PROGRESS

Yesterday turned out to be a good day-
We went in for a root canal, but upon careful evaluation and tests, Doc determined that it was not imperative that I have the root canal immediately. Maybe even not at all. During pregnancy weird things happen to your teeth, your eyes, your feet... the list goes on and on.
Can I just tell you how wonderful this dentist was? He took his time and discovered that this (incredibly expensive and nerve wracking) procedure was unnecessary. I think its rare to find a doctor or dentist these days that is so thorough.
Bottom line: Derek White in Madison is very highly recommended by the Ratliff's :)

So, we had some time to kill so we shopped for little Jackson and we ate lunch and then we were off to our weekly appointment!
Stats from Yesterday:
How far along? 37 weeks, 5 days

Baby's size? She said I was measuring "on target"

Weight gain? 29 lbs

Sleep? not much. Hard to even roll over!

Foods I am loving? Ice Water with tons of lemon has been really good lately. The chicken spaghetti that I made the other night! YUM

Foods I am hating? nothing!

Symptoms? The usual... I can wait to wear my wedding ring again- I think it will be like getting it for the first time all over again!

Gender? boy.

Name? Jackson Sharpe Ratliff

What I miss? I can no longer cross my legs.

What I'm looking forward to? normal sized feet, fingers and ankles. A healthy baby boy and relatively easy birth.

Emotions? Emotional... highly.

Accomplishments? I am really glad we decided to take some classes. We have one more night of Child Birth Class- if you are thinking of taking it, we both would recommend it. I think it has eased both of our anxieties about what is to come. Now, we understand what is going on and will happen. We know what we can do and ask for to make labor easier and more enjoyable for us and our baby. I think it has really built our confidence. Even Dan will say that he is surprised at how much he has gotten out of it.

Last night I took Breastfeeding 101 while Dan took Fatherwise. I think this was Dans favorite. It was taught by a young-ish father of 3, and it was mostly Q & A. He said a lot of it was stuff he had not even thought of. My class was also really good- So informative. I actually feel like despite all of the negativity that I hear about it, I may be able to do it!! The first thing she told us is that the biggest myth is that breastfeeding hurts. She says that is not true- If it hurts, you are doing something WRONG and we can fix it.
So basically its easy, free, perfect, and specific to Jackson and exactly what he needs, will help me loose baby weight AND it doesn't hurt???!!!! ummm SOLD!

Progress: WE ARE DILATED 1CM YALL! Also, 50% thinned! Yippee!!!

No need to point out that some people can walk around for a month at 1 centimeter. We are happy with small victories. Also- know that I will not walk around at 1 for a month because I only have TWO WEEKS LEFT! (I am starting to think this Doctor knew exactly what she was doing by not checking me until I reached this point)

Have a good weekend!