What does that mean?

So today was our doctors appointment to see how far I've progressed. I've explained in earlier posts that the last 2 times I've gone in there has been zero progression. In fact, the doctor tried to warn me last time and said that I need to plan on my due date or later. I figured I had until at least September 17th. I even informed my boss of the good news and told him I'd work up until the 16th because I feel so good! Minimal swelling, minimal contractions... I can make it another 2-3 weeks!

We entered the doctors office this morning and were greeted by all the nurses. I'm kind of a big joke around there because I think I'm the only mom that DOESN'T want her baby out as soon as possible. I want to wait until both our parents can be there. Plus- the longer I wait to have him, the less I'll have to work in December. If I have him within the next two weeks I will have to return to work the week before Christmas... not fun. So- the first thing the nurses said to me was, "So- you STILL not ready to have this baby?" With a smile on my face I happily answered, "Yep, I can stick it out another 2 and a half weeks, no problem!" We all laughed and I walked into the room to get checked.

Dr. Chalmers came in and checked the heart beat. Normal :) He asked if we still wanted to wait to have the baby. Yes :) Well- Kind of. Neal wishes my water would just break, he is over the top excited for the baby to get here but I want a couple more weeks so everything will be just perfect! :)

As I was being checked to see how much I progressed, Chalmers just started laughing. Uh oh.

Erin: "Why are you laughing?"
Chalmers: "Well, let's just say A LOT happened in one week. There has been quite a bit of action"
Erin: "What is that supposed to mean?"
Chalmers: "Well, you're now dialated to a 2"
Erin: "Ohhhhh okay, so that's not too big of a difference"
Chalmers: "Well, it wouldn't be but your about 75% effaced"
Erin: "So what does that mean?"
Chalmers: "It means you're going to have your baby a lot sooner than expected..." (with a huge grin on his face)
Erin: "WHAT!?! How soon? Our parents won't be back into town until September 11th!"
Chalmers: "You are so funny, most women would kill to me in your situation. Your definitely a dialater and your progressing along really nicely. Here's the plan, if you don't have the baby this week, we'll have you come in Thursday again and I can strip your membranes."
Erin: "So, if you strip my membranes, when do women usually have their babies after that procedure?"
Chalmers: "Oh- in your case, you'd have him that day."
Erin: "So pretty much you're saying that if I don't have him in the next 6 days, I can get my membranes stripped and he'll be here by Friday?"
Chalmers: "That's IF you don't go before then. But I really think I'll be seeing you sooner than that. I wouldn't be surprised" (again, with a huge grin on his face and laughing).

I am in utter shock. Neal couldn't stop smiling and laughing with excitement. It was everything he wanted to hear. The ONLY thing I could think about was not having my Dad there when Liam arrives. I was heartbroken.

I left the office feeling like I was about to pass out. My baby is going to be here within a week! A WEEK! All the preparations I had made went out the window and I never felt so unprepared. I was thinking about all the things that I wanted to do before he came and now it's all going to be rushed. Yes, we're probably more prepared than most parents are at this point but I am OCD about planning and now I have a whole new list of ideas swimming around in my head with what I need to do.

I immediately called my dad and told him the news. He was just as shocked as I was. I got off the phone and told Neal I need a diet coke and chinese ASAP. We went to lunch at our favorite restaurant, Panda Garden. The news finally settled and I was able to start getting excited WITH Neal. Still shocked, but I could start to feel the excitement coming. We called his parents and informed them of our big news. Unfortunately they are leaving tomorrow morning for an Alaskan cruise. Maybe not so unfortunate for them but unfortunate for us. They are going to have the time of their lives and then get to come home to a new grandson!!! We told them to keep their skype on :) They won't have service until Monday (labor day) so hopefully we can make it through the weekend without too much action :)

I got back to work and immediately began to make my list of "to-do's" for the weekend. We were planning on deep-cleaning anyway but I now need to kick it into high gear and get as much finished as I can over the next couple of days. We plan to clean the house, carpets, and then stock our fridge with as much frozen food as possible so we don't have to venture out once we get home from the hospital.

A couple hours later I got a call from my Dad. He told me that he canceled his trip and sent someone else in his place! I was elated! The biggest weight was taken off my shoulders! I even cried a little I was so happy that he'd do that for me. I explained that I'm sorry for the bad timing and I feel horrible that he had to change his business trip plans for me. He stopped me mid sentence and said, "Erin, I'm not missing this. This is my grandson. Don't worry about it, I wouldn't miss it for the world." Is he the best Dad, or what? I am so blessed to have him as my father.

After that phone call the full excitement of having this baby was able to settle in! I'm now just so anxious for it to happen. Yes- I feel like I have a lot to do but I know it will all work out. I received an amazing blessing from our Bishop last week and was promised that I'd have a healthy labor and delivery without any complications. I've already seen the blessings come true from last time by being promised that I'd go full-term. Well I'm here, full-term, with a healthy baby boy. I just am so grateful for all the blessings that heavenly father is giving to our little family. I'm overwhelmed with it all :)

So.... I just wanted to get this all down before I forgot anything. I'm getting off work tonight and going grocery shopping and picking up a carpet cleaner :) We will be busy busy the next couple days making those last minute preparations but we are just so excited to meet our little boy!