40 Weeks

Well, here we are - my due date hath arriveth! The Baby Countdown Ticker says 0 days to go. And here I am sitting on the couch at 8:45pm with Baby still nestled snugly inside me. :) I am not terribly surprised to still be pregnant. I am taking these precious last few days to really enjoy Caiden as my "only" child. Rocking with him at bedtime and nap time are my favorite times of the day as we read stories, snuggle and exchange butterfly kisses and Eskimo kisses. We talk about Baby's impending arrival every day, and I keep telling him what a great helper and teacher he is going to be for Baby. He likes to pat my belly and tell me that Baby is sleeping right now, and I take those opportunities to remind him that soon he'll be able to see and hold Baby.

It's still hard for me to imagine that this time next week (or even in just a few days!), we will be a family of four. I keep thinking that Baby will be just like Caiden was since really, that is the only experience I have to compare. I have to keep reminding myself that this is going to be a whole new little person to learn. And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about how much our lives are going to change all over again. Getting the hang of one kid has been challenging enough, and now we get to start all over again! But I look forward to seeing how Caiden interacts with the little one and watching how Baby learns from him. Will Baby walk sooner? Talk sooner? Crawl sooner? It will be fun to see when all of these milestones are achieved.

In the meantime, I am hanging in there physically. Moving around is distinctly more difficult and uncomfortable - much like the last pregnancy. I am moving much slower these last few days. At my last doctor appointment earlier this week, I was dilated 2cm and about 60-70% effaced. I've been having increased Braxton Hicks contractions, and I also made some more progress this week when I lost my "plug" on Thursday. It doesn't necessarily mean labor is imminent, but I am one step closer. Right now, it seems like there is a decent chance Mom will get here before we need to get to the hospital. I have plans in place for Caiden she doesn't get here in time, but things will be greatly simplified if she can be here already. And there is always the planned C for the 24th if my body doesn't start labor on it's own. I have mixed feelings about going that route, but I can't really control when I go into labor. As long as the birth goes smoothly and successfully, then I will be happy. :)

Hopefully my next entry will be announcing Baby's arrival! And now...the final photos: