How much longer?

Do you think she'll take her sweet time getting here? Or do you think she'll come early? Anyone have any predictions?

I don't feel like I'm getting any closer to labor - but I hope I am!

Last week was super busy - long days at work and then Saturday morning I woke up with a sore throat and the telltale signs that a cold was coming on. Luckily, it didn't get me down for Saturday. Saturday was our all day birthing/labor prep class. 9am-4pm. It was okay - explained really well what to expect for the hospital and their procedures - what they have, what they allow etc... but as for the delivery itself, I don't feel anymore ready for it. It was a good reminder of what the stages of labor are and when different interventions occur though. Rich said he doesn't feel anymore prepared, but I think some of it was helpful for him too and that we're both just not really sure what to expect - so how can you feel prepared for that!?!

I do have to say though... I've been in denial for the past 36 weeks (well, not really denial - just haven't thought about it) ... about the fact that this little (hopefully!) baby has to come out of me somehow... Seeing the live birthing video at the class made it a little more real though! Yikes! What did we get ourselves into!?! :P

After the class on Saturday, we rushed home - chilled out for a short while and then at 5pm was my baby shower. Mom and Megan were here when we got back to the house so we went over together. Thank you to everyone who helped with the shower! It was perfect! :) We were blessed with many great gifts and it is obvious this little baby is loved by a ton of people already.

By the time I got home Saturday night, I was so ready for bed... Tried sleeping in bed, but at 3am I found myself out in the recliner because my head was so stuffed up I couldn't breath lying down. I have slept in the recliner every night since then too.

Sunday we went to Richie's mom and dad's...and I literally did nothing all day. Sat in the recliner with my feet up and watched TV...pretty much all day. It felt good to rest, but my cold was getting worse.

Monday - I went to work... felt pretty yucky though. Ended up doing another long day.
Tuesday - still feeling yucky... but went to work anyways ... Someone squealed to my boss that I wasn't feeling well and she made me come home early... and told me to stay home today (Wednesday) too.

I have just a few things left that I ~really~ want to/need to do before baby comes. I've got a bunch of loose ends I need to tie up at work. I want to get a few more meals in the freezer. I want to get at least the living room/bathroom/kitchen/dining areas cleaned up so that when we have people stopping by after the birth, I won't feel terrible about having a messy house.

And - Rich and I want to get in one last baby free date. Hopefully this Sunday we'll be going out - lunch, a movie, and stopping by a few stores to pick up a couple of things we still need for baby.

I see Graham tomorrow for my 36 week appointment (although I'm almost 37 weeks now!) I plan to ask her at what point does the blood pressure get concerning. I also want to ask what their standard is for "when to go to the hospital".

I've checked my bp a few times this week...highest was 151/81. That was after sitting at my desk, doing some work, talking, and getting up a couple times to use the fax machine (so certainly nothing strenuous). Then, after resting, it was 139/69.

I have had a headache all day today, but I don't think it has anything to do with my blood pressure... I think it's all sinus related. My head is so full.

And not to complain - really just to document - I'm feeling really uncomfortable all of the time now. My feet are still swollen all the time - but I think I've forgotten what normal feels like. They do ache if I stand too long. My back is really sore - especially right between my shoulders about where my bra strap is. My low back feels fine though. I'm getting more braxton hicks each and every day now... probably about 8-10 a day. And they're happening at night too now which wakes me up because I have to pee almost everytime I have one. Getting up from the couch and the chair (and the bed) is terrible. I feel like a beached whale and it's nearly impossible to roll over without a ton of effort. My heartburn is more frequent and more intense than it has been lately. And I get winded and short of breath from talking.

Some people have told me "I've dropped"... but I can't really tell. I've been carrying low the whole time so I haven't seen any great changes.

Oh, and I noticed today that I've got stretch marks on my butt and thighs to match the ones on my belly and boobs! ~lovely~ :P