My Friday chock FULL of Surprises!

SURPRISE #1:
Walking out the doors of the apartment this morning, it was markedly different. To most, another day in the life of Jennifer. Yet, today is VERY different. Today, my friends is the last weekday as pre-baby Jen. I felt surprisingly uneasy. I anticipated similar emotions to when I took off for my honeymoon or any other vacation, but this was not the case. Perhaps it's because deep down I knew I was leaving responsibilities I could handle, people I understood, and a routine that was familiar, and trading it all in for a more difficult job – a job I have not trained for – taking care of a little person I don't know or understand, under circumstances that will no way nearly resemble a routine.

SURPRISE #2:
The baby inside me looks like a mini-me. The tech administering the 2D ultrasound at my check-up was so intrigued by the chubby cheeks she saw in the 2D ultrasound, she switched the machine over to 3D/4D mode to get a better look. And there she was...mini-J. I too, had very big cheeks (still do) when I was a bambino.

SURPRISE #3:
Our baby isn't a tiny monster, unless you consider an average baby (somewhere aroud 7-8 pounds) to be large, which I do not.

SURPRISE #4:
Protein in my urine. This came as a surprise to me, but it's concerning to my Doc as traces of protein have not been lingering around till this check up. This is a sign of Preeclampsia + baby mama not being able to breathe, because Salma is still sitting so HIGH that she's constricting my airway and pressing on my lungs + my tummy measuring 40 cm (which is bigger than I should be at this time) = induction of labor this SUNDAY. Yes, you heard right -- THIS SUNDAY, 8/9/09 at 7:30 PM.

SURPRISE #5:
AM I READY FOR THIS?!! In near panic I realize that in less than 48 hours I will be introducing Miss Salma Loren (pronounced like Sophia Loren, not like the Lauren in Raulph Lauren) Schalhamer!!!!!!

SURPRISE #6:
All my blood tests came back normal, my blood pressure has been running high for me but was great today! The baby's heart rates were perfect, and although my blood pressures were askew, everything looked well enough to send me home; till Sunday that is. As Dr, Scariano said -- she's listening to that little voice in her head that Salma needs to come out sooner than later.

SURPRISE #7:
I don't do well under Mom-to-Be stress. Once home, I sobbed like a baby. OVERWHELMED is the word of the day here. I might not be as ready for this Mom thing as I thought!

NOT-A-SURPRISE #1:
My husband is going to be an amazingly wonderful father. When I asked him how the hell he figured out how to be so calm and truly, my rock of Gibralter under such unexpected circumstances (making another trip to the hospital in L&D), he calmly looked at me and said, "Babe, I was ready to be a Dad." & "You're the strongest woman I know." And, "YOU. CAN. DO. THIS. & you're ALREADY the best mother to Miss Salma with how good you have taken care of her in utero."

If that doesn't melt your heart and have all you ladies trying to steal my man, then you are all crazy! (NOT-A-SURPRISE #2- I am one lucky woman.)