Lots of updating to do.

Oh, hi. I'm back and still (somewhat) sane. And yes-- I am still pregnant, too.

I'm knocking on wood a thousand times as I write this, but Matt reached the turning point in his recovery yesterday. Today was even better. He's back at work now too. It'll still be a while before he regains all of his strength but I'm so thankful to have him up and around. My mom even "moved out" of our house tonight, meaning she is no longer doubling as my nanny/chef/maid. She's taking a well-deserved break at her lake house before it's time to do it all over again when Macey makes her debut.

And speaking of Miss Macey-- at my 37 week check-up on Tuesday, my OB was surprised to learn that my fundal height had actually decreased. He looked over my ultrasound results and confirmed that Macey's weight is good. He also commented that my fluid levels, while lower than expected, are not alarmingly low. He appeared genuinely baffled by my fundal height, but ultimately decided that it must be due to her low head position. Still, he confirmed that I had another ultrasound scheduled to double check on things.

My follow-up ultrasound was today. My fluid levels have not changed-- they're at an 8. I have to admit I was a little disappointed since I have been chugging my 64 oz of water a day like it's my job (and peeing even more frequently than I was before, something I wouldn't have thought possible until I started this water drinking challenge). Of course, I was thankful that the levels haven't decreased. The interesting thing was that this ultrasound tech (a different one from last week) didn't think that Macey's head was especially low. I don't know if Macey somehow scooted up a little bit, or if the two techs just have different opinions on what constitutes a "very low" head, but she specifically commented that her head isn't particularly low. She attributes my measuring small entirely to my low fluid levels. Apparently this stuff isn't an exact science; a lot of it seems subjective.

After my ultrasound today, I met with the NP to go over the results. She had already discussed them with a doctor in the practice. Since my fluid levels didn't decrease, they decided we'd continue to ride this out on a week by week basis. I assume that means that they still feel like she's safer inside of me than outside of me at this point. However, they do want to add a NST (nonstress test) to my check-ups each week. And she requested that I schedule all of my future appointments on Mondays or Tuesdays so that if it's determined that they need to "get labor going" at any point, they'll have the remainder of the week to make arrangements for me.

I have mixed feelings about everything right now. I'm growing increasingly more uncomfortable, which is to be expected at this point in pregnancy. And when I'm lying awake at night with feet in my ribs, or running to the bathroom for the 95th time during the day, I feel like I'm ready for her to come on out. Also, it would be reassuring to have her on the outside and see for myself that she is safe and healthy and okay. But, of course I want what's best for her, and if they feel like having her bake for a while longer is the safest option, I'm all for it. Plus, that buys me some more time to have Camden as my only child, and after the chaotic week we've had this past week, the two of us could really use some quality time together before little sister comes home.

On a totally unrelated note (but it kind of goes right along with the craptastic week we had), I found out today that I have basal cell skin cancer again. I was diagnosed with it in 2007 and have been getting regular skin checks since then. At my last dermatologist appointment a couple of weeks back, I pointed out a small pink spot on my wrist, and actually said, "I'm not concerned this is skin cancer or anything, but I do want to know what it is and why it's not going away." Turns out, it most certainly was skin cancer. See your dermatologist regularly, people. And keep an eye out for any suspicious looking spots (even if, like me, you're sure they're not cancerous).

I think that covers everything. I'm fully anticipating several weeks of good news for us now.