I think it's time!

Since about 2:00 today, I've been having regular contractions (about 5 minutes apart!). At first, they were just uncomfortable, but now I'd call them painful. I hope this is the real thing!

Progress!

At my weekly doctor's appointment this morning, Dr. Hix informed me that I'm now three centimeters dilated, and 75% effaced! He said that was a lot of progess for one week, and even said, "This may be a Turkey Day baby!" He also said she is moving down well (her "station" is -2) SO, even though it could still be 2 weeks, they're thinking it probably won't be. Dr. Hix even said as I was leaving, "Well, we'll see you at your appointment next week, unless you have a baby by then!" So, more walking for me...

Doctors, Dilating & Dreams

The doctor says I'm 1cm dilated! Boy, this is really going to happen!! And I tested negative for Group B Strep, which is fantastic (no antibiotics at the birth).

We've been working a lot on Sara's room, getting the swing and stroller assembled, washing all those new baby clothes. It just makes me so impatient to have that little baby here with us! Everyone told me I would just wish away the last month of my pregnancy, and I guess I am, though not for the reasons they were meaning. People say you feel so bad the last month that it feels like you will be pregnant forever, but to me, it's not about the pregnancy part -- it's just that every time I hold up a little newborn gown or onesie, I wish there was something in it! I know that when I actually get to hold her, I will feel even more strongly, but I just can't believe how much I already love her and want her with us. God surely knew what He was doing when He chose how we humans would be brought into the world. It only makes me wish all babies were as wanted. And when I think about what a great dad Zack is going to be, it just makes me weepy. :) (not that tears are far away at any point in pregnancy!) So come on, Sara! We're waiting!!

Important Day

Today marks an important milestone -- I am technically considered full term. In a nutshell, that means that if Sara were born today, she would not be considered premature (even though I have 3 weeks left until my due date).

Help? Anyone???

Nowadays Lubsy can hardly put one foot in front of another without my careful supervision and oversight. Even simple tasks that once were done independently, like putting on socks, getting out of bed, and worst of all, tying shoes, have all become valid reasons now for Lubsy to call for help. After a quick guilt-trip, I find that I am usually able to meet the need.

We're especially excited today, because the doctor said Sara's heart rate is "perfect," and that there is no reason to expect the delivery to occur any time after the due date (12/5) - so I'm betting she'll be here right after Thanksgiving... can hardly wait for the day it all happens, and the week following when I get off work to stay home and soak it all in. I know there'll be lots of poop and probably crying and sleeping, but I'm still looking forward to it beyond words.

It's not too long now...

I had a doctor's appointment this morning, and everything looks fantastic! The baby's heartbeat was strong and steady (the doctor remarked on the "excellent rhythm -- it doesn't skip a beat!"). He also told me that Sara has dropped down into the pelvis (which explains the waddle!), and that she is head-down. (Both of these are good...) He said I'm not dilated yet, but that he wouldn't be at all surprised if by next week's visit I am starting to dilate. All of this means the end is in sight! He said there was no reason to think I'd go past my due date (and implied that it might even be earlier). So I just need to keep walking so that baby's head keeps pushing its way out! By this time next week I'll be considered full term. Boy -- I need to go get that hospital bag packed!

Nursery Progress

Boy, what a project this has been!! We decided that we would use the back corner room for Sara's nursery, so Step 1 was to clear all of the office room stuff (Zack's computer & computer desk, his regular desk, my desk and laptop, the filing cabinet, and the treadmill -- not to mention all the odds and ends!). No, I take that back -- step 1 was really to clear the guest bedroom of the bed, dresser, etc., so that we could turn it into the office! Anyway, after all of this was done, Mom came over to help me paint. I decided that I wanted to do pink (of course!) stripes, with one stripe being flat paint and one being semi-gloss, same color though. Of course, as Mom says, everything always takes longer than you expect! We started on a Friday night, but only got the first coat of flat paint done. Then, on Saturday, we got the second coat of flat paint done, worked on the trim, and painted some bedroom furniture. But then we still had to do stripes! So, Mom came over the next Wednesday afternoon since she had school off (this past one), and we got most of the stripes taped. That's right -- not painted, just taped! So Friday night, we were finally able to finish painting the stripes, and everything looks just like I'd hoped. We're just putting finishing touches on the room now, and then, we get to move in the furniture!

Click below to see the photo album.

Painting the Baby Room

36 Weeks

This belly gets bigger all the time! And yes... I'm ready for this to all happen. I've been feeling more aches and pains than I knew were possible. I'll have to get Zack to submit his thoughts on all my complaining. :) I have an appointment Wednesday, so I'll find out then if the doctor thinks there's any remote chance that Sara might get here before December 5!