Full term!!

Today is a very exciting day in my pregnancy.....I'm officially full term by medical definitions. This means that if she were to be born from today on she would (barring any complications) be healthy and not be considered premature.

A quick update in the progress department, as of my 36 week appointment last Wednesday I was dilated to 3 cm and 75% effaced. I told my doctor that if the other 7 cm could be as painless as the first 3, then I'd jump up and down for joy! We did go in for a labor check on Thursday because I'd been having pretty uncomfortable and frequent contractions since my appointment. I wasn't able to time the contractions at work (duh, who has time to sit around and time contractions when you are being paid to work - I don't think the nurses understood that) so they wanted us to come and be monitored for an hour. Well turns out my body was just overtired and a bit dehydrated and after an hour rest and some fluids the contractions settled down. Hopefully we'll be back soon with the real deal! I'm so ready to meet my daughter!

Oh and since I haven't posted many pictures of me and the belly I thought I'd better mark the "full-term day" with a couple pics. My first thought when I saw the pictures was - wow, that is a BIG belly. I guess I didn't realize how I really am ALL belly until now... Oh and in the second picture, if you can't tell Joel is kissing my belly. I saw this picture on some photographer's website and thought it would be cute to recreate it.

"Pack Your Bags"

I received those instructions from my doctor after my appointment this last Wednesday where I was informed that I am already dilated to 2 centimeters. I could hardly believe it when she told me! Apparently the braxton hicks contractions I've been feeling have been doing their job. Now, let me just say this before you all start thinking I'm going to have this baby any day now....my doctor said that while it is progress, I could stay this way until I'm full term, but she thought I would definitely not deliver past my due date (music to a pregnant lady's ears!). And let me also say this - she said that if I were to go into labor from this point on that they would not stop me, so let's pray this little lady decides to stay put for a few more weeks to gain some more weight and mature her lungs a little bit more. It is very exciting to see the light at the end of the tunnel and know we are going to meet our daughter in under 35 days!!

And about those bags, they are almost packed. I'm still picking up a few supplies - i.e. snacks for daddy. But they'll be ready when the time comes!

Showered with L-O-V-E

On Sunday, January 25th, two very dear friends of mine - Lindsey & Aimee - threw a beautiful shower for me and several of my girlfriends. We received so many wonderful things for Reagan and had a great time catching up with friends! Every guest was asked to bring a bib that reminded them of a time we had together, it was a blast trying to guess which bib came from which person. We are now fully stocked on bibs too!

Me and the two hostesses - Aimee on the left and Lindsey on the right

All of the wonderful gifts!

Then on Saturday, January 30th, my side of the family threw a shower for us. It was hosted by my Aunt Linda and cousin Sherry, and they threw a very lovely brunch shower. It was wonderful to be surrounded by family and family friends who have watched me grow up and who love my daughter just as much. I was overwhelmed by every one's generosity. Linda's house looked so beautiful decorated for the shower too, like a picture right out of Better Homes & Gardens. I haven't received the pictures from the shower, but once I do I'll be sure to share.

Joel and I feel so thankful to have such wonderful friends and family! We love you all!!

Honeydew we love you!

Yep, this update is late. I can't break my streak I guess.

In any case, for month 8 Reagan is the approximate size of a Honeydew melon. I'll be 35 weeks tomorrow and at my appointment last Wednesday my doctor estimated her size at 5 pounds, so she is on the bigger size. I'm ok with this, since if I were to go into labor from now on they wouldn't stop me, so having a bigger baby puts my mind at ease a little bit. The Doctor also said that if she kept growing at this rate she would be around 8 pounds by her due date, which we were expecting since both Joel and I were both around 8 pounds.

It is getting a little surreal that in a maximum of 6 weeks, as they will only let me go over due one week, we will meet our daughter!

Until then I hope you enjoy the update....

Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.