Good to Go!

I am now 38 weeks pregnant and wondering just how much further my lower belly can stretch! It seems all of my boys love to curl up in the lower half of my abdomen. I've got plenty of room higher up, but why spread out the love when you can make your mother look like she has a watermelon stuffed under her shirt?

I had Jason take pictures today, but I did not look at them too fondly. Maybe it was the fact that I tried on numerous outfits for church on Sunday only to toss the majority aside because they were too tight on my belly. I was about ready to throw the idea of wearing a dress or skirt out the window. Thankfully I found a skirt that still fit AND a blouse that hung low enough - it helped that the skirt just stretches around the waist and doesn't have a panel. Another reason may have been the fact that Jason said it looks like I have a missile coming out of me and that he's never seen me this big. And no, I did not slap him. I looked at the pictures and agreed.

The reason for my missile appearance is that the baby has dropped considerably. I won't go into all the details of how I know this to be true, but suffice it to say the way my clothes fit is one major indication. Even my grandpa noticed it when he saw me last week and I dare say I've dropped even more in just the last couple days. I don't know if this means labor is right around the corner or not. With Jason and the boys out of state Friday through Sunday I'm hoping the baby either comes before they leave or stays put until Monday! Jason told me I'm to be on strict bed rest all weekend, but as I told him, when my body decides to have the baby there will be little to stop the process! I also have the feeling that process is going to be quick.

There are parts of me that would like to continue being pregnant for a while longer. There are things I do truly miss about being pregnant once it is over. I miss the little kicks, stretches, and stirrings throughout the day (and sometimes night!). And of course we all know how quickly children change and grow. At this point I still get to anticipate the life this little boy will have, but once he is born the days start ticking away much more quickly than this mother would like. Having a five year old and an almost three year old has definitely taught me that! I'm going to miss my maternity clothes, as odd as that sounds. For me it's like getting a new wardrobe for six months (even though I've worn them before). At the same time, I'm ready to get the show on the road! Not so much to quit being pregnant, but to get over the anticipation (or maybe it's dread?) of labor and delivery. To get to meet this little person that will soon join our family and to see how he will add to the dynamics. I am anxious to see what he looks like. Does he have any of Jason's dimples? Will he look more like him or me, or will he be a combination of us both? I'm not looking forward to nights of interrupted sleep, but I'm almost anxious to get them started, so I can get them over with!

Obviously I have mixed emotions and feelings about being two weeks away from my due date. I'm extremely thankful the Lord once again allowed me to carry the baby to term. I'm also a little nervous to be at this point because I feel a little like a walking time bomb ready to explode!

We'll see if I make it another week for another update or if this little guy makes his appearance before then!