bump update: 38 weeks!

capturing this pic took a bit of time due to all of our laughter at the size and shape of my belly--it looks like I just have a basketball stuffed inside my dress

 How far along? 38 weeks...so exciting.

Baby size: Watermelon-size still.  On average, about 19 inches long and almost 7 pounds.  I wish we knew her approximate real size, but since everything is going well, we haven't had an ultrasound since the 2nd trimester.

Total weight gain: About 23 pounds.

Sleep: Good nights and bad.  Getting comfortable is the hard part.  Once I'm comfortable (usually curled up in fetal position around a body pillow) then I sleep well.  I do wake up constantly to pee.

Movement: Lots of strong movement.  The new movement is feeling her head super low since she has dropped.  Crazy interesting.

Food cravings/aversions: Mexican still isn't a huge hit.  Everything else tastes good to me.  My appetite is up and down...on days I'm feeling worst, I don't have a huge appetite.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Same as before but some new symptoms.  My Braxton Hicks are starting to be quite painful sometimes and come more frequently.  (I actually have timed them a couple time this weekend thinking we were going to the hospital--but then after an hour or so they never got stronger and tapered off.) "Lightning crotch" as they say on the websites and in the books--that's tons of fun...not.  I've also had cramping in my pelvic area and lower back (very similar to strong menstrual cramps).

What I miss: Having days where I feel good.  I have been spoiled blessed in pregnancy, and can honestly say that just within the past week I've become really uncomfortable.

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting her! My doc appointment on Friday to see if I've made more progress.

Milestones: Being at the end of pregnancy.  I can't believe how fast it has gone.  Plus, she's ready and just plumping up.

Best moment this week: Finding out there was progress toward labor at my appointment this past Friday.  I haven't dilated but my cervix is thinning according to my doc and she was able to feel the top of Adeline's head confirming she's head-down.  She also said that with the cramping I've been having, that's often a sign that things are getting close.  She left it with "I'll see you next Friday, but then I could see you earlier."(Although, I know not to get my hopes up...as she could still take her sweet time and hang out for a couple more weeks before coming.)

Moments with Justin: We had a couple surprise days together this week due to Justin having a couple days off.  We spent time returning items and purchasing some more things on our registry with gift cards, eating out a few last meals before baby, and hanging out and relaxing around the house.  The car seat is installed, the house has been cleaned (including steam mopping our hardwood floors thanks to my amazing hubby), and the cabinets and freezer are stocked.  We're in waiting mode now.