Final Countdown

I know exactly what you're thinking.... OUCH! Yes, I've experience my share of pains this week. Poor Mason is out of room and I haven't been able to eat much anymore. My belly button has now protruded and can be seen poking out from my shirt. We only have 11 days left! I'm wrapping up the end of my 38th week and cannot be happier!

The doctor's appointment this past Wednesday was good, a little disappointing, but good. We're both healthy. My blood pressure dropped back down to 108/70. I think it's because I had the day off and didn't come straight from work! Mason's heart beat was perfect and my belly measured 37". Even though I'm still not dilated, my cervix is thinning and preparing for his debut. I know it's hard to guess when a baby will come but after having several friends have theirs 2 weeks early and reading that 95% of babies will be 14 days before their due date, I just kept getting my hopes up. Dr. Holladay told Lawton and I to prepare ourselves just in case he is late. I mentioned my swollen feet again and the Braxton Hicks contractions. He informed us that we'll know when it's the real thing. He said don't worry about timing the contractions.... there's no point. When it's real, they'll bring tears to my eyes and I'll be huffing and puffing. He turned to Lawton and said, "When she starts calling you names that you've NEVER heard before, then you know it's time to get to the hospital." Before we left, he did a quick ultrasound just to make sure Mason is head down and he's definitely in position! He told me to continue to drink plenty of fluids and stay away from salt. That should help with the swelling. I will continue to put my feet up and enjoy the massages.

I've enjoyed having Lawton home to drive me everywhere. It's been very uncomfortable just riding in the car. My belly seems too big to be behind the wheel and my feet are so big and puffy, I don't feel safe driving. Work has been slow....I haven't been working full days lately. I'm just so worn out. Now that Mason has dropped more, I feel the pelvic pressure often and the sharp pains in my lower abdomen. Lately I've found it more comfortable just to stand instead of sit. I walk around a lot just to help with the Braxton Hicks. I'm trying to take everyone's advice and enjoy this "quiet time" with Lawton but it seems like we just find more projects to take on before Mason's arrival. That also helps take our mind off of things. It's crazy how my pregnancy just FLEW by and now these next couple weeks are going by so slow! I feel like I can't call anyone because I freak people out... they think I'm in labor every time I want to chit chat! Maybe we'll have an eventful weekend. I feel like it's almost time.... probably just wishful thinking, but don't worry, we will be calling and/or sending out texts when we're on the way to the hospital. No matter what time of day! I know Lawton will be blogging, posting, and tweeting away... hopefully not while driving me! We'll be in touch....

Love,
Erika, Lawton, and Baby Mason