38 weeks

This picture brings us to about 38 weeks. We went to a wedding for some good friends of ours. Keith was in the Bridal party. It was fun...except for the 'trying to find a dress' part. That was quite a process. I had actually borrowed a dress from a friend at work and when I actually went to try it on, I very closely resembled a sausage. It was more the pattern than the way it fit- black and grey with leaf-like print. *cringe*It looked much better on the hanger than it did on me. So I tried on like 3 others that I had, but none fit! I didn't realize that I had gotten so big almost overnight...or at least that's how it feels. So I resorted to the only thing that looked remotely slimming, even though it was made for summer, and it was freezing outside. I also wore heels. I have no idea what I was thinking- I didn't wear them for most of the night. All in all, it was fun.

I went to my appointment last week and they did not do an internal exam. They usually start those at 38 weeks (which would be this week) to monitor progress. The only reason they did an exam at the last one was because they were already "there" to give me a group b strep test. Being 1 cm dilated and 70% effaced the first time was definitely encouraging, so I'm hoping that the progress from last week as well as this week will come as a nice surprise! I've been trying to focus upon the little changes I notice, in my body, wondering if everything that I feel, which is remotely different, is a sign that the baby is coming. I've been having a lot more indigestion, unfortunately, waves of nausea here and there, and continuous swelling in my legs, feet, and ankles. I've been sleeping less...or peeing and changing positions more...can't decide which. And most importantly, I've been trying to enjoy sleeping in on the weekends, knowing it will end soon! This week is my last at THP, so that very thought is giving me renewed energy on this dreary Monday morning. I hope it holds me over all week!

Keith's 28th birthday is today! He thinks that the baby coming on his birthday would be the absolute best gift ever! I wouldn't mind going into labor tonight but hope that he doesn't actually come until tomorrow (if that's the case), because I have plans to take Keith out to dinner with 4 of our friends. It should be fun! Not crazy and over the top, but a budget-friendly way to celebrate. After all, who could resist the Cheesecake factory? Mmmmm-delicious! I also went on a cleaning frenzy last night. He mentioned how having the house clean makes him feel less stressed and more comfortable, so I thought that would be a nice birthday gift. He looked at me suspiciously after finding out that I cleaned out the fridge and wiped down the shelves and asked me if I was 'nesting' or if I was doing this for him. I told him it was definitely for him. I had a 2 hour nap that afternoon, and figured if I have the energy, I might as well take advantage of it!! One less thing to do next week when I'm off!

A good question came up this weekend, in talking with some friends about the holidays. They asked what we would do if the baby hadn't yet shown up by Christmas...and the answer is that I really don't know! My aunt is hosting Christmas at her house in Southampton (about 45 away from our house- 1 hour from the hospital). I don't know if it's wise to go there, and risk going into labor and having to rush to the hospital, or if we should stick close to home. Hopefully the baby will have come by then, and it won't even be an issue. But If he hasn't, i'm not sure what to do! If I just go into labor, it's no biggie and we would have plenty of time to get to the hospital. But if my water breaks, that's a different story. There's not as much time to get there. Maybe this will be another decision that is made for me.

My 38 week appointment is tomorrow. If I hear anything interesting, I will definitely let everyone know!