I told you I was going to recap the lead-up to the boys’ birth, and it starts out, rather boringly, here. One year ago today. George and I went to my Maternal-Fetal Medicine doctor, Dr. Robichaux, for my 32 week appointment. Actually, I was 31 weeks, 5 days. It was the day after Thanksgiving, and I was swollen and exhausted.

When I hopped on the scale, I had an inkling this wasn’t going to be “just another appointment.” I had gained 17 lbs since my last appointment, 11 days previous. I knew I hadn’t eaten that much turkey and dressing the day before.

Sure enough, when Dr. R walked in after reviewing my blood pressure and other tests, he said just what I figured he would. “We’re admitting you. Right now.” I wasn’t surprised, exactly, but I still got choked up. I wasn’t scared, either, just couldn’t believe the end was coming.

Because I didn’t have full-blown pre-eclampsia yet, I was just heading in that direction, Dr. R agreed to let me “check in” on Sunday instead, two days away. I had friends coming to visit the next day, and I wanted to get everything in order.

So we left the office that day and I went to buy some pajamas for the hospital….