Let the 17 Day Countdown Begin!

Before reading any further, please stop and pray for sweet Ava Hunter.  You can read all about her and how to pray for her here:  http://joshuajoelhunter.blogspot.com/
She and her family need and appreciate your prayers so much.

Currently, Marcus and I have 17 days left until our baby Bethany's due date.  I have been 2cm dilated and 60% effaced for almost three weeks.  I wasn't checked at my last appointment, so I don't know if I have made any more progression.  I have been having Braxton-Hicks contractions for weeks.  Some days they are very strong and frequent . . . and then some days, they're not as noticable - like today.  Before I was so anxious about getting to go early, but now I'm starting to realize that I could very easily be one of those women who just stays dilated and effaced all the way until the end.  Although, the craziest thing I'm experiencing is "down-there" pressure.  I can't even describe it properly.  Sometimes I feel like she's literally trying to push or crawl out of me.  It's not painful . . . it's just a very odd sensation.

At 37+ weeks pregnant . . .I definitely FEEL pregnant.  Here are my current symptoms:

- As of this past weekend, my hands and feet are swollen.  My fingers don't look like sausages, thank goodness, but my rings do not fit anymore.

- Braxton Hicks contractions - on some days they are super frequent and super strong and other days they're not as noticable.

- I have experienced the nesting need.  Last week, I cleaned the house, did another load of baby clothes, and insisted on bathing the cats . . . it has been a very long time since we've bathed our indoor cats.

- Bethany still nudges and bumps me, but she's not a hyperactive mover like some moms describe.  Unless she's putting on the "trying to get out" pressure, sometimes she's so calm that I get nervous.  I have not once experience being kicked in the ribs and I don't think I will since she has already dropped. 

- My legs and back have actually felt great . . . which is strange since I've been working since the 16th of August.  Sleeping, however, is sometimes difficult.

Marcus's birthday is this coming Saturday.  I'm excited to celebrate his special day.  Will Bethany arrive before then or afterward?  I'm starting to feel like she's be here afterward . . . but only time will tell!