I am 40 weeks and 2 days today. I wanted to hit the 40 week mark, but not go past it, preferrably. So little Claire is simply not quite ready yet; I guess she has a few last minute items to take care of in there. Recap: 3cm dilated and 80 % effaced as of last Thursday.

I am not doing anything to stimulate labor, though I know it would be better for me to do so rather than deal with medical intervention (because that sounds a lot more painful than drinking castor oil). I guess it's because I don't have any faith that anything will truly work. I went on a short, casual walk a week ago and came home in the most awful discomfort because it helped the baby to move down more. But it didn't change my cervix at all, and that's what I really need. So I'm not too interested in going out and subjecting myself to more pain if it won't actually help me progress. I remember from my labor with Lara, that a low baby without cervical progression just means a whole stinkin lot of pressure and pain.

My next appointment is on Tuesday, so we'll see what's up then.

I've actually been resting a lot more. I wish I could stay up on feet and let gravity help me out, but my feet quickly swell up and cause me discomfort. So I have to lay down to elevate my feet, which is a killer position for my back. So I sit straight up in my glider with my feet up, but that doesn't really help my feet and it makes me have false contractions because I'm sort of squishing my belly up. There is no hope for me at this time in my life.

Not by a really long shot were things this out-of-whack when I was pregnant with Lara.

A little walking is nice, so we went to the park today. Lara just loves to be outside. It took me 2 years to get her to walk in grass, but, hey, she's all for it now. Except when she wanted to walk in a field of tall grass at the park (with her dress on), and she said, "It's getting my butt; NO!" So we'll stick with the short grass or maybe wear pants next time. She's been talking forever of going swimming, so daddy is going to go get a pool for her tomorrow, because we lost the one from last year.

Such pretty hair!! It was all daddy's doing-he gave her a bath this morning.

So here is a new thing I would like to start doing on my blog. Every so often, I am going to list a number of prayer requests/praises, and ask that you pray with us on these matters. All of them, or just shout out a quick prayer for just one thing. We are lucky to have such a wonderful support system of family & friends, and we would really appreciate your prayers!!

Pray For:

1. A completely pain-free labor and delivery. OOOOOkaaay, let's shoot for safe and fast? And good health for all.

2. A good adjustment for us all when Claire arrives.

3. That Dustin will get to interview for a new position at SF, which could mean a NORMAL sleep schedule!!

4. An answer on some disciplining challenges we've had with Lara as of late (not behavorial problems on her part as much as mommy and daddy trying to find the right solution to some normal 2 1/2 yo issues.)