Pregnancy Update -- 38 weeks!

Here I am with that much awaited pregnancy update.  

First, a few pictures of me slowly turning into a small hippo.  lol

Last week, at 37 weeks.

Last weekend w/my hubby

Yesterday, in my most recent (and biggest) photo yet

I'm officially 38 weeks today, and taking that in to consideration, I'm doing well.  I had one of my first real bouts of misery yesterday afternoon & evening when I couldn't get comfortable no matter what I did, my entire torso ached, my digestive system was in turmoil, and to add insult to injury I started boo-hoo-ing part of the way through the afternoon from the hormonal rollercoaster that is me as a pregnant woman.  I kept telling myself..."This is good.  My body is preparing for labor.  Misery means I'm getting closer.  I actually want to the contractions to come now.  Go on...hurt more.  BRING IT ON!"  lol.

On the upside, I'm feeling a little better today, and I had a FANTASTIC visit to the doctor on Wednesday.  After being told for 2 weeks that I'm measuring large, they scheduled an ultrasound.  Benjamin is looking great (and is consequently, still a boy, btw).  He has plenty of fluid, his size is completely normal & on par with what it needs to be, and his heartbeat is still going strong.  They guesstimated that he is 7 lbs, 2 oz -- which can usually be off a pound in either direction.  He's completely in position -- head down, facing back.

Because I've been feeling pressure & crampiness off and on (plus having some Braxton Hicks contractions) I requested that they go ahead and "check me" at this visit.  I was glad I did because I found out that I'm 3 cm, 70% effaced, and he's between -1 & -2 station.  That's helped encourage me to keep sitting on my exercise ball, walk plenty, and do squats.  I had my moments yesterday when I thought he had finally dropped, but I think that he was just trying to get my hopes up by settling in a little lower for a while.  Oh well.


My belly has itched like crazy off and on for a few weeks, and I'm looking forward to that stopping. :)

In the interest of "everyone's who had been pregnant has been there" moments, I thought I'd share the questions and comments that I have heard the most over the past few months.

1)  Inquiries about mine & baby's health:  How are you feeling?  How're you doin' Mama? How's the baby?  How are Amanda and Benjamin today?  How are you?  Sleeping well?  Is he moving a lot?

2)  Inquires and comments about time:  When are you due?  Really, that close.  It won't be long.  You're getting closer.  Wow, that close already?  How long now?  I bet you're ready.  When's that due date again?  How many weeks left?  I think that he's going to come early/late.  You'll have him by ____.

3) Inquiries about doctors & medical choices:  Which hospital are you using?  Who is your doctor?  Are you going to have an epidural?  You're going natural!  Oh honey, take the medicine.

3)  Inquiries about our anticipation to become parents:  Is Josh getting excited?  Are you guys ready?  You're going to be such great parents.  Are you getting excited?  I bet your parents are thrilled.


And, the list goes on.  I'm thoroughly appreciative of all the love, prayers, and well wishing being sent our way.  Personally, I'm quite ready to see him, and I know with the Lord's timing it won't be long.