Almost . . . Not Quite . . . Still Waiting . . .

Here's the 39 week update. 

I had my appointment today.  VERY long wait.  My doctor got stuck in surgery.  I don't mind too much.  I understand how this type of thing can be unpredictable.  Honestly, my delivery could deter my doctor from his regular appointments as well, so I don't get upset. 

However, I did give Lance a scare.  He tried calling while I was there, and with no answer for a while, he decided to come home a little early to check on me.  He brought his work-from-home equipment, though, just in case, which he utilized well for the end of the day.  I was a little surprised when I saw his car when I got home.  He's a wonderful husband for worrying so much about me.  I think I'll keep him.  :)

So, wondering the stats?  I'm still dilated to a 1, but have progressed to 80% effaced.  It's a little improvement from last week.  The doctor said that my fluid level is a little low.  It's not the minimum, but he wants me to come in on Monday of next week to make sure things are okay, because if it gets too low, then the baby needs to come ASAP.  He told me to drink LOTS of fluids.  I may take up temporary residence in the bathroom for a while...

Other than that, everything looks fine.  Tiny Dancer was measuring to be about 7 1/2 lbs again.  This is the time when her growth slows.  He said that she was still practicing her breathing, so that means that she probably won't come in the next couple of days.  She'll stop her practicing before delivery.  That's okay, but I was hoping she'd come, like now.  He also said that she is VERY low.  Yeah, no kidding!  I've pretty much got the waddle down perfect because if I don't waddle, it's extremely uncomfortable with her head right there.  I physically can't sit with my legs together.  Yeah, church is an adventure.  I had to go home early this week because I was in pain due to the low position of the baby.  Don't judge!  It HURT!

Are you wondering about my contractions?  Well, I've had quite a few this past week.  There have been times when I've wondered if that was it, but they weren't consistent, and tapered off after 30-45 minutes.  Those times are a little disappointing, because I get so excited for nothing.  I know I should be enjoying these last days of pregnancy, but I'm in constant suspense, and all I want is to hold my baby in my arms rather than in my belly.  Don't worry.  I am still doing the minimum amount of housework possible for my sanity.  I still make dinner and occasionally do dishes, of course.

I have finally experienced the awkwardness that comes with being pregnant.  Yesterday, I went to the post office and two grocery stores.  At every place, someone talked to me about my pregnancy.  At the post office, a lady talked to me for almost five minutes!  She even offered to give me clothes.  I politely declined, since I don't really know her.  She was very sweet, but it was a little awkward.  At the first grocery store, the cashier just asked me my due date and how I was feeling.  It was kind of surreal to say that it's NEXT WEEK.  That was fine.  Not awkward at all.  Then, at the second grocery store, an older lady came up to me and said, "I just wanted to wish you luck with your baby."  And she patted my belly.  Okay, the pat was a little awkward, but I didn't mind.  I also get lots of smiles from people.  You know, the "ah, you're going to have a baby soon," smile.  Yeah, I'm ready to pop, and it shows.

I entered a photo contest this last Saturday.  It is about October, and the winner gets a free photo shoot.  My picture isn't getting very many votes.  The contest ends on the 12th, so if you're friends with me on Facebook, please vote for my picture!  Instructions and links are on my FB page.  I was being very brave and took some shots of my belly.  Here are the pictures I took.  I only entered one, of course, but here are some of the others that I didn't erase because they turned out somewhat decent.

Pose 1.  I didn't choose this one because you can see the cabinets in the background.

Pose 2.  I chose this one because of its simplicity.

Pose 3.  I didn't choose this one because you can tell I'm the one taking the picture, and you can't really see my bump very well.

Pose 4.  I didn't choose this one because you can tell I'm the one taking the picture, and the bottom of my foot is disgusting.  It's always like that (the joy of dancing barefoot consistently for a few years).

Vote for me, please!!  And pray for me that this delivery will be SOON!  I'm hoping this week.  If not, I'll live, but I really just want it to be now.  :)