Full Term and Feelin' Ready

This week, I'm 38 weeks.  I'm definitely anxious to have this baby SOON!!!  Just because I want to go earlier than my due date, the little stinker will probably come a week late.

Yesterday, I had another appointment.  Still looking good.  The doctor is torn on the size.  Just looking at me, he didn't believe that I could have a big baby in there.  Thanks, doc!  That means he doesn't think I'm huge.  So, he felt my belly, to estimate the size that way, and his estimate was about 6 1/2 lbs.  Then, he measured on the ultrasound, and it measured about 7 1/2 lbs.  I guess we'll see when she comes.  It's all estimation anyway, so I'm not stuck on any particular weight.  Just as long as she's healthy, I'm happy.

I was still 1 cm dilated and 50-60% effaced.  No change this week, but that's not an indicator of when I'll have the baby.  Once you go into labor, things can change quickly.  Plus, as the doctor left the room, he said, "I'll see you in a week, if you're still pregnant."  IF I'm still pregnant!  Any day now!

I've noticed a few more things this week.  The baby isn't quite as energetic as she used to be.  She still has her moments, but I'm thinking she is so cramped in there that she just can't move quite so much.  I've been having harsher contractions, and they have been occurring more often.  They're still not quite regular, and they taper off after, at most, a half hour, so no real labor, but it's getting close!

I'm feeling about as ready as I'll ever be to have this baby.  My mother-in-law came yesterday and helped me clean my house.  It hasn't been this clean in a few months!  I've been a little lazy, but honestly, I couldn't help it.  She was a tremendous help, and I appreciate all she does for us.  She also made us dinner.  Wow!  She's the best! 

While she did some cleaning, I set up the bassinet and baby rocker/bouncer.  Don't worry, I wasn't even close to overexerting myself.  I just had to put in a few screws here and there, and viola!  Baby stuff assembled!  So, even though we still have the computer in the nursery, I think we'll be okay to have the baby any time, since she has a place to sleep now.

I've got the hospital bag all packed, except for the last-minute items, of course.  The car seat is by the door.  I'm pre-registered at the hospital.  We've had our childbirth class.  I think we're set.  Now it's the waiting game.  I'm really hoping it's sooner than later, because this baby is so low, it feels like my pelvis is constantly being pryed open.  Ouch!  If I'm hurting this much, I wonder what it's like for her poor face that is doing the prying.  I guess she'll come when she's ready, but if it were me, I'd want to get out of that position as soon as possible.

Well, I'm hoping that my next post will be filled with the good news.  Cross your fingers for us!