Pregnancy Pictures and Hopes for a VBAC

Well, Nikki is definitely showing earlier than she did with Allie. This makes Nikki nervous because she feels that she got plenty big with Allie. A week ago, Nikki was at the park with Allie, when a woman asked her if she was due in April. We don't think she looks that big yet. Perhaps her shirt just wasn't flattering or really emphasized her bump. Here are some pictures from 20 and 23 weeks.

20 Weeks Pregnant

23 Weeks Pregnant

And just for comparison, here is a picture from 23 weeks with Allie.

23 Weeks with Allie

The pregnancy is much better now that Nikki is not throwing up all the time. She doesn't seem to have as much energy as she remembers getting with Allie after the sickness passed, but perhaps that is because she now has Allie to take care of. She definitely takes advantage of Allie's naps and takes a nap herself.

Nikki is able to feel our little girl move a lot. She seems to be very active at the times when Nikki lays down to sleep, both at nap time and at night. She will often feel her quite a bit when she wakes up in the middle of the night. We would both be okay if this schedule changes a little before her arrival.

Allie has learned to point, or hit (somewhat softly), Nikki's belly when we ask her where the baby is. And she has even said that her and Jared have babies in their tummies, too. Despite all this, though, we really don't think she gets it. And we sort of doubt she will until the baby comes.

Nikki had to have a c-section with Allie due to Allie being breech. We were surprised to find out that very few hospitals in Oklahoma allow VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). Stillwater's hospital has a no-VBAC policy, so we have decided to go to a doctor in Oklahoma City so that we can at least have a chance at having a VBAC. Our doctor is at OU Medical (Oklahoma University), where all of the doctors and even their midwives perform VBACs. We feel really confident in the care that Nikki has been receiving, and our doctor is really nice. What will determine whether or not Nikki can try for a VBAC in the end is how well she progresses on her own. If she progresses well, then she can attempt a VBAC. But if she doesn't progress and they are wanting to induce her, then chances are that she'll end up having another c-section because the success rate of a VBAC with inducement is somewhere near or under 50% (our doctor told us, but we don't remember the rate right now). The down part of going into the city is the drive. It takes about an hour and 15-20 minutes to get to there. Luckily, though, Nikki's sister Maria lives only 15-20 minutes away from the doctor, so if need-be, Nikki can stay with her near the end. We feel really good about having made the decision to go to a doctor and hospital in the city.