little title like "Fantastic 5." My goal is to do this on a regular basis. I love reading about products and stuff that other people love, so I think this will be fun. (And just FYI, these are strictly my opinions. Nobody is paying me to review any of this stuff, but if they want to I'd gladly accept!)

 Prepare yourself. Today's list is really random.

1. Rubbermaid's Reveal Mop

Source: amazon.com via Nicole on Pinterest

I love a clean house. Something about it just makes me more relaxed and I feel like I can enjoy myself a little more. However, I huh-ate cleaning the floors. And, yes, "hate" is a very appropriate word here. I even used to have an agreement with my roommate that I would clean every other part of our house if she was just responsible for the floors. I would gladly scrub a toilet over mopping. I feel like no matter what method I use or product I try, the floors aren't clean enough. Enter the Rubbermaid Reveal. This was a totally random purchase at our local Sam's, and I'm here to tell you...it is now a must-have for me. Every floor in our house is a hard surface, so that's a lot of sweeping/mopping. Add to that the fact we live in the country and there's just lots of dirt. I refuse to use the old mop and bucket. Too much work and too much mess. In the past I have used other coughcoughSwiffercough products. However, I think they're a little pricey, and I don't like that our dog likes to lick the floor after I've used them. (I've been told that they are very dangerous for pets too. That could be a total urban legend though.) So, I thought I'd try this out. Instant love. It comes with 3 microfiber pads that you just pull off and wash after you use it, AND you fill up the bottle with whatever cleaning solution is best for your floors (or smells best if you are like me). To clean every single inch of floor in our house, I used one pad and not even a full bottle of cleaning solution, which contained a small amount of floor cleaner and water. Hello, money saver! Best of all, it doesn't shoot out tons of water or solution that leaves your floor wet for a long period of time. A must-have, I tell you.



2. Dr. Teal's Soothing Foot Cream

It's definitely flip flop season around these parts. Add to that weekly doctor's appointments where your feet are in the air (it is what it is), and I've become a little compulsive about my feet being smooth. I found this stuff while trying to walk this baby out in our local Walmart, and It. Is. Heavenly. It is like Burt's Bees--which I am totally obsessed with--for your feet. It has just a little bit of cooling tingle to make you think it's doing something miraculous, and I looooovvveeee the peppermint smell. I can actually notice a change in my feet. Best of all, it's like $4.50! I may or may not also be using this as hand lotion too these days. :) 

3. Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Polish

Coral Reef

As discussed in the previous 5,000 posts, I'm a little bored being home alone these days. One good thing about it is that it has given me time to practice perfecting (or slightly improving because it's a long way from perfect) the at-home manicure. While I love Essie and OPI polish, they aren't the most reasonably priced when you're just wanting to try out a color. I am a big fan of coral right now, and bought this to try out the color. Y'all...this stuff is GREAT! It's thick, but not too thick. The color is perfection in one coat. Best of all, it's under $3! This will definitely be my go-to brand in the future. 

4. My James Avery Charm Bracelet

I love everything about James Avery. (Click on the link to visit their site.) They're just a great, inspiring company who really backs their products up. For example, if you buy a set of earrings there and lose one, they'll replace it for you for a discounted price. I love every piece of jewelry I've ever been given from there. It's high-quality, personal, and just plain awesome. Several Christmases ago, I was given this charm bracelet by my in-laws. It is one of my all-time favorite pieces because each charm means something very special. The "Expect a Miracle" charm was given to me by my BFF, Kelly, in the midst of us trying for a baby. It was such a great reminder to expect God to do big things. I made sure I wore it to every doctor's appointment I had so that comfort of Him working for our good. It is super-special now that it is right next to the little onesie charm my mom bought me that has Emerson's name engraved. It brings tears to my crazy-emotional eyes to see a tangible reminder of God's goodness in our lives. I can't wait to start a charm bracelet for Emerson Kate with special reminders like these.

5. Xhilaration Taryn Sandals from Target

Link

Ohmyword, how I want these sandals. I saw someone post a picture of themselves wearing them on Instagram, and I literally hunted them down. I searched our nearest Target for them, but they didn't have my size. They're only like $15, but I haven't ordered them for two reasons. 1.) Target's website is the worst. Seriously. Love Tar-jay, but their website makes everything too difficult. 2.) I'm rocking some swollen cankles right now, so I'm not even sure if they would fit. After having to have Justin tie my tennis shoes for me the other day, I've stuck to forgiving flip flops until Em arrives. Maybe I'll try these adorable things out post-baby. Don't you all be getting on line and buying them out! 

So, that's my favorite 5 finds as of lately. What are you loving these days? 

Truth

Source: spearmintbaby.com via jan on Pinterest

I feel like it's taboo to complain about being pregnant. I did it to myself. When we were struggling to get pregnant and after my miscarriage I would go all Judgy-McJudgertons on people who complained about being pregnant. I would think, "Don't you know what you have? Don't you know how many women would kill to be in your position?!" It really would make me mad. To be blunt, a lot of the complaints I heard would still make me mad today. (I mean, who really complains that they didn't get enough M&Ms in their Blizzard as if DQ has it out for them personally just because they're preggo?) Looking back on it, it probably wasn't anger that I was feeling as much as jealousy. I would have given anything to be in their place. Give me swollen ankles if it ends with a baby in 9 months! I'd happily take them. I'll take being sick every day! I'll happily wear the maternity clothes! (Who seriously complains about stretchy pants?!) I was totally willing to deal with their "hardships."

And pride goes before the fall...

In an attempt to be transparent and really record this journey of ours, I'm going to be honest and say...I've become a pregnant complainer.

Please don't get me wrong. I know what a privilege it is to be at this stage with a healthy baby girl kicking in my ever-growing belly. I've had too many friends go through losing babies or kids with illnesses to ever think that I have it worse than they do. I know that I can't imagine that pain (one miscarriage and a little infertility were enough for me), and there is not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for His mercy and grace in giving us this child. So, if you are one who has suffered a loss or are currently in that awful, horrible state of waiting, please know that I am not trying to make light of your situation. I've walked in those shoes a few miles. This post is really just for me to look back on and remind myself of lessons that I'm learning, and to serve as a reminder of this stage in our life.

I love being pregnant, but I'm also learning the pain, patience, and selflessness it takes to have a baby.

The past 2 weeks have just been especially hard on me. Physically, everything hurts. It hurts to sit. It hurts to stand. It hurts to pick up my leg enough to put on my pajama pants. (Keepin' it real. I live in those now.) It hurts to get in the car, get out of the car, look at the car. Sometimes it hurts to breathe. It hurts to walk. Worst of all, it hurts to lay down. We're talking, take-my-breath-away-hurts a lot of the time. I have intense old-lady menopausal hot flashes that are enough to make me want to climb into the freezers at Walmart for relief. I have stabbing pains that make me come off of my seat. I'm like a ninety-year-old still having to check my blood pressure twice a day. I'm also pretty sure my doctor told me today she thinks I have reflux, which is why I keep puking.

Emotionally, I am a stinking wreck. I'm annoying myself at how irritated and grouchy I am. Case in point, I could not sleep last night because little whisps of my hair kept tickling my face. I'm not kidding! I literally did.not.sleep. because of some stupid baby bangs. I tried everything I could think of other than sleeping in a hat. I could not let it go. I was so irritated by it I was on the verge of just weeping! Over hair!!! People are on my last nerve too. I am so snippy, even though I don't mean to be. I just want to hole-up in our house and not be around anyone because I know they will ask me the same questions over and over and over again and I'm sick of saying, "Yep, still pregnant." and hearing them say how disappointed they are. REALLY?! You are disappointed that I'm still carrying around the child?!? The sad thing is I know they are excited and want to help us out. I know they are trying out of the goodness of their hearts to "help" us but I really just want to sit in peace on the couch in my pjs and not worry about entertaining or explaining. I hate feeling this way!!! Justin asked me if I know how I am feeling is irrational, why do I let myself feel that way. The only thing I can say back to that is because I feel like I have no control over it right now. I'm just a mess!

I'm also struggling with being selfish with Emerson when she does arrive. Part of me wants to pretty much demand that nobody posts anything on Facebook or email or whatever else before we have a chance to announce her arrival. I feel like this is a special moment for us-with our daughter-and nobody should get to take that away from us. Then again, I know they're just going to be excited too, and I'm going to look like a total you-know-what telling them they can't announce anything. I want to tell them that they can't kiss her on the mouth (that seriously grosses me out) or put their fingers around her mouth. They can't wear clothes that are coated in perfume/cologne/smoke/you name it. I want to require them to leave us alone to have bonding time as a family of 3 without getting feelings hurt. I don't want people camped out at our house when we get home. Again though, I struggle with am I being selfish? Am I taking away from other people's enjoyment of this occasion with my demands? Shouldn't I be so thankful and thrilled that people are truly excited about her and want to celebrate her? Why can't I just let it go? And for Pete's sake, why do I keep worrying about these things over and over again?

I am SO thankful though that I had a good talk with my doctor today who told me that all of these feelings are completely normal. Even though she warned me that my hormones will continue to rage for weeks after Em arrives, she assured me that I am not losing my mind. I may be the dragon-lady now, but it won't stay that way. That made me feel a whole lot better. I feel like there's this whole realm of pregnancy that nobody really talks about. Everyone acts like it's sunshine and roses or that the biggest obstacles are physical, but I don't think they are. Wrapping my head and heart around what is about to happen to us (while dealing with the craziness of this estrogen) has been much harder than the physical pain. I long to feel like myself again. I know I will. I have no doubt about that. In the meantime, I just don't like this whiny, pain-filled, selfish, worrisome person I have become. That's the truth.

So, I am going to make a very conscious effort to replace the negative with the positive for the next few weeks. I want to enjoy this time and stop being so miserable. I will choose to be thankful in ALL circumstances...even with my baby bangs.




*And for those that have asked...we're still playing the waiting game on when Emerson will arrive. She seems to be doing fantastic and my blood pressure has been "perfect" so the doctor wants us to try to wait her out another week before we make any decisions on inducing or c-sections (because of Em's size). I'll be checked out again next Wednesday with an ultrasound to see how big she is, and we'll go from there. I didn't have any progress at my appointment this week, but my doc says there is still a real chance I can naturally go into labor anytime. We shall see.