39 weeks...

Dear Madeline, come out, come out wherever you aaaare!  I truly thought sweet little M would be in our arms by now.  The joke is on Mom and Dad!  I guess I should practice more patience at this point...she's obviously not quite "done" and will come when she's good and ready.  I find myself going back and forth between feeling content and perfectly fine with waiting a bit longer to completely uncomfortable and sore and desperate to get her out IMMEDIATELY!  


I have been having minor contractions since Friday (when I hit 39 weeks), but they're irregular and nothing to write home about.  My stomach has also been completely upset this week.  I found myself waking up to an upset stomach all weekend long - this includes some serious nausea (I thought this was all over after that 12th week!).  Maybe this is my body's way of "cleaning house" in preparation for labor.  


I'm tossing and turning more at night.  When I do, the pain and pressure in my hips and back is intense.  I literally have to take deep breaths in order to get myself over to the other side.  When I sit, I feel like I'm sitting on Madeline's little head - that same little head that pushes down HARD down low and takes my breath away.  But, despite the discomfort, I see a little foot come to the surface of my belly and all is forgotten (except the strong desire to hold her in my arms).  It's bizarre...I never imagined that the thought of contractions and labor would be so desirable.  


We're continuing our daily walks and I'm chowing down on some serious spicy food!  Wives tales, I know, but I'll give it a whirl. 


Madeline is likely measuring about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds (like a mini watermelon....mini?).  I'm up to 27 lbs. total gained.  Not craving anything in particular except milk - I can't get enough of it!   I head back to the doc on Wednesday this week.  Keep you posted.  Off for a walk!!