All I can think about when writing the title of this post (Home Stretch) are the horrific stretch marks that have officially taken over my stomach. It’s so heartbreaking to make it all the way to 9 months without any stretch marks – and then all of a sudden – BOOM – they’re everywhere. This little princess really needs to make her appearance before the get any worse.

This week marks 39 weeks – which means she is fully cooked and it’s time to come out. Mia seems to have other plans, however, as she is still tucked comfortably (for her) in my belly – and not showing any signs of emerging (besides nudging her head farther and farther into my cervix, which feels so lovely).

I don’t really have that much to report on this week because I spent pretty much the entire week just hoping and praying each day would be the day she decides to come out. I’ve been tired (getting just about zero sleep these days), sick (body is definitely cleaning itself out) and sore from all the pressure and hip pain. I’ve also spent a LOT of time walking, even in the heat, and cleaning. I want this house to be sparkling when we come home from the hospital, since it’s probably the last time it will sparkle until Mia goes to college.

Dan and I spent pretty much the whole weekend just sitting in front of the AC watching TV and napping, which I have to admit was pretty nice. We did manage one grocery shopping trip – and I got myself put together enough to go get a pedicure, which was really nice. My toes are now ready for primetime.

In other good news, my doctor is back from vacation, and she’s on call this weekend. At my appointment this morning I was 1-2cm dilated and 75% effaced, which my doctor said is excellent progress – and she also noted that I had lost a pound (hallelujah!) and my blood pressure was slightly elevated (for me, still low for the avg person) but she said that can sometimes indicate impending labor. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE.

Anyway, that’s enough rambling for now. Here’s this week’s chart:

How far along? 39 weeks

Total weight gain: 30 lbs (lost a pound, right at goal weight – MIA COME OUT!)
Maternity clothes?  yoga pants and maxi skirts
Stretch marks? too many
Sleep: too little
Best moment this week: napping in front of the AC
Miss Anything? sleeping
Movement: still a lot
Food cravings: ice cream, gummi bears
Anything making you queasy or sick: trying to sleep
Gender: It’s a girl!
Labor Signs: braxton hicks, cramping, pressure
Symptoms: nesting
Belly Button in or out? barely there
Wedding rings on or off? on, by some miracle my hands aren’t swelling yet (my ankles are another story)
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy, anxious
Looking forward to: meeting our little munchkin