39 Weeks

Well, that picture just about sums up how I have been feeling the past week and a half. Ouch! I have terrible sciatica pain and I am definitely developing a new found respect for people who have chronic back pain. I don't know how I could live with this all the time. I pray every day that this pain will be quick to go away as soon as this little one arrives. My midwife has assured me that it will, she says it might take a month or so, but it will heal on its own eventually. I have to admit, I have a huge fear that this pain has come to stay; but I am working on trusting God for complete healing (and soon).

I look ridiculous too. I never understood pregnant people that "waddled." I never "waddled" with Sierra and I honestly thought it was crazy that people actually would "waddle" when pregnant; however, now I realize why some women end up waddling through their last few weeks of pregnancy. Lord forgive me for doubting the "pregnant waddle."

Thankfully week 39 brought a huge blessing from a very dear friend. My friend Jaime called me on Wednesday (when I was 39 weeks exactly) and told me that she wanted to bless me with a massage from a friend of hers that was a massage therapist and also the same lady that massaged her at the end of her pregnancies. I was overwhelmed with joy and thankfulness when Jaime called. What a huge blessing!!! So on Thursday I received the most wonderful massage and I have to admit, it was pure bliss. Jaime came over to our house, brought me my favorite Starbucks drink, watched Sierra for me, and told me to just relax and take my time. It was wonderful. She even packed lunch for Sierra and had her fed and ready for nap time when I got home. Oh, what a blessing! The Lord has truly blessed me with Jaime's friendship. Thank you Lord and Thank you Jaime!!!

My appointment with the midwife was early this week and my next appointment is not until late next week, so I have about a week and a half between these two appointments. Here's hoping I go into labor before I have to go back for another check-up. :) Time will tell.

The appointment was great though. It was on Monday, so that was only 3 days since my 38 week check-up. My weight is still fluctuating between 9-10 pounds total weight gain and my blood pressure remains low at 100/66. The baby's heart rate was a steady 145 beats per minute and my uterus is measuring right on track. My cervix was still dilated only 1cm and is 50% effaced. I am happy with this progress, considering I was still closed up tight with no effacement with Sierra at this point.

Everything seems to be progressing very nice. I have been having a lot of cramping and sharp pains (mostly at night), but I am hoping that it is all just my body gearing up for the big day; whenever God decides that should be. We are excited to meet Baby "C" - but we are also enjoying our little family of 3 for a little while longer. Every day is a blessing and Baby "C" continues to be very active; a sign that she is nice and comfy in her warm, watery home. I am not feeling impatient, just enjoying feeling her on the inside because soon enough she will be crying (and hungry) on the outside. LOL! :)

Needless to say, I did not take any pictures this week of my growing belly. I know I will probably regret that, but with this pain, showers are happening only sporadically and the thought of standing for a picture is not my idea of a good time right now. Maybe next week! :)