Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Dear Baby, Dear Body

I just want to say thanks for hanging in there these last eight weeks. Way back in the beginning of January, that first L&D nurse told me you'd be lucky to last another few days. Remember that? How you somehow managed to keep what little fluid there was in there from leaking out and a few days later the perinatologist said we could go home? And even though things have been a little rocky since then, you've both really pulled off so much more than any of us expected. 38 1/2 weeks! Woo-hoo!

And, Baby - thanks for making the kick counts so easy, too. It never takes you a whole hour to bust out ten moves. You're quite a little wiggler. And you've passed your non stress tests fabulously, too. I can always see exactly where your heartrate correlates to your movements, which is just what the doctors are looking for. You usually manage to kick exactly on the toco meter, too, which I think is a reflection of your still-developing fetal sense of humor - sometimes on the printout it looks like I'm having crazy spiky contractions, but we all know it's just you.

After trying so hard to just stay in for so long, you might feel hesitant about switching gears and trying to come out now. And I totally understand. But the thing is, you are getting bigger and bigger and your fluid environment is getting smaller and smaller. Things are not going to get better, so you should probably just make a run for it while you still can. Otherwise, the doctor is going to come in and get you. Now, that wouldn't be then end of the world, but it would make things a bit more complicated and let's face it - this has been complicated from before you were even a bunch of cells in a petri dish. How about a nice, natural birth with no emergencies?

As for you, Body - I know it hasn't been easy. You've been poked and stretched and swollen and weakened. I know it hasn't been ideal. I know you didn't really want to do this in the first place. But you've been so good about coping with everything from the stims all the way through the bedrest, and I really, really appreciate it. I know you did your best with the fluid leak. Only about 6% of leaks seal back up and allow the pregnancy to continue without infection - I am so impressed that you managed to do that against such low odds!

The thing is, we don't have to do all this any more. You don't have to lie down all day just hoping to churn out another few drops of fluid. You don't have to let all your muscles keep withering away doing nothing. We can just have the baby now and get this all over with! Think of it - you can hike and do yoga and have wine and cappuccino again! What else is there I can bribe you with? You name it, Body. Anything but a spinning class. How about a spa day?

You've both been fantastic and I so, so appreciate it - let's keep up the good work and get on with things before the doctors come up with some kind of drastic surgical plan. After all, Body, you don't want to be sliced and scarred. And, c'mon Baby - the boobs aren't going to be good for much if they're full of demerol. It's time, you two. Thanks for making it this far, and now it's time to get on with the next phase!


7 comments:

lastchanceivf said...

What a lovely little tribute to your baby and body.
It's true--we put our bodies through so much, and I have spent a lot of energy hating mine for repeatedly failing rather than thinking of all the stuff it's done right for me over the years.

Come out baby!!

Pale said...

Go Baby, Go Body, Go Lorraine. You all deserve a giant break by now. So thrilled to read the words "38.5 weeks" in your post. Here's to uncomplicated endings! I am excited that you are almost there. Selfishly sorry you will be too busy to blog for a while. But hey, a small price to pay for that happy ending.

Evergreen said...

What a sweet post! Really it is a miracle and you and baby have both done SO WELL! How about bribes of sushi for you and num nums for baby?

Jules a.k.a. Julie said...

Hoping your guy decides to make his appearance soon and that you get to fulfill your birthplan! Thinking of you

Celia said...

We need to have a serious talk with both these little stinkers about evacuating our premises. I am sooo looking forward to a gin and tonic.

Wombded said...

Blogs should have a "like" button as FB does. Great post! GL to you, your body, and baby.

Paula Keller said...

Hahahaaaaaa.... "make a run for it while you can"! I love it!

38 1/2 weeks! I'm soooooo happy for you! I wish you the easiest possible birth imaginable!

And soon!