A Little Scare

Dearest Harper,

I had a little scare yesterday at work. After lunch I started to feel cramping, like uncomfortable menstrual cramps. They weren't super painful, but definitely different and more uncomfortable than the occasional tightening I've been feeling. I spoke up and my co-workers jumped on it, putting me in a room and hooking me up to monitor your heartbeat and any uterine activity I might be having. The doctor checked my cervix and did a test to screen for preterm labor. After 2 hours, this is what we learned: 1) Those labor and delivery beds are really uncomfortable! 2) My cervix was closed, long, and posterior, which tells us that you're held in there pretty securely and not coming out anytime soon. 3) The test to screen for preterm labor was negative. 4) Your heartbeat tracing says you are a happy girl in there, getting all of the oxygen and nutrients you need to continue to grow strong and healthy. Seeing how good your heartbeat looked on the monitor made me so happy, a proud Mommy already! For the whole 2 hours I was in the room, I never turned on the TV; I was perfectly content laying there listening to your heartbeat. It truly is one of the best sounds in the world.

I love you,

Mommy

32 Weeks

Dearest Harper,

Today marks 32 weeks of pregnancy! Your movements are much bigger than they used to be, probably a combination of you getting bigger, stronger, and running out of room in there. We can see you move from this side of the world, and when I occasionally set things on my belly, you are strong enough to move them when you kick. You get hiccups a lot, which is a good thing, and sometimes we can see those too!

Your room is painted. Your furniture is set up. Your Grandpa Dave is coming over in a little bit to hang your chandelier. We have your curtains, but need to get the rod to hang them. It's a very surreal thing for Daddy and me, setting up a nursery and putting together baby furniture. We wanted you for so very long, and resigned ourselves to the fact that parenthood probably wouldn't happen for us, then you came, making all of our dreams come true. We're enjoying every minute we spend planning for you, organizing and cleaning the rest of the house for you. We've been busy - and still have a lot to do - but you're worth it.

By the way - no gestational diabetes! I can't even tell you how happy I am about this!

Keep growing big and strong and healthy, my sweet girl, and I promise I'll continue to keep you safe until it's time for us to meet.

I love you,

Mommy