Life in the Making:: 38.5 Weeks

Praying this is the last pregnant self portrait we all have to endure.

As much as I have absolutely loved the miracle and divinity of pregnancy....

I am ready.

Lets be honest, who isn't at this point?

I am feeling huge and ready to pop.

Just 9 more days till my due date.

{I will be 39 weeks on Friday}

I am excited, anxious, tired and simply ready for her to be here.

Nervous? Absolutely.

But ready to meet this sweet thing.

Ready to experience the miracle of birth and life.

Any time will do.

The last few weeks were filled with ups and downs.  I had my 37 week appointment and was still measuring small. The ultrasound tech was in the office so my doctor had me go in to make sure things were ok. I had a good laugh that we were doing this again and just texted James.  To make a very long story short - our little girl is right on schedule size wise. However, her right kidney isn't draining like it should. I was sent to a high-risk specialist for extra testing. I'll be honest - I was terrified and quite a few tears were shed. But after the additional testing and meeting with my doctor I am feeling much, much better. This is a "normal problem" and while it is not ideal we have every reason to believe that once she is born it will all work itself out. No emergencies. She's not in pain and her quality of life is not in jeopardy. Of course the worry is still pretty prominent in my mind. How could it not be? No matter how much they reassure me that things will be alright - I will feel much better once I can see and hold her. I find myself constantly touching my belly and wishing I could comfort and touch her. I am trying to go about my normal nesting and quite frankly - I am shocked at how calm I have become in the last bit. My family is helping me keep my thoughts light. James and I have decided to just stay positive and have faith that it correct itself and our little girl will be just perfect.

I feel like my due date came so fast - but now the days are creeping by.

James is super busy which is adding to the "waiting" feeling.

I had my doctors appointment Monday.

He was encouraging about her kidney 

and told me this was more of a "weird" thing than a "worrisome" thing.

He said to make sure my pediatrician will be there soon after she is born.

Other than that - not to worry.

My doctor doesn't normally check first timers until they are 39 weeks

but the nurse was sweet enough to get me all set since I am 38.5 weeks.

She could tell I was getting anxious.

I am .5 cm dilated and 75 percent effaced.

As my doctor said - I have a long way to go.

Not surprised.

James is still certain this baby isn't coming until May.

I am mad at him for putting out those vibes - but he may be right.

My Dad and Allison are both coming into town for random events just one week after my due date.

I really don't want to get induced and am praying that she comes before then so they can meet her.

My sister Katie was induced and the drugs did not go over well with her.

Needless to say - I want to avoid it at all costs.

I have been spinning a little and am walking a ton. 

Hoping this helps her come close to her due date.

I still feel pretty good for the most part.

I love feeling her move and will definitely miss it.

Her movements have gone from swift kicks to what feels like squished movements.

Her little body pops out right in the middle of my belly and I can't help but giggle.

My belly definitely gets tense and contracts more at night.

On Sunday I had several hours where I had teeny tiny contractions pretty consistently.

I didn't time them but I think they were about every 30 minutes - then they stopped.

The burning up by my ribs has not subsided. It is still my biggest complaint about pregnancy. 

I am craving sweets like crazy and have indulged far more than I should - but feel just fine about it.

I might as well enjoy myself this last week right?

I wake up to go to the restroom at least 3 times a night.

My face is definitely more swollen.

On Easter - my feet swelled up pretty huge.

It was warm and I had been sitting for awhile but man I thought I had elephentitis. Ha.

It hasn't happened since and I am praying that was the last of it.

We are essentially ready.

I still have a few things I want to complete in her room but that can all be done after.

Our hospital bags and diaper bag are packed and the carseat is in the car.

My Mom is planning to come for a week followed by James' Mom.

We are lucky to have their help.

I went to a breastfeeding class last week and absolutely loved it.

Praying that all goes well.

My thoughts are pretty much consumed by her kidney and labor.

I have loved reading your birth stories and could still use more.

I've been reading a lot about labor 

and am starting to realize that I should probably focus more on how to manage once she is here.

The mommy jitters are starting to set in and I hope that I am able to step up to the mommy plate.

Any time little one, any time!