Closer and closer

(This is Dana again... even though Brian did such a great job last time that I think he should take over!)

This will be a quick entry, as I'm frantically trying to wrap up all of my work issues before the end of the day today. I've been a little stressed trying to get things in order here just in case I happen to go into labor soon!

We had our 36-week (and one day) appointment yesterday, and things continue to go well. We did an NST, which is basically kind of like an EKG for a baby. Anyway, they strapped a heart monitor to my tummy to listen to Noah's heartbeat, then "zapped" my stomach to wake him up and get him to start moving. They were listening for an increase in his heart rate when he moved, which is indicative of a placenta that continues to function as it should. Everything was perfect. In fact, poor Noah was so startled by the noise that he nearly jumped out of my stomach and his heartrate shot up over thirty beats per minute!

My body continues to make slow but steady progress toward the final goal. Noah is still not completely engaged, but he is JUST ABOUT there.

Our doctor reiterated that he prefers to induce no later than the beginning of week 39, which is August 12th. If he sees anything at all before then that is less than reassuring on my placental function, he said he would even induce on August 5th. As in, one week and five days from now! We are predicting a date somewhere in between, perhaps on one of the grandpa's birthdays?!? (August 10th and 11th)