September 2004 Update - Surprise Surprise
There's a good bit to tell in this month's update, so I'll just get right to it. I first want to thank Valerie for putting together a surprise baby shower for me with the help of many of my BB friends, literally from all over the world. I thought I was just going to have a final GTG with all of my stitching buddies, and indeed I did. I just wasn't expecting gifts to come along with it! LOL So thank you so much for hosting and coordinating, and thanks to everyone who participated, many of whom receive this newsletter. You all are the best!
My family and I also managed to more or less successfully dodge two hurricanes. Charley didn't really affect anyone too much, beyond wind and rain. Frances, OTOH, really did a number on the area of Florida where my brother lives. He evacuated all the way to Macon, slightly ahead of the crowds, and returned home to find all was well with his apartment and his things. All he lost was a refrigerator full of food. Certainly not nearly what it could have been, and we all consider ourselves blessed. Looks like Steve and I are the ones in the most danger from Ivan (of our family). Let's hope all goes well.
House preparations are well under way. We have most of the stuff, both large and small, that we think we need. We've put the travel system together, with considerable "help" from the Kitty Inspection Committee. See:
The nursery is almost done. All of the major things, at least, are complete. Just need to get a couple of boxes of stuff cleared out, and we should be all set in that department. Baby clothes and blankets are washed and folded, the glider has been purchased and assembled, and the play yard is here (though still sitting in the box). The only thing glaringly lacking is that we don't have the car seat base actually *in* the car yet. However, I'm guessing that is on tonight's agenda, based on today's baby appointment.
Based on that last sentence, you may be able to guess where this is going. Standard disclaimer: no one panic! The doctor is not alarmed, just concerned, saying that "it bears watching." So far, things are still fine. It is simply starting to look like we may have run out of luck with this pregnancy. I have several factors which show me as borderline for preeclampsia. I had some blood drawn today; should get those results back tomorrow. Assuming that comes back okay, I will be allowed to stay home over the weekend, albeit on all but bed rest. I will then go back to the doctor on Tuesday, and I will probably be going twice a week from then on to have my weight, urine, and blood pressure checked (these are three of the major indictors). Apparently, I am standing right on the line between okay and not. If they can keep me stable at my current levels, they will let me continued as is, at least to my due date, which has been revised to October 2. If I cross said line on any factor between now and my due date, I will have to go into the hospital to be monitored and potentially have labor induced.
So, be thinking of us. All is still well, but with preeclampsia, things can also change in a hurry. I'll keep you updated as best I can. I will send a note to the distribution list if I have to go to the hospital (assuming I have time) or if induction is scheduled. Once baby is here (whenever that happens), Jacob will send a note for me from this account, so you will all be notified fairly quickly. Hopefully, I'll get one more *pre-natal* monthly update in, but if not, so be it. Thank you all for your love and support through this adventure. The end is in sight, and may be here even sooner than any of us expected.
Love, Erin and Steve and Baby G
PS I also attached a pic of baby and me, for those curious as to how I'm looking so far. Basically, I'm huge!!! LOL
