Tomorrow's the day!

Yesterday was my last doctor's appointment. Keith's mom came up to keep Garrett for me and I headed for my last appointment for a few weeks. As I sat in the waiting room, I was feeling pretty anxious. One reason was because I wasn't sure what I was going to hear once I got into the exam room. Would he say I was far enough along that he would send me to the hospital immediately? What day would I be scheduled for otherwise? The other reason was because the waiting room was packed! Who would have ever thought that Monday mornings would be a busy time in an ob's office? On top of this, it seemed like every time my doctor's nurse came to call someone back, it was NOT me and that someone was inevitably someone who had just walked in the door. That sort of thing really frustrates me. Especially if those patients are running late for their appointment. After sitting there for more than a half hour, I was on the verge of snapping. I realize that the wait can be much much longer than this, but I was not in the state of mind for waiting. Plus I can't help but wonder if the receptionist put my paperwork in the correct place for the nurse to even know that I'm actually there and waiting. I've worked for a doctor's office, I know how easily things get misplaced. Heck, last week my file was missing and I've been a patient there for 5 plus years.

Anyway, I decided to attempt to take matters in my own hands and walked up to the receptionist. I asked her how much longer she thought I would be waiting because I really needed to use the restroom. (Not urgently, but hey, when you're 9 months pregnant, you always have to go to the bathroom, so it wasn't a total lie.) She told me I could go to the restroom, so I explained to her that if I went to the restroom right then, I wouldn't be able to do the sample in the cup that you always have to give at these appointments. So she sent me back to the restroom where the samples take place so I could go ahead and take care of business. When I was walking back to the waiting room, the nurse was in the doorway calling my name. Finally!! Is anyone surprised that my blood pressure was high after all this? I didn't think so. Thankfully it's been normal up until this point, so they weren't concerned.

I waited for a bit in the exam room, which is always fun when you're undressed from the waist down and only covered with a sheet the size of a small towel. I actually don't mind waiting in the exam room because I know that eventually the doctor will make his way in there. Which he did. I had only dilated about 1/2 cm more than I was last week, which both irritated and surprised me because I've been having a good number of contractions over the past week. But I was still far enough along that he asked me if I was ready to have the baby this week. We all know the answer to that question! He said that he would have his nurse call the hospital when she had a chance (they were obviously swamped so there was no way she could call right then) and she would call to let me know what day was available. He said that normally he would let me pick the day, but the hospital where I'll be delivering has been insanely busy with baby deliveries. He said it's nice job security for him, but it makes for hectic days and crazy schedules. The nurse called me within an hour of when I got home and said I was scheduled for Wednesday morning at 7:30. She said to arrive about 30 minutes early and to eat a light breakfast but "nothing that you don't want to see again". haha Unfortunately I had that problem when I was in labor with Garrett so I think I'll pass on breakfast in the morning.

After getting that good news, I met with the church secretaries for a fun luncheon that was for the new secretary who started yesterday along with celebrating Cooper. We ate at the Tea Room, which is so good. It was only my second time to go there, but I definitely want to go back many more times. Their lemonade tea is so good! And we had the best time talking and laughing. Those women are so funny! I'm going to miss seeing them regularly over the next several weeks.

So now I'm passing the time of my last day of pregnancy. I also wanted Garrett to have a fun day. I thought we could go eat breakfast at McDonald's and he could play in the play area. We RARELY do that. I'm not a fan of those places and find them to be mostly gross and the other kids rude and the other parents oblivious. But I was going to suck up my issues and let him go have fun. Of course when we arrived, the manager informed me that the play area was closed for a good cleaning. Which is nice to hear, but didn't really help me after I had talked up going to McDonald's last night and first thing this morning. But Garrett really surprised me and did not throw a fit or anything. I think it helped to see a couple of workers walking through the slides with a broom. We ate breakfast and then ran a few errands. After that we went to a new park in our area. Garrett was thrilled and mostly had the preschool play area all to himself. We had been there for about 30 minutes when a daycare group of school aged kids showed up. For the most part, those kids were pretty nice to the other kids who were already there and playing. Garrett found an older girl, probably 3rd or 4th grade, who he followed around and attempted to do everything she did. It was pretty funny to watch. After an hour, I was ready to go. The play areas are under a big shade, which is so nice, but the benches for the parents to sit on are not. Thankfully there was a nice breeze, but it was still in the mid 80's and not even 10:00, so it was time to leave. Again, Garrett surprised me with his willingness to leave when I said it was time to go. My baby is growing up. *sniff* He even told me in the car "Thank you for taking me to the park. That was my best time ever!"

It's hard to believe that at this time tomorrow I'll be in labor. (I'm not going to get my hopes up that he'll already be here. Garrett's labor was 10 hours, so I'm just going to assume my experience with Cooper will be similar.) I will attempt to post fairly soon once Cooper is here. We'll see how my wireless connection is once I'm settled into my hospital room.