Alright, I called the doctor's office today just to talk to a nurse and update them on my contractions and ask if it was all
normal and ok. I said that I had consistent ones over the weekend (every 4-5 minutes), but once I rested they seemed to quiet down. And that on Monday I was having random contractions all day long. Well... the only thing she said was, "let's get you an appointment." Which was frustrating to me because I didn't think it was necessary. And it turns out she wanted me in asap.
DH and I went at 330 and they sent me to the non-stress test again. After about 30 minutes of that, the doctor came in and said the baby looks great and that I was having contractions the whole time, but not in any pattern and not getting closer together, so it’s okay.
Remember how much I loved this OB doctor when I first met him last Thursday, 5 days ago? He had no idea who I was. I had to explain everything from the past week all over again (and I guess that still didn’t ring a bell). I know doctors see a lot of people and he’s only met me once, but.… I had higher hopes I guess. Anyway, he was still fantastic with answering questions, regardless.
Weight: 139 … I dropped about another 2 pounds. The doctor said that’s 6 pounds total now that I’ve lost in just over a week and he didn’t know why. Asked me if I feel like I’m losing weight and I said no… when you’re up a total of 25 pounds, I’m not sure that 6 is noticeable, haha.
Blood pressure: 102/65, great!
Fetal heart rate: 130
Fundal height: 34. It was 32 when he measured it 5 days ago so that seems weird too! I’ve been measuring on the smaller side, but now I guess I’m right where I’m supposed to be.
Q: Is this [the contractions] normal?
A: No. But consider it my new normal and monitor if it changes… if contractions get stronger or closer together.
Q: Just keep resting?
A: Yes. Once women reach 35 weeks, they won’t do anything to stop labor if it starts (good to know!!!) and since we prefer baby makes it to 39 weeks at least, try to take it easy. They figure if labor starts at week 35 or beyond, the baby is ready to come.
He said he had a woman once who had contractions nearly every 3 minutes for 3 months and she ended up going PAST her due date and needed a scheduled c-section. So I guess you never know!!
On Sunday night I had quick, sharp pains at my lower belly. The doctor said that since I was resting at the time (sitting on the couch) and that the baby was also moving, it’s no worry. It was probably the baby messing around in there (digging his fist in, is what the doctor said). It’s if those pains come when I move (stand up/sit down/roll over) and baby is not also moving that we’d worry (ligaments tearing maybe).
SO… I could have an early baby… I could make it to my due date (or go past it!). WHO KNOWS! I have a feeling it’s going to be a loooonnnggg 5.5 weeks here. I’ve prepared myself for an early baby at this point and if he hangs on the whole time, I think I may just go crazy, haha.
But all is well 
and we are kickin butt on our to-do list! Pre-registration at the hospital next Wednesday… meeting with a pediatrician next Thursday… next doctor appointment next Friday… (and a baby shower next Friday night!) My goal tomorrow: pack the hospital bag!!!
DREAM BIG … IF YOU’RE UNDER 51.(FRONT)(THE TALK)(Column)
The Capital Times March 1, 2007 Byline: Doug Moe A DOCUMENTARY production company, Dream Realization Media, has chosen Madison as one of 12 cities across the country in which interviews will be conducted for a new documentary titled “Dream.” The producers are hoping to find between six and 10 people to feature in the film, which they say will explore “the dreams that inspire and sustain us and the steps we go about to fulfill them.” Their release continues: “Dream Realization is looking for a diverse group of people, each of whom is focused on a particular dream and has already taken steps to achieve that dream. The dreams may fall into such categories as prosperity, ethics, family and relationships, self-fulfillment, fame and charity. There should also be a particular obstacle or challenge that could be an impediment to achieving that dream or could force them to reassess that dream.” Madison area residents who are interested should send a one-page description of themselves and their dream to the following Internet address: mydream@letyourdreambegin.com.
The producers provided a few examples of what a potential dream and challenge might involve. For instance:
Dream — A house overlooking the ocean.
Challenge — Employed by a company in transition and in peril of being downsized.
Another:
Dream — Achieving recognition among your peers in your chosen profession. see here jimmy buffett tour 2011
Challenge — Career advancement will require a location and lifestyle change that will be unfavorable to your family.
And another:
Dream — To participate in an Ironman triathlon.
Challenge — A serious injury or illness.
I was all set to compose my one-page dream/challenge scenario when I read back through the press release and noticed that Dream Realization Media is only interested in people aged 15 to 50.
In January, I turned 51. I find the rules outrageous and insulting. Am I no longer allowed to dream?
I think the producers might want to rethink the age restrictions. Those of us in the AARP-eligible bracket have some interesting dreams, and, especially, bring some interesting challenges to the table. In my own case, for example:
Dream — To be able to eat as much pizza and ice cream as I could when I was 15 years old without requiring a new wardrobe and/or hospitalization. in our site jimmy buffett tour 2011
Challenge — If I ate a 16-inch double-cheese, three-meat pizza followed by a quart of chocolate chip ice cream tonight, I would become comatose, which, among other things, would interfere with breakfast.
I thought maybe I wasn’t aiming high enough. So:
Dream — To have a singing career as the opening act on a Jimmy Buffett tour.
Challenge — Can’t sing.
Dream — Buy a condo in the Caribbean.
Challenge — No money.
It struck me that perhaps those were completely unrealistic — I was aiming too high. So instead:
Dream — To break par for 18 holes at Odana Hills.
Challenge — I can no longer drive the ball more than 220 yards, I yip short putts, my eyes are going bad, my knees and shoulders hurt, and the course is under a foot of snow.
It finally dawned on me Wednesday that something was wrong. I must not have been approaching my dream realization application in the right way, because the producers said that “the film will be a study of how focusing on your dream, regardless of the obstacles, enriches your life.” Enriches?
The more I thought about my dreams and the obstacles, the more depressed I became. Maybe that’s why they won’t let a 51-year-old in the contest.
Dreaming is fine, but after the past month of weather, and catching a terrible head cold this week, I am beginning to understand what the guy meant who said there are times when “survival is triumph enough.” I yearn for a week without any snow or ice. A day without sneezing.
Dream — To make it to tomorrow.
Challenge — Today.
Wow, that little guy is really keeping you guessing! Good luck…I’ll keep checking back, knowing that any day the newest post may have baby pictures. Super excited for you guys!
[Reply]
That picture is adorable.
I think the forgetfulness is a “doctor thing”.… b/c sometimes my doc still has trouble remembering details about me without looking at my chart and I’ve been seeing her for two years now. Ah, well. Busy people I guess.
[Reply]
I am also expecting an early baby (a week or so) so if I make it to my due date or beyond, I too might go crazy! I am due on the 24th of Dec. and do NOT want to be sitting at home on Christmas day still pregnant and miserable! I guess there isn’t much we can do. They’ll come when they’re ready!
[Reply]
I’ve been thinking of you often! I’m glad to hear that the doctor doesn’t seem to think there’s any reason for concern. I hope things will keep going smoothly for you for these next several weeks.
And I LOVE your crib, by the way!!!
[Reply]
Oh! Packing the hospital bag!!! Yipeeee
When we had our daughter (first born) I had the cutest outfit picked out for her to go home in and she pooped all the way through it!!! So take two, ya never know! LOL 
[Reply]