It is time!

We are finally at the hospital ready to have a healthy delivery and birth of Pooka. After several discussions with our doctor and mid-wife, we decided to induce labor in the best interest of Erin and Pooka. Accordingly, we checked into the hospital this morning and Erin is in the very early first stage of labor. She is doing very well. Talk soon! -Paul

A New Mindset

Tomorrow will mark 37 weeks in the pregnancy. We have come a long way in a short period of time. Yesterday, we were fortunate to receive family and friends at our very last baby shower in Atlanta. We again thank those who came out on a hot sunny afternoon! And kudos to Samantha, Whitney, and Celeste for putting on a great shower!

Since our last blog, quite a bit has happened. This past Saturday, we had the opportunity to take maternity photos, which are going to look terrific! We also purchased and installed a car seat and finalized the baby's room, with the crib mattress as the only outstanding item (should arrive mid-week). However, our most important development happened last Wednesday.

As mentioned in prior blogs, Erin's blood pressure has fluctuated quite a bit, and the midwife and doctor have been monitoring it very closely. Last Wednesday, her blood pressure results remained high, and we were urged to admit Erin to the hospital overnight for a 24-hour observation period. We consented and immediately went to the hospital that night. During the stay, Erin's blood pressure readings were monitored every hour, along with tests for urine and blood. All the results were normal, and Erin was released Thursday night. Since the hospital stay, Erin has continued to remain on bed rest, with the exception of the baby shower and photo shoot.

As we reach full-term tomorrow, we are continuing to monitor Erin's blood pressure, as the readings have continued to fluctuate since her stay in the hospital. Maintaining normal blood pressure is critical at this stage for a variety reasons, but for today's blog, we'd like to outline its importance for water birth. We continue to plan and expect a natural water birth. However, if the readings continue to fluctuate and remain high, Erin will be unable to do a water birth and may need to have induced labor to prevent potential health hazards (toxemia and pre-eclampsia).

Obviously, the emotions have remained high as we process all the changes and potential scenarios. For months, we have been planning for a water birth and now may have to move forward with an induced labor. For us, this will require a new mindset as we prepare for the labor process. In addition to planning for a water birth, we will also need to plan for an induced labor if it is required. We continue to advocate for a natural birth process, but we understand and trust our birth team if we need to have an induced labor.

Currently, we are monitoring Erin's blood pressure over the next 24 hours and will assess our next steps with our birth team tomorrow and Wednesday. Most importantly, we are praying for the continued good health and well being for the baby and Erin. Throughout these past few days, we are fortunate that the baby is fine and that Erin has not developed any serious symptoms alongside the high blood pressure readings. We ask that you join us in praying for a successful and healthy delivery of Pooka, regardless of the birth method.

For all those who have called, we thank you for your outreach, love and support. We definitely want to speak with everyone who has called but have been trying to catch-up on our rest and keeping Erin in a state of bed rest. If you'd like to send an email (paulanderin2007@gmail.com), we'd love to hear from you. You can also post a note on Facebook.

I think we've posted enough for today's blog. Thanks again for all of the love and support. This may or may not be the last blog before Pooka's arrival, so stay tuned!

-Paul & Erin

The Home Stretch

Tomorrow I will be 36 weeks pregnant. As I have said to quite a few people - it takes a long time to cook a baby. There is not much room left for little pooka to move around, so I feel everything! Apparently - the baby is not so fond of car rides (or maybe it's Paul's driving). We listen to classical music in a vein attempt to settle the baby while I ride to where ever we are headed. I am feeling ok at this point. It is quite a load that I am carrying so I have slowed down a bit and take more naps/ do less activities. It takes some getting used to. Kudos to Paul. He has been a great chef, dog walker, and house cleaner throughout this period. I am sure that I call his name at least 35 times a day (and likely in my sleep). The upside is that the baby is doing well, I am still sleeping soundly through the night, and the swelling in my legs and arms have improved. At my next visit with the midwife, she will do a biophysical profile (ultrasound and listen to the baby's heartbeat for an extended period) to make sure that everything is fine. She has told me that I am not too far from meeting little Pooka now since the baby has moved down even further into my pelvis already. All signs are pointing to a slightly earlier than planned delivery. Join with me in praying that I can at least get through 37 weeks and a waterbirth is still in my near future!

Erin

"Charleston" Baby Shower Slide Show

Second baby shower slide show below. Enjoy! A few family and friends during Erin's Charleston upbringing put together a fun baby shower last weekend. We are blessed and humbled by the love and support from all of our family and friends!

Baltimore Baby Shower Slideshow

Finally uploaded. Enjoy! Slideshow for the "Charleston" baby shower to be posted later this weekend! If you would like to have a larger view of the photos, start the video with the play button and then click inside the video to open up another window with a larger view.

busy busy busy!

Hey gang, sorry for the lack of posts! Now in the midst of 35 weeks, Erin and I have been tied-up with so many obligations in preparation for Pooka's arrival. With the help of my father-in-law, we successfully installed the crib (yes!) and moved some furniture around the house last weekend. This week, I have been traveling for the job and we will have our waterbirth class/info session tomorrow evening. On top of that, we're trying to figure out where to store all of Pooka's toys, clothes etc. Through it all, Erin has been a good trooper, continuing her modified bed rest and preparing for the labor process.

I hope to post the pics/vids soon from the baby shower.

Don't forget the baby registry folks! Registered at amazon.com and walmart.com