A Bit of Progress

Well, I had my first real check up today with my OB to see if I am progressing towards labor at all.  I am 1 day shy of 36 weeks, so I was hoping I would be a 1 or a 2...I was just hoping to NOT hear "fingertip dilated", because that's just a huge tease.  I figured all the fake contractions I have been dealing with over the last few months had to have been doing something!  Well, the good doctor says that I am 3-4 cm dilated and at a -2 station.....she could feel the baby's head.  I am 50% effaced as well.  I usually start progressing early, but I gotta say, I have never been this far already at 36 weeks.  Kind of scary when I consider in all past pregnancies, once I hit a 4ish, I move towards delivery really fast. 

So what this means is I need to do some prepping.  :) I already have my bag started, but I'll probably finish it up and keep it in my trunk just in case I go into labor at school.  We have a lot of family help right now with our childcare situation anyway, but we'll probably try to nail down when exactly everyone is available this weekend.  I need to get my bedroom clean.  :)  I have no idea how our room gets the messiest, hands down.  I also need to finalize lesson plans for the rest of the semester, including holiday activities, and probably copy them off so they are ready to go.  I have everything ready for long term sub stuff, but I guess I should be ready if I need to hand the reins over sooner than I am anticipating.  Everything at home-all set and ready to go, hospital registration is ready, doctor is on call so to speak.....just a few last minute ends to tie up and the point is:  I am at the last minute apparently.

Of course, I could very well spend the next 3 weeks at a 3-4, with baby hanging out way down low...I'm just not sure if that is very plausible since I am still working!  As such, we'll just be prepared and pray James and I are healthy through the whole process.  Right now my goal is to keep him in my belly for the next week-I would like to get to 37 weeks so he is full term.  I do have an induction date of Dec. 15th set up if I get there-my doctor just does not think I will hit that.  But, if I do, that will be the day we plan to go in to get the ball rolling. 

All in all, the end is in sight!  I'm glad I have been preparing, and our family (nuclear and extended) has been preparing.  I feel comforted to know everything will be as it should be, and the aftermath will help our famly grow as I get to come home with the kids.  We'll see what the next week brings-next appointment is Tuesday!