What a difference a year makes

One year ago I started this blog. At that time, it seemed like things were falling apart all at once.

Now, one year later, we're expecting a little miracle to be born any day now. I'm not saying that are free of any worries or concerns, but we really have an awful lot to be thankful for.

Munchkin's due date was yesterday, but like many first babies, he/she doesn't seem ready to make a debut yet. I'm remaining fairly patient. It'd be nice to know when to expect to become a mommy and all, but I expected that Munchkin would likely be a little "fashionably late." My only concern is that Munchkin and I remain healthy.

If the baby hasn't arrived by 41 weeks, we'll go in for what's called an NST (non-stress test). This is where they use fetal monitors to track Baby's movement and heart rate. Passing this test is a good indication that baby is still doing well as an "inside baby" and that there is no need to rush an induction. If Baby still hasn't arrived a few days later, they'll perform a BPP (biophysical profile). This involves an ultrasound where the baby's breathing, muscle tone, and movement are assessed, and where the amniotic fluid level is measured. Passing this is another good sign that the baby is doing well and that the placenta isn't "aging" and causing the baby to be in any distress. 42 weeks is the upper limit, though. If we haven't delivered by then, they'll induce in order to reduce some of the risks that can occur when a baby is "postmature." In most cases, babies born after 42 weeks do just fine when they are allowed to come on their own, but the risks do increase.

So, we'll see. We may meet the baby tomorrow or sometime in just under 2 weeks. Either way, it'll be soon. Our lives are about to change forever.