Baby Watch 2011

A Baby Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a baby within the watch area. Those within the watch area should remain alert for approaching babies.

A Baby Warning is issued when a baby is imminent. A baby may have been spotted or detected by baby radar. 

We saw the doctor today to see how Baby Charlotte is doing. All good news! The amniotic fluid looks good, she's put on more weight (approximately 6 pounds, 8 ounces), and her belly continues to grow at a steady rate. I'm doing well, too! The doctor said I was about 60% effaced, 1.5 centimeters dilated... which isn't a huge change since my appointment on the 12th (two and a half weeks ago). But, I've been taking it super easy these last couple of weeks. I'm free to try any & all of the old wives tales to try to jump-start labor! I figure jumping jacks & hula hooping should be a good start! 

I'm going back Monday morning (my birthday!!) mostly because that is the last day my doctor will be working in that office - she's moving to a new office in a different part of town that week. She doesn't want to put off my next appointment for a full week (or longer), so we're headed back in just a few days. Since I'm due on the first day of school, and will be burning through precious maternity leave starting August 9th, I asked about the possibility of being induced on August 8th if I haven't had her by then. She said if I can get to at least 3 cm dilated on my own, she'll entertain the thought of inducing me. The further along your body progresses on its own, the better an induction works with you instead of against you (lowering your risk of c-section). Ben and I are pretty excited that we'll get to meet this sweet baby in just 10 days or fewer!! 

In other news, my shipment of diapers FINALLY arrived this morning! They look fabulous!! I can't wait to get them in the wash & get them all nice and fluffy and absorbent!  Ben was skeptical when I first suggested cloth diapering, but after showing him how they work (a dry-run on a teddy bear), his opinion has changed! 

Adjustable fit, easy preparation & care, and absolutely adorable - - let's hope Charlotte likes them as much as we do! I only ordered 12 (I have 5 of another brand, too), so my stash is small, but  I'll probably order more once I see how these work. We're going to start with disposables until we get the hang of the diapering routine and then move to the cloth diapers after a few weeks. Once we've had a chance to use them, I'll share the name and website in case you're interested in trying them out! :o)