Full Term

Well we have finally made it to 37 weeks, which is considered full term. The doctor told me a few days ago that if I started to go into labor now, they would do nothing to stop it. That was exciting news.
But, I also realized that the chances of going into labor 3 weeks before my due date are pretty low. Bummer!

But, since I am considered full term, I have been googling ways to induce labor at home. Of course, I'm not taking any of this seriously, and I know that this stuff doesn't actually work. The baby will come when the baby is ready. But it is fun to try a few of these old wives tales.
(Also, I will note, that I have been told by several people when I can and cannot have this baby. So I am on a very strict timetable here. Ya hear that Jaelyn? You can't come out until EVERYONE is ready for you to come out.)

So here is my fun list of labor inducing techniques I may or may not try (but probably I will definitely try them):

1. Sex: Yep, I said it. Apparently sperm on the cervix is supposed to help things get moving along.

2. Walking: Some say that a long brisk walk can naturally induce labor. Plus it is great exercise and can reduce pregnancy stress (But who am I kidding, I'm not walking for the exercise, I want this baby outta me and into my arms!!)

3. Eating Spicy foods: Some people believe that spicy foods (like castor oil...which will NOT be on my list) can irritate your intestines and cause your uterus to contract.

4. Eating Pineapple

5. Talking to the baby and telling her it's okay to come out now and that we can't wait to meet her

6. Massage

7. Relaxing: I do enough of that already!

8. Bumpy car rides: Gotta bounce that baby right outta ya!

9. Marching up and down the stairs: Though...that might just make you too tired if labor does actually begin

10. Watch a funny movie and laugh until you pee your pants/watch a sad movie and cry like crazy

Okay, obviously the majority of these are just ridiculous. But hey...what else am I gonna do in these next 3 weeks?! Might as well have a little fun while I wait.

Too much anticipation

The excitement of becoming a mom is getting overwhelming. It has gotten to the point where I just can't sleep anymore. As I lay down at night, my desire to get some rest is interrupted by my great imagination and longing to meet my baby. The thoughts and "day dreams", so to speak, keep me awake almost through the night.

I can equate it with being a child and having that great anticipation about going on vacation. The night before we would leave, I would be unable to sleep. I was wide awake by the thoughts of what it would be like, what we would do, and all the fun we would have.
Or even Christmas. As a kid, Christmas eve night was the worst night for sleep! I just couldn't stop thinking about waking up in the morning to a living room swallowed up in presents. What did I get this year? Will mom and dad like what I got them?!

But more accurately, this excitement and anticipation can be more equated with getting married. Weeks before the big day, I would lie awake just thinking about that perfect day and what life would be like afterwards.
In marriage you get a person; a spouse, a forever partner, a best friend to share life with. A person that is there with you through the thick and thin. It's a momentous occasion that calls for celebration. And it's life changing.

It's the same, really, for having a baby. In the end you get a person. A tiny baby that is a blend of both you and your spouse. An intermingling of the two of you in this tiny tiny human. Having a baby is so neat.
You watch for almost 10 months as your body begins to grow and change, to accommodate a tiny living creature. Each week is filled with something new, something different. It's so unique to feel the little person you are growing start to wiggle and move around. And soon, you discover that this little baby in your womb already has a personality developing in there- already has her own temperament.
And you know that all of those people out there that say fetuses aren't humans yet are full of crap. You know that babies in utero are living humans, complete with their own personalities and designed by God. They are created humans too. You know this because you're growing one, and well, you just know.

The anticipation of meeting Jaelyn is overwhelming. I'm excited beyond words. I don't want to wait another 4 weeks. I want to hold this precious baby, love on her, and be her mama!

I can't wait to meet you!!

One day, Two funerals, Three Lessons

Today was a strange day. A sad day. Two people from my home town died in the past week. It was a strange mix of emotions. It's always a reality check when someone you know dies. Life is so short.

One of the funerals was for a grade school teacher. He was a great man and an amazing teacher. So full of life and love. He cared deeply for his students, and it was evident in  his service. He was older, though not very old. His death was sudden, and it was a shock. So many loved him dearly, and it was sad to hear of his passing.
His funeral was quite nice though. So many people there to offer there support, and to grieve for a man that was well loved.
It was a celebration of a life well lived. It was sad to be at his funeral, but, as far as funerals go, it was a nice one. When I die, I want people to celebrate. He passed from this life into the next one, and we can all rest assure of where he is now.

The other funeral was for a high school classmate. Her passing was quite a shock. She was young. My age. And she had a little boy. It was devastating news, and something that is still hard to wrap my mind around. Someone dying so young always strikes a nerve in me. It's hard for me to process. Especially if I knew the person.
Her funeral was less of a celebration of a life well lived, and more of a mourning for a life lost too early. My heart breaks for this family. She died way too soon. Her life was riddled with struggle and conflict. She just couldn't overcome her drug addiction. And, in the end, it prevailed over her. A tragedy to be sure.
Her death is still a shock to my system, and I'm having difficulty processing everything that encompasses her passing.
Life is way too short.

And here are the 3 lessons I have learned from this experience:

1. Life really is short: The reality of this life is that we sometimes spend too much time focusing on the wrong things. I want to live my life in such a way that I focus on the things that truly matter, and forget about the trivial matters. People are so important! Our family and friends matter so much. I need to show them that.

2. Sharing matters much: I may feel intrusive or worry about how people will perceive me if I share my faith with others. But this stuff matters. Tragedy happens all around us. And it happens every day. Who am I to decide who gets to hear, and who doesn't? It's not up to me. I need to share because it does matter much.

3. People need us: We cannot neglect those around us that appear to be suffering, or are closing themselves off to friends and family. Whether they want us to or not, we need to be there for those around us. If someone you know is depressed or is acting very secluded, or is just down in the dumps, it is essential to take that small step and let them know you care. A hand written note, a text, a phone call, a visit. Small gestures mean so much to those that are in the pit and feel alone and neglected.
If we care for those around us...perhaps less tragedy will strike.

Life is difficult. We need to be there for each other.

So...how far are we?

I keep getting confused about how far along I am. Actually, I keep getting confused about a lot of things. It's like having a baby inside of you makes you a little dense.
After checking my calendar again and again, I can confidently say that I am 8 1/2 months pregnant! Wow! Where has the time gone?

Now that I am almost 9 months, I can say that this pregnancy really hasn't been that bad, and it really hasn't seemed that long. If you would have asked me a few months ago, or even several weeks ago, I would have said that this thing is just dragging on and on. But, in hindsight, this pregnancy has been awesome! Aside from the occasional sleepless nights, and the bouts of heartburn, and the overall uncomfortableness....it's been a walk in the park. haha!

One of my favorite things about being pregnant is feeling her hiccup! Which, by the way, she is currently doing. I just love it! There is a tiny tiny person inside of me, and I can feel her very life. It is amazing! I love my baby girl, and I am so excited to finally get to meet her.

We have approximately 6 weeks left. Of course, if she's anything like her mom and dad, she will be late! I am praying that she is early though, because there are things we want to do this summer! haha!

Come out, come out, wherever you are!!

Maternity Picture- 34 weeks

Well we finally got our maternity pictures done. I was getting nervous that we would never actually get around to it. We had to make  3 hour trek to Indiana...which is no small feat these days. Me and travel just don't do well together. But somehow I survived (although my poor swollen feet didn't think so).

And so....here are a few of those lovely maternity pics. (Thanks again Aunt Becky!)

Oh yeah...baby pics- 31 weeks

I forgot to post these! Silly me. Here are the most recent pictures of Jaelyn:

 Her eyes are open!!

 Little tiny baby feet!