No one you see, is smarter than she.

Join me in singing the theme to Flipper, because that's what our little Speck has become. She has flipped over, demonstrating that she has inherited my internal compass and innate sense of direction. Today's visit to the perinatalogist was different from previous ones. It began with a quick, rather low-tech ultrasound to check on position, amniotic fluid, and whether she is practicing her breathing. Position? Good! Fluid? Good! Lung function? Good!

They also hooked me up to an industrial strength Doppler for 20 minutes to monitor her heartrate and determine whether she is experiencing any stress or distress. If there is evidence of either, or any issues with the position/fluid/lungs, they start talking about scheduling an induction or Cesarean section. Today, there was no indication that anything is wrong (great!) and it looks like I'm going to be pregnant for a bit longer (um...great.). I'll go back weekly for this ultrasound/monitoring for, well, the next 3-4 weeks.

Her newly-established orientation means that while there is no longer a head periodically wedging itself amongst my lungs, new and exciting shapes have begun appearing on my right side where her arms and legs are pointing. So, last night, for example, we should have known something had changed when a "limb-y" shape (according to Rob, who saw it live) emerged from under my ribcage instead of the usual "head-y" shape to which we had grown accustomed.

So what's next? We have three bags to pack: one for baby, with a couple of outfits, some blankets, and some extra space for the diapers and other swag we've been told to hoard at the hospital; one for me, with comfy clothes for coming home, various and sundry specialized undergarments, and travel-sized toiletries; and one for Rob, with a change of clothes, snacks, magazines, and other Rob-friendly items that will help him pass the time between our arrival and the baby's. We need to get the car-seat installed, because they won't let us leave the hospital with the baby unless that's done. We have a few things left to buy. And then we wait patiently for this little girl to decide that she's ready for a change of scenery.