Week 37

Hello everyone- fellow Hudson blog followers-:)

Well- since I wrote last week there have been a few developments. I did go to see Dr. Fuller on Wednesday (and we go tomorrow)- and he found that I was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. The effacement is what I was excited about because you can go for weeks dilated and it not mean much. Overall though it is all a good sign because it means my body is getting ready for delivery and should make things as smooth as can be expected. Also- if I don't have to be induced or have my membranes thinned artificially then that is good too!

We'll see tomorrow if I have dilated anymore. I was pretty sure also that last Wednesday night (early Thursday morning) that Hudson "dropped". What makes me say that? Well- I got up for one of my nightly bathroom breaks and would not have been aware of it otherwise- but when I laid back down I felt a "squeezing" down in my pelvis. I had never - and haven't since- felt that- so it made me wonder if that is what it was (baby dropping). The other thing is that all day I felt like I could breathe better and people commented on how I was sticking out more...I'll ask Dr. Fuller tomorrow and let ya'll know the verdict.

Jay & I worked and worked and COMPLETED- Hudson's room on Saturday. We literally worked all day on it. We assembled the last two pieces of furniture that we had purchased- then we put the crib together and got stuff placed in the room and on the walls. It was after 8pm when we stopped and decided we better get something to eat! Stay tuned for pictures...turned out really cute!

Oh- before that, on Thursday evening- I went to bookclub at Ann's and all the ladies had bought books for Hudson! Isn't that the nicest thing?! I was really touched because the majority of these ladies I've only known since last fall- it made me feel really special to know that they care so much about my unborn son- already!!! Also- I thought it was really cool because I think books are probably the best gift you can give someone. I intend on doing a lot of reading to/with Hudson. My Mom- I love you Mom- read a lot to us and I loved that! In fact, we asked her to tell stories so much that she ended up recording herself telling the stories so that we could listen to it anytime! Pretty creative! Anyway- thanks ladies!

Easter was nice. We went to service and then out to eat with Rachel & Dennis & Beau. Precious Beau! He is such a sweet little man! Jay & I took a long nap on Sunday afternoon and didn't go to bed super late. We're trying to catch up on/build our reserves of sleep.

We went yesterday and met with a pediatrician- Dr. September Westbrook. She will be Hudson's pediatrician because Jay & I both really liked her. She was very down to earth, laid back and very much about tailoring your parenting to YOUR child. She says books and classes help but living it is the best teacher. We were both very comfortable with her- so that made it easy. She was the first/only one we interviewed. I've been very blessed in my blind selections of physicians both for pediatrician and OB GYN. I told Dr. Fuller last time that I hoped he would not retire till I had my 2nd baby- he smiled.

I am super excited that in the next couple months I will get to see most of my family! Mom & Dad are coming from May 15-31st and then Julie & Patrick are coming in June (they haven't picked dates yet). It will be so good to see them all. Only ones missing will be Paul, Chenelle & LJ, which I won't get to see till Christmas. I am also very excited about an upcoming trip to Washington, DC with Jay. He has to go for training in mid-June and I will be off on maternity leave so we thought it would be a good time for me to go with him. I've wanted to go to DC since I moved here and this is the perfect timing- I'll get to do lots of walking with Hudson!

I have a request...If there is anyone out there that knows how to make a sock monkey- will you hook me up please? I will pay you- I would just really like to have a homemade sock monkey for Hudson. Mom had made us some when we were little but they are no where to be found and she said she doesn't remember the pattern anymore. I found some at Cracker Barrel (a restaurant here)- but like I said- they are too pretty- I want a homemade one. That and the Ragedy Ann and Andy dolls would be pretty cool. Boys can play with those right? It's not Barbie or anything.

Well- I have a shout-out for my friend Cristi. Cristi & I were pretty tight in nursing school but after graduation life just happened and we haven't seen each other in a very long time- actually she has a daughter that is 1 year old and I have never met her! Anyway- Cristi- you are an inspiration on being a good Mom, researching topics and breastfeeding in this day and age of convenience. I appreciate you and your advice! Just wanted you to know that. I am going to do the best I can with breastfeeding and we'll see how it turns out!

Ok- well- gotta run (I am at work afterall)- Hudson says "hello"- I just felt him wave in my belly (may have been his leg not his arm- but anyway he is getting pretty cramped in there!). Jay & I will keep everyone posted on new developments! Love ya'll! XO