The standard recommendation is to feel 10 movements in two hours, but it normally only takes Norah 10-15 minutes. I had counted 8 in about an hour and 45 minutes, and because of that, was on my way to the hospital.  

Lane and I were both anxious for today. Because this appointment included an OB check, we were going to meet with yet another doctor, resulting in yet another opinion on delivery timing. Would we be allowed to continue naturally, or would induction be the next step? Would Norah cooperate during her testing, or would her results send us to immediate delivery?

Yeah, we're still working on that whole 'putting complete trust in God' thing.
Thankfully he sees that, and today we were reminded what it's like to be held in his hand.

Lane and I are both ready to be done with these appointments, to be done with this specific type of stress, understanding that a new type will come with her arrival. Induction, c-section, or her own decision to come — none of it scares us any more. 

We are so ready to meet our little girl.

Last year, our Valentine's day consisted of flowers, chocolate, and a dinner date.

This year, our Valentine's day date took place in a clinic and we received a gift far more beautiful than flowers and far sweeter than chocolate

This week has been a whole thing.
Grab some coffee and get comfy; this is going to take a while. 

We're finding these weeks to be a unique combination of both passing quickly and crawling by.

Mornings can't come fast enough; each day brings us closer to that full-term mark. Norah grows a little bigger, a little stronger, and little more prepared for her transition earthside every single day. Each sunrise brings with it the hope of avoiding adding 'prematurity' to her medical laundry list.