36 weeks today!

I went to the doctor today for my 36 week appointment. I am officially "9 months" today!  Ben was able to go with me since we are on Spring Break this week.  It was nice having him with me, and he was able to hear the heartbeat again.  It's been several appointments since he's been able to go with me because of his soccer schedule, so I know he was excited to hear that little whooshing sound again. He was grinning ear to ear as soon as the nurse found it and we could hear it on the doppler. Only a few new side effects to discuss with the doctor today... my fingertips have started getting numb and tingly, which she explained was totally normal, and due to the swelling that is occurring throughout my body.  Also, last night I freaked Ben out because I started having lower back pain, cramping in my lower abdomen, and then had 8-10 contractions within about a two hour period.  The contractions were very irregular and never got stronger, so the doctor said these were just Braxton Hicks and would probably increase in frequency over the next few weeks up until delivery.  She assured me (and more so Ben, I think) that we would definitely recognize when it was the real thing because they would get very strong, very regular, and not stop.

Next she measured my belly... still VERY large... measuring at 41 at 36 weeks.  Guess I'd rather have my belly measure that big than my butt ;)  Then she examined me to check the baby's position and for dilation.  She said Brett is very low and his head is engaged in my pelvis already.  I'm sure that's why walking has become so uncomfortable and I've already perfected the art of the "pregnancy waddle".  She also confirmed that my cervix is "soft" and I am "at least 1 cm dilated".  Whoo Hoo!  Although she said this doesn't necessarily mean I may be going into labor any time soon, I can't help but feel some sense of accomplishment that things are already beginning to progress in the right direction.  Also, she said it was a good sign that Brett's big noggin was already down in my pelvis, which suggests it's not too big to fit through that part...  

Ben and I got a laugh when the doctor asked about my "heritage", which I told her was Irish and German.  She said while women of this descent (Eastern European) tend to have bigger babies, they also tend to have the bodies/hips to be able to handle delivering them.  On the way home Ben said, well, I guess my Polish genes may be helping with Brett's size then, huh?  YES!  He finally (sort of) admitted this big baby isn't all my fault ;)

Next Wednesday we have an ultrasound appointment and visit with the doctor scheduled.  That should give us the best measure of just how big this little boy is going to be... I can't wait to see his chubby little face :)