What due date?

Today it has really dawned on me how much due dates are so "approximate." I felt as if I had to write today, because January 5th was my original due date. That has now come and gone.

But, I did have an appointment today with my wonderful Dr, Dr. Hayton. He's so funny and has such a dry sense of humor. I love it. For the last 5 weeks or so, my mother typically goes with me to my appointments. Mainly because they're so non-eventful, and it's so nice to have the company after an hour or so of waiting for the doctor.

Today I am 38 weeks and 3 days along. Jackson is estimated to weight 7+ lbs, and he is head down. Dr. Hayton says my cervix is thinning, after checking me out thoroughly (and quite painfully) which are all good signs of progressing nicely.

Lately I've been in a bit of a funk not feeling as if I have any control over when he will actually be here. (as per my last entry...) So, it's been taking a lot of prayer and reliance on God to know that he has the answers.

Not that today really gave me all the "answers," but it certainly helped put my mind at ease. Our next Dr.'s appointment is on Tuesday the 10th (that's only 5 DAYS away...). At this appointment, he will scrape my membranes (not sure what all of this entails, but apparently this is a safe and natural way to help spur on labor). Typically labor naturally starts after this is done in about 3 to 4 days. But, on the 10th, we're able to schedule a day that we would want to be induced, should scraping the membranes not work. So, we're batting around 17th or 18th to give him a bit more time.

But knowing that on just Tuesday things will hit an even bigger milestone is such a relief. There still are so many unknowns, but it was nice to finally discuss "the end result." I feel like he's so big he could be walking already!

Also, I think I'm a bit tired of all of the comments. "Wow! Look how BIG you are! I swear you grow every day!" or "When you turn the corner, the first thing I see is your belly!" or the all awesome giggle when someone walks by me and I have food in my hand. Hey, it's lunch time, aren't you going to eat too? Geez! 

But I'm enjoying and trying to relax with Aaron on the quiet times. I'm praying Merlin & Lola will adjust smoothly to Jack's arrival as well. I'm a  bit concerned about Merlin since he's a bit obsessed with me (hey, I know I'm a big deal!). So we'll see if he adjusts smoothly to a baby in the house.

Otherwise, things are definitely winding down with work, which is a nice thing. I feel so blessed with all of the support and love I've received from so many co-workers and clients! It's been amazing.

Jack, you're so loved, and your arrival is so very much anticipated by so many. God has already blessed your life, and I can't wait to kiss your sweet face.