38 Weeks! Random Thoughts and Feelings

Yes, I've been slacking.  Why?  Because at my 36 week appointment, I was already 1 cm and 80% effaced.  The 1 cm isn't a big deal...but the 80% is!  That usually happens during active labor, when you are around 6 or 7 cm or more.  So, I quickly went into hyper nesting mode thinking this baby is surely coming early!  Not too early-she would be full term at 37 weeks, and her lungs and other vital organs should be fully developed. 
Last Saturday I woke up nauseous.  It didn't take long before I was throwing up, and then the contractions started.  They started out very mild, and progressively got worse.  I was convinced I wasn't going to make it through the weekend.  I made my mom come over so Ryan and I could go see Moneyball, again thinking this was the last movie we were going to be able to see for awhile.  My contractions were a bit painful and more uncomfortable throughout the movie.  Then we got home, and went to bed...I slept perfectly and woke up without a contraction.  WTF? Good news is, I made it to my shower! 
I had my shower with family and friends last Sunday, which was a blast.  I had the people nearest and dearest to me there (except my sister, who lives in Florida and has her tickets already booked for the beginning of November!  We still missed her!)  This little girl got spoiled with the cutest outfits, bows, toys and so, so much more!!  We laughed like crazy and told lots of stories-it was a day I won't forget, and am so thankful for my sister in law, Amy for hosting at her house, and my Mom, Aunt Mary and Aunt Carrie for all of their planning and work in making it so special.  Not to mention everyone who gave up their Sunday afternoons to spend it celebrating with me.  (I'm sure their significant others weren't too upset about that, considering it was football day!)  I drove everyone crazy because we still don't have a name.
Sorry peeps, there will not...I REPEAT...NOT be a name until she is born!  I promise, we don't secretly have one and are just choosing not to tell. We seriously can't decide on a name, and have chosen to wait until she's born.  I swear though, not giving people a name seems to torture them more than not finding out the sex of the baby! :)
I went through the week, still uncomfortable and having a lot of pelvic pain.  It's been feeling like someone is pulling me apart.  I never felt that or even one contraction with Connor because he was up so high in my belly, and just never showed any signs of wanting to enter the world.  Thus the long labor and 2 and half hours of pushing to get him out.  So, this is all new to me-the pain, the contractions, the uncomfortable-ness, but I know it's all part of it.
At my 37 week appointment, I moved to 2 cm and still about 80% effaced.  Moving right along!  All week I've been getting the rest of my things done.  My bag is packed, her room is done, Connor's outfit that I want him to wear to the hospital to meet his sister is laid out, the present he is "receiving" from his sister is wrapped, the carseats are installed, mom and I got our pedicures, etc.  I have it all ready to go.  Which is probably why all signs of labor have come to a screeching halt! 
*Sigh*  I know she'll come when she's good and ready, and I'm still 2 weeks away from my actual due date, but still!  I'm getting impatient!  I want to have my body back so I can play with Connor without getting frustrated.  I want to sleep (yes, I know there will be a big lack of that), without my belly getting in the way, and generally just move on to the next chapter in our lives.  But I still have my fears and apprehensions. 
We went to our favorite restaurant, Abacus Inn, last night for some spicy food, and went on a little walk up and down the side walk afterwards.  There we were, our little family of three-Connor in the middle and holding each of our hands.  It was bittersweet knowing things are about to change in a drastic way, but also very exciting!  I've been taking advantage of rocking my little man at night.  I know that's also about to change soon.  So I read him his books, turn of the night, and snuggle him as tight as I can and give him as many kisses as I can and tell him I love him so very much.
Who knows what the next week will bring.  I could go into labor at any time, or she could be stubborn and wait until her due date.  Either way, she'll be here soon, and the anticipation is incredible.  Hopefully, my next update will be her  birth story!