Couch Potato

You have to start being a couch potato. What? That is what my OB told me yesterday when I went in for my 32nd week doctor appointment. She informed me that although I am not dialated, I am 40% effaced. So, now I have to start going to the doctor weekly to make sure that I don't dialate. If I dialate they plan on giving me steriods to help develop the baby's lungs because they anticipate that it will be coming early. Ryan has a bunch of work obligations (i.e. a week long trip to Philly) and personal time (golf trip) coming up very shortly. The doctor told me that Ryan didn't plan things very well (I just laughed)...not much that he can do about it. Additionally, she mandated that I stay with somone while he is gone (b/c of my preterm labor with Lizzie, this was already in the plans). With this said, I have to shout out a huge "THANKS" to my parents and sister as they are already helping me out a lot by allowing me to crash at their homes while Ryan is gone. Also, for the days Ryan is around, a big thanks to him too as this will surely mean more for him to add to his already crazy schedule. I feel guilty about all of this but I am reminding myself that I am not in control.

The Dr. asked me if I understood what it meant to be a couch potato...I said, "I guess it means I can't do much?" She said, well, it means that you get to lay on the couch and sleep and read during the day - although you can pick up Lizzie and cuddle with her (not sure how that works). She said that my fingers will get the workout but not my legs. She didn't say that it meant I could eat any more than normal...so I'm guessing that is not part of the recommendation! Additionally, she said no housework - "Do you know what my house will look like after 4+ weeks of no cleaning?" Ahhh. I guess I am going to have to mentally reevalute the value of a clean home and tell myself not to worry. The health of my baby is very important to me, so if you stop by and my house and it looks like a pig sty....now you know why.

I promise less ranting about my pregnancy situation and more pictures of Lizzie real soon!