Making Progress-35 Weeks!

Well my life is completely crazy and hectic, and just when I need to be slowing down and resting, I feel like I'm going non-stop.  But thankfully God is giving me the energy and strength to get things done, because I am sure not able to keep going because I am getting the sleep I need!  Combine bouts of restless leg syndrome, heartburn, leg cramps, with multiple trips to the bathroom, and sleep becomes a rare commodity.  I've heard this is just "nature's way" of preparing me for being up with a newborn.  Seems to me I would be better prepared if I was well rested!!  :)

Anyway, onto my 35 week pregnancy update.  I am feeling great, just the normal discomforts.  Of course.  But I'm definitely having more Braxton Hicks than I had with my daughter.  I guess that's just the third pregnancy for ya.  And although I still feel her move regularly, movement has definitely slowed quite a bit.  She is clearly running out of room!  And I no longer need to receive progesterone shots, which is fantastic!   

But the biggest news is that I went to the doctor today and I am already 2 centimeters dilated and 50% effaced!  Of course, anyone who has been pregnant knows that this does not necessarily mean anything, because some women can be 2 centimeters for weeks.  But considering my history (I've never been pregnant a day past 37 weeks) and the fact that I've had my children so close together, it's pretty safe to assume that this baby will be here sometime in the next two weeks, and definitely by the end of the month.  (Now we are just wondering if it will be before Thanksgiving or after.  Or on Thanksgiving.  Who knows!).

So needless to say, my thoughts have become completely consumed with the imminent birth of our daughter.  Wondering when she will actually join us.  Trying to think of every possible thing we need to have ready for her.  Making sure we are ready to hop in the car and head to the hospital at a moments notice.  I'm happy to report we have finally gotten our car seat, and packed the bag for the hospital, and I have written instructions (that I am constantly adding to whenever I think of any little thing that might happen or she might need to know) for our friend who will be watching the other two while we're otherwise disposed.  So hopefully now I can relax and wait.

Although I am now to the point where the baby should not have any problems (at least no major health issues) if she's born, I am really hoping she stays put until closer to Thanksgiving.  Or even right after.  I just want her to be fully developed and healthy.  In general I am not in any pain, or feeling any contractions, so I am hopeful that we still have a little time.  But we shall see!  I know that God's timing for her is perfect, and I'm just so excited to meet her, I can hardly wait.  :)

Thank you for your prayers as we prepare for her arrival.  I will see the doctor again next week to see if things are still moving along or if it's about the same.  I will definitely keep you posted!