Well, I was hoping to have made more progress, but I went yesterday for my latest checkup and I am still only 1 cm dilated and not effaced at all.  I was so disappointed to hear that!    On the up side, the baby is still head down and my strep-b test came back negative - so at least I've got those things going for me.

I feel really bummed out today for some reason.  I think part of it is impatience with wanting the baby to come and part of it is sheer exhaustion.  I've been going to bed way too late lately and I don't sleep well when I finally am in bed.  That just makes me worry, because I know that when labor starts, I need to be well rested and ready to tough it out.  A big part of me wants to just take the day off, go home, and rest...but I'm trying to save up my days in case I need them during maternity leave...so, here I am...all bummed out. 

Well, sorry to be such a downer, but I don't have much else to share right now.  Hopefully I'll have some good news soon.  Hope everyone is doing well...

~ Mandy

I have been such a GROUCH  lately!  I have to admit that I really don't like myself these last couple of weeks.  I seem to have NO patience for anybody...especially when I'm driving!  Everyone on the road aggravates me to no end.  It doesn't stop there, though.  I snap at my husband, I roll my eyes whenever my mother-in-law calls, I'm short with my sisters...I just don't seem to like anyone lately!

I'm really, really hoping that all this grouchiness is just ninth-month hormones, because I'd hate to continue on like this after the baby is born.

On the up-side, I got a good bit of baby stuff taken care of this weekend.  I washed all of Jonah's clothes (don't know if that's going to be his name for sure yet, but I'm trying it out), and blankets and put them away.  I cleaned out half of his closet, so now there's actually some room for HIS things.  I also straightened up and organized all the stuff we had piled on the changing table.  I just have a few things left to hang on the walls and we're pretty much set.  Of course, I haven't packed either of our bags for the hospital yet, either, but I'm getting to it...

This afternoon is our next doctor's appointment.  She's going to check me again to see if I've dilated anymore.  Someone at work told me something interesting about one of the pregnant women that works with me (I don't know her, though).  Supposedly, she went in last week for a routine check-up and the doctor told her that she was 7 centimeters dilated and needed to go straight to the hospital!   Can you imagine being 7 cm dilated and not even realizing it?  That's the kind of labor I want!  Now, all weekend long I've been half-joking with Jared, telling him that when we go to the doctor today, I'm going to be 7 centimeters.  I can hope, right?

Well, that's about it for now.  I added a couple pictures from about a week ago to my photo album.  I'll update tomorrow on how the doctor's appointment goes today.  Think dilation!!!

Okay...we're getting down to the wire now and we still haven't decided on a name for our little man. 

Our top picks right now are Jonah and Raleigh (like the city in North Carolina), but I could REALLY use some insight.  So, I've decided to do a little poll - if you have a sec, please sign my guestbook and let me know which name you like most (or least) and why (if you have a reason). 

I really appreciate your help!

~ Mandy

I am 36 weeks today and SOOOOOOO ready to have this baby! 

I have a tiny feeling that he's going to come early (maybe this is wishful thinking).  I haven't really had any indications of early labor, though.  I've continued to have LOTS of Braxton-Hicks contractions.  I also feel like I have to pee constantly...even if I just went!  Every once in a while, I'll get a sharp pain in my bladder area  and feel like I'm about to wet myself, but it always passes after a few minutes.  Usually when I feel this, the baby is moving around so I guess he's just bouncing against my bladder or something...I hope he's trying to work his way out!

My lower back has been REALLY sore and achy the last few days.  I've had some mild crampy feelings in my lower abdomen, too, but no real contractions yet.  Now, it's just a waiting game, I guess...