38 Weeks. How Many More?

I've been getting emails lately with titles like, "Any news?," "Labor Signs?" "Thinking of You," etc. I think this is a sure sign that I'm getting closer to delivering :) Unfortunately, other than the little guy dropping, several bursts of energy that have allowed me to clean a closet that needed organizing for 5 years, and starting to feel tired of being pregnant, there haven't been any conventional signs of early labor. I do find myself a bit paranoid that I could be one of the 10% that has their water break at the start of labor...I think that would freak me out. I'd rather have contractions start slowly and ease my way into the reality of labor. I am still excited about labor, just not wanting it to be sprung on me in the middle of the night with a gush of water.

We have our second and final meeting with our doula, Kim, on Saturday. This time we're going to practice a few relaxation methods we learned about in class and Mark and Kim will learn a few massage techniques from a licensed massage therapist who is Kim's backup (in case she's teaching a class during part of my labor). I've heard that in labor you just have to allow your instincts to take over, but it is nice to even vainly "practice" something when it feels so foreign.

Once again, I'm home alone (well, not entirely), and can't post a pic of my belly because I'm not a great self-portrait taker. I'll post one later, so check back. All I can say is that he's (and me!) getting big! My midwife says it could be "any time" but that's what they always say when you're this late in the game. I am hoping no more than 3 more weeks and am hoping for just 1.

(update) Here it is! A true belly pic...and silhouetted at that, thanks to the sunshine.



How about we start a pool. Leave your guess in the comments for when I'll deliver (date) and how big you think he'll be (pounds, oz.) and we'll see who the winner is. Maybe there will even be a prize (middle name after you?)!