18 days...

...not sure we will last that long. :) It has been a somewhat difficult week. I've had lots of contractions, often concentrated in a regular pattern for hours before dissipating. It's quite confusing to know when labor is starting. I've officially had two times where I thought it was really it only to find out eventually that it wasn't. When I talked with the doctor today at my 37 week appointment, she was shocked that I haven't gone to the hospital yet considering what I've been through. That was oddly comforting. She could tell by my progression (4cm) that my contractions haven't been a whole lot of fun.

I'm taking it easy a lot these days. I have been reading, watching movies, and keeping my feet up as much as possible. I nightly spend 2-4 hours on the couch with contractions, so naps in the day have become a must. Part of me feels lazy and the other part is too tired to care. :)

Anyway, the anticipation is growing and we are so eager to find out if there is a Sophie or Creed in our family!

Soon and very soon!

We had our 36 week appointment today and baby is doing great. Baby is in position and getting ready to go, and my body is getting ready too. I think this little one may be as impatient to get out as I am getting to hold it! I am already progressing toward labor. I'm glad all these "false" contractions are truly doing something worthwhile. :) Baby has a great heart rate, is approx. 6lbs and 15oz and shows signs of fetal breathing which indicates baby's lungs will grow and mature well after birth.

After our appointment, my parents stopped by for just a few hours. One last trip before the big event! It was great to have them here and show mom around all the baby things.

9 mo, baby!!!

It's offcial: We are 36 weeks and 9 mo closer to holding our baby in our arms!

It is incredible how that reality has sunk in deeper and deeper over the past 238 days. Just yesterday, I was driving to the store and really felt the presence of the car seat behind me for the first time. It wasn't just a new gadget, it was proclaiming good (and loud, and distracting) things ahead.

We had our first shower last week and it was a blast! I will try to add some photos here soon, but no guarantees as I am slowing down a lot and trying to take it easy while I can. We are overwhelmed at God's provision in our lives through family, friends and our incredible church family.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Strong heartbeat!

We had our 34 week OB check today and everything is looking and sounding good. The baby's heartbeat seemed extra fast at first, but the dr listened for a while and was able to confirm that it was only shooting up when baby was dancing like a maniac and then went back down as soon as baby took a break. :)

I am feeling very pregnant. I am over a week into my most consistent and extreme bought of utter exhaustion, coupled with strong emotions. Everything is making me cry. I am so blessed to have Kyle as a husband--my self-esteem isn't so hot right now, but he constantly informs me of just how hot I am. :)

I am looking forward to baby's first shower this weekend. It will be so fun to celebrate this little one with the ladies from church and Great Grandma Ann, Kyle's grandma.

We head back to the dr in two weeks for the royal treatment of tests, exams and sonogram that are routine at 36 weeks. I am due in less than 6 weeks, but baby could be safely welcomed anywhere from 2.5-7.5 weeks from now. WILD!