Week 38.

Dear.... let's face it, you are off the charts when it comes to fruits and vegetables... it's past time to give up those descriptors and just call it like it is... predicted-to-be-surprisingly-large-baby,

We made it.  It's Week 38 (almost 39 now!) and today is my last day of work.  Honestly, I was hoping to not make it this long.  But it's okay.  It's giving me a chance to wrap things up, clean things up, provide some (temporary) closure.  I have a return date set.  Seems so far away now, but I'm sure it will be here before I know it.  The question that remains to be answered is in what capacity I will be returning...  but that can wait. 

Monday we had another doctor visit.  Last time she had suggested another ultrasound this week since I'm still,again,always measuring ahead.  So we got to sneak another peek at you, wiggling around as usual.  Everyone always seems surprised at how much moving you do in there.  And, after the size prediction, I'm surprised you HAVE any room to move in there!  By ultrasound measurements and some fancy calculations, the estimate is that you are 9 lbs. 14 oz.  I don't know what to say to that except that I'm *really* hoping that this is an overestimate of at least one pound.  Ultrasounds are known to be +/- 1 pound.  Again, let's not talk about the possibility of it being off the other way... 

The good news is that there is still plenty of fluid in there for you.  My blood pressure and everything else looks okay.  Even my swelling has gone back down.  So while the doc was somewhat concerned about the size estimate, there was no immediate panic.  We're just hoping that you decide to make your arrival soon, VERY soon.  Or else there might be talk of forcing you out.  I don't want that, little man.  So, we've started to try some more gentle approaches to getting you to cooperate...  Your dad has been feeding me spicy foods.  We've gone for some walks.  I've been bouncing on my ball like crazy.  And have been trying to make use of some acupressure points that we learned in our birthing class.  

I'll admit, your surprising size does have me a bit worried.  But mostly because I want to try to avoid as much medical intervention as possible.  If you don't come soon, I don't think that will be possible.  It may be impossible already, who knows?  Don't be stubborn like your momma and just come join us already!  :)

Your dad and I had a strange moment last night where we realized that one day soon, we will come home with a baby and our lives will completely change.  It's not like we didn't know that was coming of course.  Afterall, we have spent months preparing for your arrival!  It's just a strange thing...  it has been just the two of us for so long.  Soon we'll not only have a little stranger living with us, but we'll also be responsible for him.  We'll be "parents."  That is too strange!

That said, we are ready.  We are ready to meet you.  To bring you home.  To do our very best to take care of you and provide you with all that you need/want in life.  Our families too...  are so, so excited.
Baby, don't keep us waiting much longer.