37 Weeks

We're full term!  Last Wednesday the doctor said I was 2 cm dilated and 60-70% effaced, which is exactly what I was with Jackson at my 36 week appointment.  He was born when I was 37 weeks and 6 days pregnant.  I also learned that I'm Strep B positive again and unfortunately allergic to penicillin, so I'll need antibiotics at least 8 hours before delivery.  This resulted in an induction with Jackson because I was 5 cm dilated and fully effaced during an office visit and had never felt a contraction, so my doctor was afraid labor would go too quickly for me to receive the necessary antibiotics.  We're guessing the same thing will happen this go round.

I think my belly has grown exponentially in the last few days, and I'm going through another ravenous phase.  As a result of my birthday and a friend's birthday, I've probably eaten at least half a cookie cake in the last 5 days. So delicious.

I've also begun to experience the discomfort of late pregnancy.  I can't get comfortable a lot of the time. The heartburn is worse and affecting me more throughout the day. My feet hurt after walking about half a mile on Tuesday to the point I haven't wanted to walk since then.  I'm experiencing shortness of breath and am much more tired.  Shaving my legs is starting to feel like a workout :)  And Ella is really making her presence known.  I'm guessing she's feeling a bit cramped, thus pushing out and lurching around with all her might.  At least that's what it feels like.

Speaking of Ella, the ultrasound showed that her lips are still very pouty; her feet are still huge. She has hair and appears very healthy.  I'm already looking forward to my appointment on Wednesday and am thinking about when this little girl will arrive about 25 times a day :)

This last appointment kicked us into gear, and we've accomplished SO much around our house in the last 5 days.  Blake has cleaned our basement out.  We had a deep freezer delivered, which I plan on filling up in the next few days with meat, soups, chili, and fruit (for our daily smoothies) so we'll have a head start on meals for the next few months.  I've scheduled gutter cleaning.  Blake has finished all major components of Jackson's big boy room, and we just lack some decorative touches.  The nursery is also substantially ready less some pink décor.  Thatcher has been to the groomers.  We bought a used double Bob stroller off Craigslist today.  My mom came in town for 24 hours and was a lot of help too.  It's all coming together, and we're just about ready.

p.s. I'm thankful that our family tried a nearby Latin restaurant for the first time today, and Jackson enjoys fried plantains as much as I do.  I love trying new restaurants!