Week 36 - Delivery Date Confirmed!

On Wednesday of this week, we reached the Week 36 milestone. Margarita (my surrogate) had a manual examination this morning and both she and the baby are doing great. The baby has moved to the head down position and continues to maintain a strong and steady heartbeat. At 36 weeks, the baby is gaining weight at the rate of about an ounce per day. She now weighs approximately 6 pounds. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath.

At the end of this week (Wednesday, February 20th), the baby will be considered full-term. And today, Dr. Vega confirmed that the delivery (via a cesarean section) will take place on the evening of Tuesday, March 5th. I will be in the O/R for the procedure and will assume sole custody and responsibility for the baby once she is born (with support from my pediatrician and nursing staff). Following the delivery, the baby will remain in the hospital nursery for approximately 72 hours (or 3 days). Her release date is dependent upon the release date of my surrogate. Under Panamanian law, the baby cannot be released from the hospital until the surrogate is discharged.

During her stay in the nursery, I will have access to the baby for several hours per day for feedings, visitation, general care and cuddles. Naturally, it would be nice to take her home within 24 hours, just as the process here in the US or Canada dictates, but I'm actually feeling comfortable and appreciative that she will spend her first 3 days under the watchful eye and care of the nursery staff and my pediatrician. I'm not at all nervous about taking her home, but I believe a little extra time in the nursery will help give me the added confidence and peace of mind for when I finally do. And what a truly amazing day that will be! I'm emotional just thinking about it and so VERY excited!!! I'm also especially grateful for Michelle (Saulnier) Blankenship, who will be by our side for the trip home and our 1st week as a family.

Earlier this evening, my colleagues at work hosted a second baby shower. I received lots of beautiful gifts for my little girl in addition to the most amazing outpouring of support! We had lots of fun sharing stories and child experiences, in addition to a little fun where the team tried to guess the baby's name. However, I didn't relinquish from my position, as I am waiting to share her name on her birthday. This evening was a great way to end Week 36. As always, I am beyond grateful for the love and support from so many. The celebration this evening was incredibly special and once again reminds me how fortunate I am!

18 days and counting...

Carolina, Juli and I @ tonight's Baby Shower admiring the beautiful handmade blanket and flowers from my friend, Abby!