38 1/2 weeks

Wow. I'm so close and my patience is wearing thin. My last OB appt was on Thursday. I was a little discouraged when she told me nothing had progressed. I thought for sure I'd be dilated more, but not the case. She mentioned she could strip my membranes (GROSS) next week if I wanted. Not sure if I will do it or not. But my parents and sister are coming in a week so that is exciting and of course expecting to see our little girl. I wonder what she'll look like, which kid she'll favor. I know she'll have her own look, but I'm happy to feel like our family is complete with her in our home. I pray that she'll have a happy, positive, optimistic personality and outlook on life.

It's been getting hotter here but with that has come very swollen feet and major hot flashes. I officially have cankles. Cankles are heinous, at least on me. And these hot flashes are killer. I no longer will berate women in menopause complaining about hot flashes. I didn't realize just how hot you feel. Most times I get so hot it feels like my ears are going to ignite in flames. I seriously hate to complain knowing how healthy me and baby are. Most of the time I feel great. I've been going to a chiropractor that helps out with some discomfort in my lower back/hips and I'm hopeful that it will aid in a great delivery. I've still been doing pilates and zumba. I'm also hopeful that my continual exercise throughout pregnancy will help in a speedy recovery. I've been feeling so great that I've accomplished more projects around the house. This week I got our garden ready and planted with many vegetables and some fruit: cantaloupe, strawberries, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, carrots, cilantro, and watermelon. We moved into a home that already had some raised beds. I've always wanted a garden and with the help of a friend with a green thumb she encouraged me to start this. The baby's room is finished and I had the itch to repaint a previous table I had and I did some other decorating stuff. I'm not sure where the energy has come from but am grateful for all the things I've been able to get done. I know once the baby gets here, I'll put a pause on everything else. You know when you get a letter in the mail that isn't junk mail and you're super excited to open it. Well on Wednesday I got a package from a friend. It was like a Christmas morning. I was so excited to open it and was ecstatic to see a baby quilt, 2 blankets, and burp cloths she made me. You'd be excited too if you knew what an amazing quilter she is. I love her work!

 One side of the room. I plan to put a large canvas picture of the baby over her crib. I love the shabby chic dresser I bought on craigslist.

 The quilt my friend made me. Isn't it awesome?! I love the colors and the design.

 One side of the garden. Thank you to the previous owners who built the raised beds and added the little sprinkler system too.

 I decided I needed a bright, sunny color such as YELLOW to add to my home.

 The other raised bed. It's a little taller for veggies that grow longer roots. I also enjoy our 3 orange trees, grapefruit tree, and lemon tree.

 In the past I've glazed but this time I distressed by sanding and I like it a lot better. This was my 3 refinish project and it's my favorite by far.

The other side of the room. We have a daybed in her room for visitors and it will probably be Sydney's room in a few years when the baby outgrows her crib.