Got home from work this evening to find that Bunny had thoroughly nested the brand new inches thick layers of newspapers I oh so carefully spread out in her whelping box yesterday afternoon. Oh well, I can't very well fuss at her for following her instincts.

Day 57. We kept the ceiling fan going in our bedroom last night and Bunny was a bit more comfortable. I wake up whenever she is stirring so because she slept a little better last night, so did I. I am going to run a progesterone test at work today and see where her levels are. When the progesterone level drops to a certain point, birth is eminent. I plan to run it today and tomorrow but then I am off for the next week (maternity leave?) so it won't much matter if I know when the level drop. That's all assuming that the level won't indicate the eminence is near today or tomorrow. I layered newspapers in her whelping box yesterday afternoon then went out for a couple of hours. When I got back, the papers were all messed up but I don't know if Bunny did that or the cat, Pepe. I can't wait to see his reaction to the puppies.
Apparently there are some athletes in this litter if their activity in utero are any indication. They have been very active these last few days, kicking and jumping.

Day 56. Last night was especially rough for Bunny. She COULD NOT get comfortable and she was hot most of the night. I hope these last few days go by quickly for her sake.

Day 55. At least two of the puppies were having a high time last night! While I sat and knitted in front of a movie, I did more watching of Bunn'ys belly than watching what I was doing or watching the movie. I watched two distinctly separate spots of activity and I tell you, they were positively doing gymnastics in there! :) It was quite amusing. Bunny seemed oblivious; she seems to be sleeping harder this past week or so.

Day 54. All is well (and big!) in puppy land. Bunny must be feeling like a bug under a glass by now; we are watching her so closely but she just loves the attention and doesn't mind people laughing at how big she has gotten. I just have a sneaking suspicion that the puppies will come on Wednesday. I don't know why and Lord knows, I have no experience behind me to guide me on this; just a gut feeling. I've probably said this before but, after 25 years of working in an animal hospital, this will be the first natural birth (other than the births of my two children) that I've ever experienced. I've assisted in many, many a C-section mind you just never before a natural birth. Once things get started, I won't be so antsy about it; it's just the waiting and wondering when and how many and how long and, and, and..... You know, all the factors I have no control over. So keep your fingers crossed folks! And pray that all goes smoothly for our little girl in her endeavours.

She is scarfing down food now even more zealously than before so I have upped her slightly to 2 cups twice daily with a half can added each time. She loves that canned food! Course, she is a lab after all and most labs love anything edible (and somethings that are not!).

Day 53. More of the same. Nights are apparently long and hot for Bunny. I feel for her. But it won't be long now.