Here We Go...

Alright so it's 3 am and I've been trying to fall asleep for the past 2 hrs---it's not working. I can't stop thinking about all of the things that are about to happen. I'm officially 39 wks and I'm going in for an induction exactly 24 hrs from now. Why, you ask? Because I'm impatient...and because I can :). One of the perks of being an L&D nurse is that your doctor, whom you work with daily, is totally cool with inducing you a week early even for your first baby. (Sorry to all those out there who have had to suffer with an additional few weeks of pregnancy). In fact, he pretty much let me schedule my own induction. As much as I would have loved to experience going into labor on my own...I'm done waiting :). And with my mom coming on Sunday and only being here a little over a week...I'd rather hang out in the comfort of my home than sit in a hospital room with her for the entire visit. Nathan is more than excited for an excuse to get out of school for a few days (I think he's a little excited about the baby too). And I told my doctor that if my body doesn't seem to be ready for induction once we get started I'd rather go home as a 'failed induction' and try again later than push it...so don't worry, I'll be smart about things. So that's that. I'm now in panic mode. This whole time I felt so calm about everything...didn't expect to be nervous about labor and delivery at all...but I'll admit that as it's coming down to the finish, I'm a little on edge. I suddenly feel totally unprepared. And we have yet to come up with a name for our child. I hope seeing him will help me with that decision. I am going to try and cram as much cleaning/shopping/movie watching/relaxing/sleeping/etc into the next 24 hrs as I can. I'll let you know how it goes.

So that's it for the update. Hopefully the next post will be the joyful announcement of the birth of Baby Boy Larson. Here are just a few shots of the last couple weeks of my pregnancy. I have been so spoiled by all of the wonderful friends I have around me! The girls from work threw me another baby shower a couple weeks ago...and then my ward threw me one a week later. It has been so fun! I'm so grateful for everyone's generosity and willingness to serve. Thank you everyone!

Work Baby Shower at Tagliani's...

Me and all the other pregnant chickas in my ward!

An awesome quilt that Camille made me! Everyone helped tie it at the shower. I love it!

So creative! Fruit salad in a buggy! Great idea!

Quick Update

So I went in yesterday to have my amniotic fluid levels rechecked. They were significantly lower than last time. So for now it's smooth sailing...no bedrest, or induction (as much fun as it would have been to have him come early...it's probably best this way). We're re-checking them again on Thursday morning. But I'm sure we should be good now. I have no idea why they were so high two weeks ago. Who knows. I'll keep everyone posted, though. Love you all!

Mustache March & Easter Eggs

Just a few small things to catch up on. March was declared 'Mustache March' at Nathan's school and he was more than willing to comply with the new standard. For a few weeks he let his 'oh so thick' facial hair grow until he looked like a mountain man...and then for one entire week this is what I was living with ...
The school held a 'dental prom' called the "Odontoblast" (pretty clever, eh?). Unfortunately I had to work that night and couldn't go but it sounds like it was a blast. This was Nathan's inspiring attire that evening...
So that's what he's been up to. I, on the other hand, was not so sad to see March come to an end. Other than mustaches and dental proms...Nathan is anxiously awaiting the end of the school year. He's supposed to be done May 22nd and, at the moment, that seems a little too far away for him. I know he'll be so happy to be done for the year...and I'll be happy for him to be done, too. But for now, we just have to occupy our thoughts and time with other things--like the fact that within the next 3 WKS we'll have a new addition to our family! It's so weird to think that we're so close to having this kid...although my body feels like it's about time. :) I have loved my pregnancy and have been so blessed to be healthy...but let's face it, this last month is no fun. It's finally getting pretty uncomfortable and the anticipation is just killing me. I went in for an ultrasound at 35wks because we were worried the baby might not be growing so well anymore or that my amniotic fluid levels might be low. Turns out I have enough amniotic fluid to share with the entire neighborhood! In fact...it's borderline 'too high'. This poses a few extra risk factors for my pregnacy so I'm going to have my fluid levels checked again today and if they are higher I was told it's 'bedrest and an induction' for me. We'll see. So unfortunately I've been forced to put my running on hold this past week. (If you can even call it running anymore...more like a slow jog/walk). I've been so grateful that my body has allowed me to continue my exercise regime up until now. I will admit it's been a nice break to not have to spend the time exercising, but I do feel better when I'm able to get out there and break a sweat a few times a week. I guess we'll see how the ultrasound turns out today and maybe I'll be permitted to get in a few last minute jogs :).

(This is me about 35 wks prego 'post-run'...attractive, huh?)

So in my 'spare time' I've finally finished my baby quilt. I'm excited about it. I'm always amazed when they actually come together in the end. I've also been having to take an ACLS class for work once a week in downtown Phoenix. The timing kinda stinks but I guess it's a few extra hours of pay, right? I'm just hoping I get to complete it now seeing as I'll be 38.1 wks pregnant on my last day (the test day). We should make it, though. Anywho...here are a few more belly shots for you all. I'm definitely feeling larger these days. Sleeping has become a challenge. Yesterday Nathan was excited when he saw what I was wearing to church...he was like, "You look like an easter egg!". Haha...I guess it was appropriate for the day, huh? I have to agree...my belly does look an awful lot like a pink, polka-dotted egg. A very large one...

(36.5 wks)

(36 wks)

The baby quilt