The last week or so since I wrote last has been full of ups and downs. Last Friday I went into the doctor's for an appointment and to check and see if I had dialated. I hadn't; at least, not much. I was a little between 1 and 2 cm dialated. As I mentioned before, at this hospital, they won't induce until I am at least 3 cm. So, needless to say, I was bummed. Thank goodness mom was here to help me through it. I had a bit of a meltdown and made the doctor feel evil....but, tough. She gave us a few more ideas on old wives tales for inducing labor....Evening Primrose Oil pills and Caffeine Free Raspberry Tea. So along with every other trick in the book, we spent the weekend popping pills, drinking tea, eating spicy foods and walking our legs off. NOTHING WORKS!!! I have come to the disappointing conclusion, that all of these times that these supposed "remedies" have "worked" for other women, were just random coincidences and when all is said and done, little baby comes when he wants to. There is nothing short of medical intervention that can force that comfy little baby into the world of noises and lights. I don't blame him, however it HAS to be getting awfully cramped in there.

So, knowing that my mom had to leaves Tues., we went in to the doctor's again on Monday with the hope of being dialated enough to induce that day so that she would be around for his arrival. Well, obviously he still wasn't ready. I was a little more than 2 cm dialated, 60% efaced and his head was at a -2. (For those who don't know this number ranges from -4 to 4; -4 being completely inside and 4 being crowning.) So, I was bummed, but over the weekend I had come to terms with the idea that when he is ready to come, he'll come and there will have been a reason for the wait. So, in other words, I gained a little faith. I decided that someone who knows the whole picture is in charge and knows what he is doing. Now let's hope that new found faith sticks with me....so far, so good. After they checked all of my measurements and things, they tried another method of "natural" induction....the ever so painful SCRAPING of the membranes. If you don't know what it is, just say, "Scrape membranes" a few times in your head and it will begin to seem less and less pleansant with every time. I have never felt something so uncomfortable in my entire life. (I have, of course, not given birth yet, but I think it ranks up there pretty close to it.) Joe was sitting next to me, not sure of what to do, seeing me in such pain and knowing that it could be for the best. Well, 15 seconds of scraping later, I was able to breathe again and collect myself. The doctor said that on a scale of 1-10 for scrapings, "that was a 9 1/2. You should feel some pretty severe contractions over the next evening and hopefully we'll see you tomorrow." Well, like I said before, little Luke is in NO hurry to get here and didn't even make an effort to show himself. After all of that pain, I didn't have one single contraction. I have had more by just sitting in the car. Ugh, it's frustrating, but like I said before, he'll come when he's ready.

Things are becoming a little more promising as far as the outlook of Joe being around when Luke gets here. Things seem to be getting pushed further and further back everyday....someone is definitely looking out for us. My dad asked me if I was feeling any more pressure since the war, as well as the trips of family members, was being put on hold for the arrival of our baby. Just what I need, more pressure. :)

Joe's parents are planning a trip for this weekend in hopes for another grandbaby, but I just don't know if Luke and I will be able to perform. I sure do hope so though, because the sooner he gets here, the more time he'll get to know his daddy. Joe is getting pretty excited at the idea and can hardly wait to hold his son. I hope he gets to do that soon. It will be such a happy day!!

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