29 weeks and counting...

It's funny: when I was pregnant with Nikita, I was very conscious of the gestational age. I wasn't so with this pregnancy until my doctor ordered bedrest. So, yes, I'm still on bedrest - or rather couchrest, as it's much more interesting to be in the living room than in the bedroom. I must say that I'm glad it's winter (as opposed to summer), although I do wish I could play outside with Nikita. Or at least take photos of Igor and Nikita building houses or making the most of the frugal snowfall (I'm thinking that a better winter vacation would be to a place where there's actually snow).

My appointment with my OB/GYN last Thursday went well. The doctor was very encouraging, and we scheduled an ultrasound in about two weeks. Based on the results of the ultrasound, she may modify the bedrest, although I probably won't be able to work full-time.

She also administered another fibronectin test, although I didn't bother getting the results until yesterday because I assumed that it would be positive. Imagine my surprise when I found out that it was negative! Seems like the bedrest and perhaps self-hypnosis (I've been telling my baby that the longer she stays inside me, the sooner we'll be able to take her home after delivery - no, we don't know what the sex is, but I like to think of the baby as a girl) are working. And definitely the prayers.

Other than the doctor's appointment, last week was very difficult: everyone in the house was sick except me. But everyone seems to have recovered. My parents (who brought food a couple of weekends ago) and member of my bookclub have really helped out. Melissa provided a very sympathetic ear; she's probably my only friend who has grown children AND a happy marriage. Elizabeth made a wonderful chicken, spinach, and rice casserole that I just had to assemble and bake. And yesterday, Rachel came by with her 9-week old baby boy with groceries from Whole Foods (including my favorite 365 truffles) and reading material (the latest New Yorker fiction issue and The Emperor's Children, which is good since I was thinking of something more contemporary than The Brothers Karamazov).

Knitting is moving along. I started and ripped back a cloche because I thought it would be too big for a newborn, but pretty much finished a pair of Stay-On Booties from Knitting for Baby; I just need to tie up the loose ends and make the ties. Cool pattern, and easy to memorize. I'm currently using the same yarn (a variegated blue) to make this adjustable newborn hat. We'll see if I'll have enough yarn.