38 Weeks - let the waiting begin...

Last Friday was my 38 week check up. Having a short cervix is no longer a problem in this pregnancy, and we are no longer worried about being in pre-term labor! My Doctor said that if I am still pregnant at my next checkup, which is this coming Friday, she'd strip my membranes. She said most of the time, labor starts within 24-48 hours after that happens and BOY do we want that to happen!

If I hadn't gone into pre-term labor at 28 weeks, and spend 9 weeks on bed rest, I really don't think that waiting another 2 weeks would be a big deal. Its the fact that every Doctor, nurse and specialist thought it would be a miracle if I made it to 32 weeks, then to 34 weeks...so I had it in my head that I was going to have a pre-mature baby. Every day was a milestone and every week was a miracle! So that's why I'm a little anxious and antsy to get labor started. I think it's normal at 38 weeks for any woman to want to get the big show on it's way.

Don't be fooled - my smile is forced...

I officially started maternity leave today. I am really hoping the baby comes this week so I can spend as much time as possible with him before I go back to work. I probably could have worked another week or so, but I have all of my duties covered and honestly, my mind just wasn't in the game. I was so uncomfortable sitting at my desk, the A/C didn't work (in my office only - everyone else complained about how cold they were), and my clothes were getting to the point where I was wearing the same pair of jeans every day - and those were starting to get uncomfortable.  I refuse to wear sweats to work.

So far I have kept myself busy with my monitoring appointment and running some household errands. The baby is usually cooperative during monitoring, but today he dozed off, so one of the nurses came in and buzzed him. She literally took a little buzzer and shocked my belly! He perked right up and started behaving himself.

Another Monday...another non-stress test...

I decided that I can get a lot accomplished this week and use this time wisely to wash all of the baby clothes and get everything in order for his big debut. The nursery is all set up and I think it's rather cute, if I do say so myself... We tried to steer clear of anything that was too 'babyish.' I know, it's a baby's room and why not - but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

Other than that - it's a waiting game... Taylor and I are ready for this baby to come and to meet our son!

Saturday night, I thought we were going to end up at the hospital. I was having really painful contractions mixed with Braxton hicks...I timed them for about 2 hours and they were about 5 minutes apart. As soon as I started getting ready to pack up my makeup and put some last minute items into a hospital bag, the contractions stopped.
I fell asleep and woke up the next morning with a couple really strong contractions and then NOTHING. Nothing happened all day, and I didn't have a single contraction last night. Usually I get a lot of contractions in the early evening and through the night - but I have found that if I don't drink enough water, and I'm talking at least 3 24oz bottles of water a day (for me, someone who is NOT a water drinker - that's a lot!),  that it brings on false contractions. Also - a full bladder can cause contractions.

Fun Facts

Weight Gain: Between 30-35 lbs. I'm at the high end of my 'target' weight gain and I totally blame bed rest and the entire series of LOST. My wedding ring still slides on and off with ease, so no puffy fingers here. Also - no puffy feet or cankles. I really can't complain.

Belly Button: It is flat as a pancake! No outtie here.

Stretch Marks: None! My Doctor said If I was going to get them, they would have shown up long before now. I thank my good mother for her fantastic genes. I also rubbed my belly down with bio-oil religiously morning and night.

Cravings: Nothing too crazy - yesterday I HAD to have some Cheetos...and some mini powdered donuts... but that's not crazy, right?