The final countdown

So these last few days (er, weeks) we have been in a countdown, expecting that the baby girl could come at any time. I wonder why the last few days seems to drag on longer than the last nine months? Could it be the weekly reminders at the doctor's that it could be any day? Could it be the phone calls and emails from friends and family wondering if you have "had that baby, yet"? I constantly have to remind myself that I can indeed wait, because I know that I'm in for a world of chaos when that little bundle of joy finally does arrive. So each little day (as long they seems) gets me a little more prepared, a few extra full nights of sleep and a few extra days at work to prepare for my three month maternity leave.

My last doctor's appointment was on Tuesday, December 15th. I was 158 lbs. (23 lbs. gained), my blood pressure was still good. The doctor checked my cervix and I was 3 cm dilated (1 more cm since the prior appointment a week earlier), 60% effaced and the baby's head was at -1 station. Translation - it could be any day. We decided to go ahead and schedule an induction on the 21st to ensure that I will be home for the holidays. We are really hoping for her to come on her own before then, though. Since the doctors feel as though an induction with my progress would go very well, we said what the heck. Until then the bags are packed and we are ready to go at a moments notice.