36 Week Appointment

Today was Rachel's 36 week appointment, and I was able to go with her. I haven't gone to an appointment since 18 weeks when we found out that Sarah was a Sarah and not a Matthew or Michael (we had a hard time deciding on a boy name). It was so neat to get to go! I forgot how cool it was to hear the "whoosh" of the heartbeat! Usually I stay at home while she goes to the doctor so I can watch our brood of tots, but today I asked my friend Courtney to watch Jack for me and we took the girls with us to the appointment. Everything checked out perfectly! Rachel's belly is measuring 36 cm which is just right for this week. Also, she's already 1 cm dilated and 80% effaced! (For those reading who don't know the gyno-lingo, that means that her body has already started to open the cervix in preparation for birth). So, basically, Sarah can be born any time! We decided today after talking to Dr. Schroeder that if she isn't born by November 17th, we are going to induce on that day! Which is pretty cool because it's my Grandma Aileen's birthday. So within the next 2 weeks and 6 days I will be a mother of two!

I am so excited and happy, in a way that's hard to explain in words. But in the interest of full disclosure, I should also be honest and say that not being able to carry Sarah has been tough at times. And I wonder a little bit in the dusty corners of my brain about the future, like how not having carried her will effect the way Sarah and I bond at the beginning. But if you aren't able to carry your own baby, how awesome of a blessing is it that one of your best friends-who is practically your sister-is willing to do it for you? Not much is better than that. We should totally write a book. :)