37 week update...please pray :)

I had my 37 week doctor appointment today. I learned that my son has an ornery streak...just like his daddy. :)

At past appointments, Alex has been in the appropriate "head down position". Today, however, the doctor informed me that he has turned and is now in a "transverse" (side to side position.) His head is on the right side of my tummy and his bottom is on the left.

The doctor is hopeful that Alex will turn again before my 38th week appointment next Monday. However, if he doesn't, we'll have to take some active measures. If the doctor finds that Alex is still in a transverse position next Monday, then he will put me in the hospital next Tuesday or Thursday. At the hospital, my doctor will try to manipulate Alex into a heads down position manually. This means he will goop up my tummy with gel and push...really hard. (ow!) If this procedure is successful, the doctor will then go ahead and induce labor in order to prevent Alex from turning again. If it's not successful, we will be looking at a c-section. (Though, I'm not sure if it would happen that day or later down the road.)

I know that the reality of all of this is not that bad. After all, we live in a day and age where Alex and I should be perfectly fine through all of this...regardless of how he is delivered and what position he is in. For that, I am VERY thankful.

However, my 37 week, hormonal self is rather nervous and teary.

I've really been praying that God would allow me to go into labor on my own, have a natural birth without a c-section & that Aaron would be with me when I go into labor. So, this appointment completely went against my "plans". (Hate it when that happens!) Having a healthy baby boy is obviously my priority, and I'll just have to accept however God sees fit to make that happen.

In addition to the appointment today effecting my emotions, I'm actually in quite a bit of pain when I try to walk or use my left leg for anything. I think Alex is hitting a nerve because of the position that he is in. You should see me trying to hobble around...it's probably quite comical. It really hurts, though, and it's very difficult to move or get in a comfortable position.

The other thing is that I'm REALLY missing my parents right now. My dad will come down the day I go into labor...or however this all unfolds. However, my heart really hurts for mom to be with him...and for them to come and stay awhile. I'm so thankful for Aaron and his family. There support is incredible and is such a gift. Telling you I miss my family is just my heart being honest,though. It hurts...much more than the pain in my leg.

Here are some things I'm praying about...I'd be most grateful if you would pray with me as we come to your mind:

1. Praying that Alex will turn on his own.

2. Praying that God will give me a peace of heart and mind like only He can do for my 37 week hormonal self. :)

3. Praying that Alex will be safe and healthy.

4. Praying that the labor will go well if I have to be induced. As of right now, my cervix is no where near ready...which can make an induction even more intense.

5. Praying that God will help me to be the mother and wife that I need to be as we transition to a family of four. I'm finding myself wanting to savor every possible moment with Emily just as we are. I'm praying she transitions well, and that I'm sensitive to her needs.


I do want to say that I'm thankful that God is in charge here...and that I know I can trust Him. This is only a small moment in the grand scheme of our lives. I know we will be fine...and I'm thankful for His goodness and grace.