Baby Mim - 38 Weeks

Dear Baby Mim,

Well, here we are, nearing the very end of this pregnancy.  It's been an amazing 9.5 months and exactly one week from today, we will finally get a chance to meet you face-to-face.  That is, unless that you decide to come earlier, little one, which would be totally fine with your mama.  I've loved being pregnant with you, but I'm so excited about moving on to the next phase and having you in my arms.  I can't wait to see your beautiful face and smell your head and kiss those tiny toes that kick me nonstop these days.  I've loved protecting you and keeping you safe on the inside, but everyone is ready to meet you, my dear, and perhaps it's time for me to stop hogging you all to myself.  I think it's your dad's turn to hold you for a while.  

Despite it being the very end and being both mentally and physically READY to have you, I have to say that I think we're doing alright.  I went out to dinner last night with friends and they all unanimously agreed that not only did I not look miserable, but may have looked pretty damn good for 38 weeks.  Thanks friends!  I have to agree - I'm not nearly as miserable this time around as I was when I was this pregnant with Mac.  It might have something to do with the lack of swelling (I still have ankles!) and your low position, but either way, I thank you for being easy on me.  I still have trouble chasing your brother around and doing much around the house, but your dad has really stepped up and taken over a lot of responsibilities.  He even lets me sleep in on weekends and insists that I rest and put my feet up occasionally - he's the best.  I think you'll like him. 

My only real complaints right now are nightly heartburn/indigestion and lack of sleep (from pregnancy insomnia, multiple nightly bathroom trips and heartburn).  Perhaps this is my body's way of preparing me for all the sleepless nights ahead, but I was really hoping to be well-rested going into this and get as much sleep as I can over the next week.  I alternate between wanting to sleep nonstop for the next 7 days and wanting to do as much as possible with Mac before you get here and turn his world upside down (in a good way, my dear).  When I do sleep, it's like I'm dead - so deep and peaceful.  I've only had one weird pregnancy dream about Kevin Bacon, which really just made me want to watch Footloose on repeat for the last few weeks.  I'm still eating basically whatever I want (except salmon...vomit) and drinking lemonade like it's going out of style.  I have a feeling that after this pregnancy, I may never drink lemonade again.  

You have gotten so big in the last couple weeks and my bump is crazy round!  I absolutely love it and have been wearing clothes that show it off.  We had an ultrasound at 36 weeks and got to see your beautiful face.  I usually think that 3D ultrasounds are super creepy, but you actually managed to look adorable!  I think this means you'll be photogenic - a mamarazzi's dream come true!  We made a family outing out of the ultrasound, bringing Mac (plus Sophie and multiple trains) along for the adventure.  I'm not sure he really understood what he was seeing on the screen, but your dad and I were mesmerized.  We loved watching you move around and squirm.  You touched your face a few times, kicked and even stuck your tongue out at us!  You are such a little stinker already.  You're measuring big - at 36 weeks, you were just over 6 pounds (in the 75th percentile)! That's fantastic! Keep it up, baby!

See what I mean about you being so cute!

I think we're also pretty ready for you at home.  Your nursery is about 90% finished.  I have to hang one canvas and we we're still waiting for your glider to arrive.  We initially moved the glider out of Mac's room into your room, but after multiple meltdowns and requests to rock from your brother for an entire weekend, we put it back.  He's not ready to give it up, so you will be getting a new one.  Sharing isn't his strong suit, but he'll learn soon enough.  Your closet is stocked and you already have quite a nice collection of hair bows and headbands.  There is LOTS of pink. Hope that's ok with you.  Otherwise, I think the only things left to do at home are install the car seats, set up the bassinet, pack 'n play and swing.  Of course, as soon as we get you home there will probably be a million things that we never thought about, but for now we're feeling rather prepared. Finally.  

And although we may be ready, you haven't shown any signs of an early arrival.  I've been 1 cm dilated and 70% effaced for the last 4 weeks.  No change.  Combined with your size, we thought that might mean you'd come a bit early on your own, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. No problem, baby.  As of now, Friday is my last day of work and I'm hoping to spend the weekend relaxing and getting pampered.  We've got everything scheduled and arranged for your arrival next week and I have to admit, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to have everything go according to our plans.  The control freak in me is kinda looking forward to that.  However, should you wish to surprise us a bit early, we wouldn't be opposed.  My hospital bag is packed, just in case.  We really can't wait to meet you!

Love, 

Your mama