34 weeks... Things are getting interesting

I am 35 weeks and it has been a very eventful week. I have only four more weeks until my scheduled c-section; however, that's really up in the air at this point. Tuesday morning, I woke up around 3:00 having some awful tightening in my belly… hello contractions! Every time I had one my sides would sink in and Madelyn would be balled up tight in the middle. David woke up momma and as soon as she saw my belly she said we needed to go to the hospital. We arrived at the hospital at 4:30 and they placed me on the monitor. Sure enough, contractions every 3 to 5 minutes. They hurt! Luckily, my doctor was on call that morning, which made me feel better. She gave me a shot of Brethine to stop my labor. Well, that just made my contractions worst. After 30 minutes they gave a second shot, which worked. But I then passed out from my heart racing from the medicine, getting too hot, and my sugar dropping. Ugh! The nurse (who was great) brought me peanut butter, crackers, and juice. I ate that and felt better. We left the hospital around 7:30, David went to work (poor thing), and I went to bed. My belly has felt extremely tensed since then. Thursday afternoon the contractions returned and I've been having them ever since. They were not as close or regular until last night. We went to Crystal's for Eli's birthday and I walked up their stairs-- it made me have contractions. From 6pm until 11pm I had steady contractions every 5-7 minutes apart.

I had an OB appointment Friday morning. As Dr Alt was measuring and feeling my belly I had a contraction. She said “ooo boy, your belly is tight!” Dr Alt pretty much said I'm not going to last until my scheduled c-section on March 11, I can go into labor any time. They will not even try to stop it now. She said there's a good chance my water could break, too. So, Baby Madelyn could make her grand entrance at any time now! I'm measuring 36 weeks and I weigh 111 pounds-- big momma! I go back Thursday, hopefully, for a growth scan, a cervical exam, and a strep-B test. I’m getting nervous but I’m so excited! It really helps when everyone around me, like David, my momma, dad, sister, Donnie, and the kids are just as excited as I am. My dad was so worried about me not having my bags packed… He said I needed to pack them so when it’s time all we’d have to do is call a “CODE MADELYN”, grab our bags, and go. So sweet. :D Last night, David, momma, and I packed mine and Madelyn's bags... We are ready! I can’t believe it is here and I’ll be a mommy soon. I'm trying my best to hold off until my ultrasound Thursday but I can't stop her if she's ready.

After the doctor appointment Friday, David, momma, and I went to the Switch-A-Roo consignment sale. We finished getting everything we needed, yayyy! It was huge and we got some awesome deals. We came home with: a nice swing in great condition, a beautiful complete comforter set, a nice monitor set, tons of newborn clothes, blankets, books, Baby Einstein DVD, jewelry box, and a few other things. Our total: $172.00. Heck yeah!!!! David put carpet down Saturday night which looks so good, he finished the wall, and momma finished the decor. And my dad installed the ceiling fan Sunday. Nursery is ready- all it needs is sweet little Madelyn! Here are some pictures:

These contractions truly are no fun. They really are painful. It's been almost a week since they started, I'm exhausted. Not sure how much more I can take but I want to keep her inside as long as I can so she can be as healthy as possible. Please pray for strength, endurance, and patience for me—I’m worn out and miserable. Please pray for a safe, smooth delivery, a very healthy Madelyn, and fast recovery. I’ll post after my doctor appointment Thursday. She's almost here!!!!!

A few belly pictures at 35 weeks- whew: