On Black Friday morning, while all the crazies were ransacking the shelves at BestBuy and Target or sleeping off midnight shopping sprees at the Philadelphia Premium Outlets, I went to visit Dr. Barton for my internal exam. I found out that baby is nice and low, in the anterior facing position. I'm dilated 2 centimeters and about 80% effaced.
Dr. Barton was very impressed with the progress as she commented, "You were just MEANT to have babies!!" She seemed to think I was on my way to an early delivery, until I mentioned that I was similarly "ripe" for over a month before Ben had to be induced 5 days late. That stopped her in her tracks.
"Well, you're a great candidate for an induction before Christmas then!" I told her I was hoping to avoid an induction until I was a week late and getting anxious about getting in my 2011 tax deduction. She agreed that was a fine plan of action.
After my successful appointment, I headed off to a local day spa for a surprise morning of pampering with my mom, sisters-in-law Chris and Madeline, niece Beth, and Auntie Chris and Dawn. It was a glorious spa pedicure complete with a paraffin dip. If I could reach my feet, I imagine they would feel very soft :)
The last several weeks have been busy, with a surprise "Fill Your Freezer" shower hosted by fellow mom friend Kacie Hsia. Not only were her culinary and decorating skills in rare form, but the group of lady friends packed a cooler full of frozen foods to feed the Gazica family in the post-delivery period. An excellent idea for any second-time mom!
While most of my "nesting" instincts have taken the form of early Christmas shopping and present wrapping, I also have managed to sort through all the baby gear and replacing batteries where need be and washing seat covers, play mats, etc.
I've got a few weeks left at work--depending on whether Dr. Barton's theory or my personal delivery history plays out this time around. But now it's time to put up the tree while I still have the energy!
