I'm 39 weeks now! My little one, who is seriously not feeling little at all these days (hello there, tiny, cute foot lodged in my rib cage), weighs over 7.5 pounds now, according to my books (Andrew's family has a history of 10+ pound babies, and I was 8 myself, so I'm trying to avoid the anxiety of actually knowing my baby's size right now). He's behaving pretty much like he will as a newborn--sucking his thumb, spending longer times sleeping, and practicing inhaling and exhaling like a champ. We are getting more and more excited to meet him and I've been amazed with how my heart just continues to grow and be pierced with love for someone I haven't even laid eyes on yet!
A few friends had been asking me if I'd had any Braxton-Hicks contractions yet, and since I didn't know what to expect (ha), I could honestly say I wasn't sure if I'd experienced them or not. A few weeks ago, my doubts were put to rest when I stood up at work and got a really strong, menstrual cramp-ish feeling that lasted about a minute. I was convinced, for a moment, I was going into labor!
Then, a few nights ago on the home front, I started having a few actual contractions that came and went for most of the night, around the same time all the mucus and fluids decided to show themselves (thanks, NFP, for letting me actually get excited about mucus). I stayed home from work yesterday, but did make it to my already scheduled appointment with the midwife. According to her, the hormones that cause labor are at their highest levels between midnight and 5:00 a.m.--that definitely sounded like my case! She recommended just keeping up with my routine until things seem to progress or intensify, so who knows what could happen in the next few days or so!
Although I don't have any expectations or preconceptions of how Andrew and I will be together while I'm giving birth, I've had a strong sense lately that it's going to feel like the most major thing we've ever done. Stating the obvious, maybe, but it's just some sort of feeling on a deeper level than I've had before now. My husband is such a great dad already, talking constantly to our son and taking care of me (and by extension, him) so wonderfully. I know I'm about to fall way deeper in love in a completely new way. Here are a few photo updates!
This picture is from 32 weeks, I think. Which is to say, my belly is even bigger now...
...See? 37 weeks.
I've loved getting all of the sweet little baby clothes and things ready!
Apple picking with Andrew's family, as my husband teaches his son how to flex.
My friend Beth is 6 weeks behind me, and it's been so wonderful sharing our pregnancies! Here we are with our friend Teresa at my baby shower...
...and at hers!
And now my bag is packed and all that feels left to do is wait to hold this sweet baby in my arms! Pray for me, please!
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