Week 37

We made it to 37 weeks and therefore our little one is now considered FULL TERM!! A week ago I would not have thought of this as a great accomplishment, rather just anther step along the way. But after our excitement this week I am very happy to have made it to this milestone.

I had really not thought too much about the contractions I had been having (for about the last two weeks). I had written them off as Braxton Hicks. I had mentioned them to my OB at one visit and they agreed that as long as they stopped and were not painful not to worry about them. When I was checked about a week an a half ago I was not dilated at all, but the baby as I had mentioned was very low (a -1 station). They describe the baby's position as station which is a measure of how low they are in your pelvis. Here is a picture depicting how you determine the babies station.

But in the past week and a half I went from 0 cm dilated to 3 cm and now at a +1 station and I am still having contractions every 5-10 minutes most of the day!!! Very exciting. Unfortunately this does not guarantee that labor is days away- I could continue contracting like this for 3 weeks or I could go into labor tomorrow. It certainly makes it more likely that I will go sooner rather than later but I keep telling myself that I could surprise myself and everyone and actually make it to my due date. Only time will tell!! But after this week we have our bags packed and the car seat installed. Bassinet is even set up and all ready for our little one!

Gary and I had a very busy week but a nice laid back weekend. We hurried to get everything ready this week just in case, and therefore there was little to be done this weekend. Today we were able to make some extra dinners to freeze for after the baby is born which I was not even anticipating getting done. We are now just in the waiting period- we feel ready which is a wonderful feeling. And I can still say that I am feeling rather well. With certain activities I do get a little fatigued but in general I still have energy and am very comfortable.

The baby is up to 6 and one-third pounds and over 19 inches in length. We are now considered in month 9 and therefore the baby is compared in size to a watermelon. I definitely feel as though I look like I swallowed a watermelon!

Here is a picture to prove it!

Well I believe that is it for this week. I will plan on posting again in a week unless there are any updates prior to them. Gary's graduation is this Sunday so we are very excited for this coming weekend. We just hope that I am not in labor during graduation or right before it. I want to see my husband graduate and I want him to be able to attend the ceremony!!! Oh and after having 24 hours to think about it in the hospital, I believe Gary and I have now committed to both a boy's and a girl's name!! We are still going to make you wait though- gives you something to look forward too (cause I know you are all just dying to know!!)