Well, I have a few moments this afternoon, so I thought I would write to elaborate on the "no baby yet" post. Chapman still has not graced us with his presence, so we are still waiting. I will go in for my weekly doctor's appointment (this one a 41 week appointment) tomorrow -- Monday, and I anticipate, based on what they told us last week, that we will be scheduling a time that I will be induced -- probably sometime later this week, I would presume. So, if all of what I have heard from my doctors and nurses is correct, I would assume that this IS the week -- regardless of how he arrives, we at least know that this is it. I am a little nervous about the idea of being induced. I know that it will be okay, if that is what ends up happening, but I would be lying if I said I was absolutely 100% okay with the idea. I had hoped to go a more "natural" route with this delivery, and inducing via pitocin just seems like a very "unnatural" start to things...ha. However, as with much of pregnancy, I have to remember that God knows better than I do how this should, and will, go, and I take joy in that and find peace in it.

Between weeks 20 and 37, this pregnancy was actually quite a breeze. Sure, it had it's uncomfortable and difficult moments, but the overarching story of those 17 or so weeks was one of health and relative ease. Prior to week 20, I was nauseated and sick nearly every day, and with week 37 came stretch marks finally (Curses! I thought I had avoided them altogether!) :) And, after stretch marks came a rash over the stretch marks. I didn't think much of it at first -- just made sure to keep moisturizing. Well, that rash has continued to spread, with avengeance this week. As it spread, I started to look into it more. I believe it is probably PUPPP. I can not remember what all of that stands for, but it is the most common skin rash in pregnancy. From what I understand, it poses no risk to the baby or me, but it is just miserably itchy. I have debated, as it has gotten worse over the course of the weekend, whether I should call my doctor and talk to whoever is on-call about it. It seems to be spreading with each passing day, and while I have been TRYING to make it to Monday, I may just break down and call today. The only thing that brings relief for the irritation and itching is rubbing benadryl cream over it, and as it spreads, I am simply not comfortable spreading medicated cream over large portions of my body while still pregnant. I know that only minimal amounts of topical medicines actually make it into my bloodstream, but I still simply don't like it. I may try picking up some Pine Tar Soap today, if I can find a natural foods store that is open. I read online that it sometimes brings relief. But, this rash has made an already uncomfortable time that much more uncomfortable. Are there any other mom's out there who have dealt with this during their pregnancies? I would love to hear any comments on what brought you relief. And, did it go away on it's own after delivery?

Anyway -- I'll stop rambling for now. Hopefully my next post will be one with pictures of a little face, with little eyes and a little nose, and little fingers, and little toes. :)