A human pregnancy typically lasts between 37 and 42 weeks

This week we reached the magic number of 37 weeks

Rainbow Baby is now considered to be term

Assuming there are no complications from now

I will be allowed the water birth I have been planning for

I will at least be able to labour in the water

Just as I did with Matilda Mae

I really need to go over my birth plan

And tweak it for Rainbow Baby

Though many of our wants and needs I think will remain the same

At 36+5 we had a growth scan

The sonographer’s measurements give Rainbow an estimated weight of 7lb 8oz

Already!

Everything with baby looks normal

As it should

The Consultant that we saw after the scan

Said that there is no need to induce me before I reach 40 weeks

Although baby is large she is within the normal limits

Apart from her abdomen which is off the chart!

Tilda had a tubby tummy too

So the plan now is that I will see my midwife each week

For reassurance and to check that I coping okay

Mentally, physically and emotionally

Assuming that I am okay each week

Then I come back to the hospital at 39+5

For a final scan, again mostly for reassurance

If all is well with the scan then the Consultant will do a stretch and sweep

And at the same time we will book a day for induction

I am really really hoping that we will not get that far

At 37 weeks

I am now suffering with cramps in my upper inner thighs, between my legs and in my buttocks

I have very swollen hands and feet and today I have noticed my lower legs are swollen too

If I cross my legs or sit with a foot under me I am left with a big indent

That takes a long time to puff out again

It reminds me of the severe oedema I had after surgery when pregnant with Esther and William

It is not very nice and my feet are very painful

I can no longer fit into any of my shoes

Today I could not even get my Birkenstocks on

And with the recent overnight heat

The swelling is not going down overnight

I am not enjoying the heat at all

Now that we have passed the all important 37 week milestone

And Rainbow Baby is considered term

I would really like to just get on and meet her

I know it is best if she comes after 38 weeks

After this Wednesday

But by then I really will be ready

Especially as babies due the same time as ours

Are beginning to be born

The next few weeks are busy for us though

So I am hoping the distractions will speed up the time

Esther and William turn four on Thursday

The following Wednesday is their Octonauts party

That Saturday will then be the 2nd of August

And 18 months since Baby Tilda died

David and I are both very emotional at the moment

Esther and William are getting ready for big school

Their routine is changing and their behaviour can be challenging

We are all struggling with the recent heat

And David and I are trying to find some balance

Between looking forward to our Rainbow

And missing our angel

Our beautiful little girl

A week on Monday David and I are going out

For dinner by the sea

To spend some time together

To think about the future

And to remember Matilda Mae

We are going to walk along the shore line

Blow bubbles and light sparklers

And cuddle up together as the sun goes down

I really cannot wait to have that special time

Some time to talk about Baby Tilda

Time to imagine how things are going to be

When our Rainbow arrives

People keep asking how we will cope with three under five

I have to remind them that this is our fourth baby

We have already had three children

For a time three under two and then three under three

I think that life is going to be so much easier this time around

Practically at least

And much much harder emotionally

I can honestly say that at the moment

I have no idea how I am going to feel

And I cannot begin to picture how things are going to be

For now I just want to meet our Baby

To deliver her healthily and safely

To love her and be able to bring her home

And at the moment that is all I dare hope for

At the moment that is all I can hope for

At the moment that is all I can do