So. Damn. Close.

Today the doctor told us that I'm starting to dilate! This is wonderful! Cooper will be here soon! Since I am beginning to dilate it's less likely that I'll need to be induced and more likely he'll be right on time.

I started drinking red raspberry leaf tea this week and it has brought on a ton of contractions. I can feel them almost immediately after a few sips of the tea. Our doctor advised us to keep on drinking it, to keep the contractions coming. I had no idea it would be this efficient of a labor inducer! Many of my books say not to drink it before 39 weeks because it could cause early labor... but I suppose I didn't think it would have that much of an effect on me.

I stopped by Kohl's today to pick up a sports watch so I could time my contractions. It's cute and purple. The only thing I need now is a robe for the hospital and I couldn't find one that I liked or that was black and white (babies like the contrast).

Hopefully I can get another update in before the baby gets here, and I'd really like to make my hair appointment tomorrow... we shall see :)

Come On Now.

I've been having more and more contractions... getting used to them now unfortunately. I thought I was heading into labor a few times this week, but the contractions have proven to be teasers.

I'm not sure what the deal is with my sleep habits, but it's been impossible for me to sleep at night. Friday I fell asleep at 7:30AM after a night filled with bathroom trips and contractions that almost made me buckle over. Since then they've been inconsistently coming. Hopefully they'll gain some rhythm soon, as I am ready to meet this little man of ours!

Jory has been very patient with me and my cranky moments, which seem to happen more often as time progresses. He is wonderful about making dinner, getting me beverages, helping me out of the bath and any other little request I have.

I have a few little-itty-bitty stretch marks but nothing like I thought I would have. My belly is completely stretch mark free, which I can thank my mother for since they say it's genetic. The other little ones will likely disappear after the baby is born and this weight starts to come off.

My due date is in 10 days and although I think he's going to be early, I really don't care when he comes as long as I can get a full night's sleep beforehand.

We are both getting very excited and can't wait to be parents. The last 9.5 months have been quite an experience for us and has brought us closer than I ever thought it could. Every day I feel thankful for the wonderful man in my life and how lucky we are to have each other. I can't wait to see Jory with his son as I know he is beyond excited and will be an amazing father.

Now... hurry up baby!

He Flipped!

After a couple weeks of worrying, the doctor told us today that Cooper has flipped and is in the correct position for delivery, head-down. I had been stressing about this for a couple weeks, not wanting to have to have a cesarian because he was breech. But all of those worries are gone and we continue the waiting game.

His kicks and jabs are getting even more intense and sometimes I wonder if he's not doing damage in there. I involuntarily let out a few shrieks and cuss words after catching an elbow to some sensitive area in my abdomen, possibly an ovary.

I have been having pretty intense contractions the last few days. Hopefully they will stay inconsistent for another couple weeks. I can feel the changes in my body as we get closer and I am really, really excited.

When I look at the picture below it seems surreal. Yeah, I see the bump and wiggles of the belly and yes, I feel him all the time... but I don't think it'll truly hit me until I see him.