38 weeks, and getting ready for baby

The final weeks are upon us, and I'm definitely in waiting-for-labor mode!

We saw my midwife this morning, and she confirmed what I was suspecting, which is that the baby has dropped (meaning that he's descended into my pelvis). This kid is in a good position - right anterior - so I shouldn't be a candidate for bad back labor, although only time will tell! He's been in this position for over a month though, so we don't think he's going anywhere... The other good news from the appointment was that I tested negative for Group B strep bacteria, so I won't have to have antibiotics during my labor - hooray!

I'm also starting to have some occasional cramping feelings, and apparently I am having Braxton-Hicks contractions - I just didn't know what they were supposed to feel like! I was telling my midwife that sometimes it feels like he's taking up my whole belly--it gets hard and sort of like my belly has two distinct lobes--and it turns out that what I thought was him swiveling his cute little butt from right to left is actually a Braxton-Hicks.

All of these little signs are incredible reminders that we will be meeting our son in the next couple of weeks. I'm beyond excited, a smidge anxious, and pretty emotional.

I think we're ready though: his co-sleeper bassinet is assembled, the carseat is in the car, we've got diapers and jammies and a million other little things just waiting for him. Since we're moving only a few short weeks after he arrives, and because he'll be sleeping in our room, I haven't made a nursery for the little dude. But I couldn't resist making him a changing nook in our guest room. We got the dresser a few months ago at a consignment shop (from a little old lady who was thrilled that it would have a second life in a nursery, so it has good vibes), and I sewed the coordinating hanging quilt, changing cover pad, and the fabric blocks (which I filled with crinkly plastic bags for some noise appeal). Have to keep busy while we wait!!