Disappointing...

The appointment today was, disappointing and discouraging. It's looking like the hope of having a VBAC is dwindling. There has been no cervical change at all from last week, which means that we're running out of time. The doctor confirmed my thoughts that this pregnancy is heading down the same path as Michael's, meaning that it's unlikely that I will progress enough prior to the scheduled c-section date. Neither dilation or effacement happens over night, according to my doctor, and typically a progression is seen each week when the body is preparing for labor. If I had not been down this road before, I would still be hopeful. So, I'm feeling disappointed. We still have four weeks, so I haven't given up hope of a VBAC. It's just very unlikely. And, that's okay. A healthy baby is much more important than a VBAC.

Josh and I do have so much to be thankful for, that is for certain. The baby's heart rate sounded great today. The doctor was able to find it immediately. And, the baby is growing and putting on layers of fat by the day, which is wonderful!

After the appointment Josh and I went out for lunch, and we made a list of all of the good things that will come from the (likely) scheduled cesarean. Here's some of our list:

1. Our favorite doctor will perform the surgery, he delivered Michael. We both adore him and his bedside manner. I completely trust him and he will likely let our doula be with us during the surgery, which was very comforting with Michael.

2. Insurance! My insurance will change on Sept 30, which means better hospital coverage!

3. Michael will go to his sitter's on the baby's birthday, and Josh will hopefully be able to pick him up so that we can have some quiet "family of four" time before our families come to visit. I really want Michael to meet the baby without a room full of people. I think he's going to be overwhelmed with seeing me in the hospital bed, so I really want things to be low-key when he meets the baby.

4. The baby will be a perfect 10! ; ) Born on the tenth day of the tenth month of the year. Now how many people can claim that?!

5. My brothers and my sister in law will be here on the birthday. Daniel and Patty were not able to meet Michael until he was three or four weeks, but this time they will get to meet the baby on the actual birthday! James will hopefully be able to pop in before heading to work. And, Clay doesn't have a home game that weekend, so he's free to head home.

6. I kind of know what to expect this time around, which is somewhat comforting. The staples, the catheter, the prep work before surgery, and the time spent in the recovery room, won't be as shocking this time around.

There's so much to be thankful for, and we truly are looking forward to the baby's birth.

***Talked to my Grandmother F. this evening, and she was thrilled about the proposed c-section date because it was her mother's birthday! She told me not to name the baby after her mother, though. Her name was Alpheous Barnes Clay! How's that for an "old name"?!?!? She was actually named after her father who died a month before she was born of typhoid fever. Barnes is was her Grandmother's maiden name. And, obviously Clay was her last name. ***