Sunday morning at 5 a.m. I woke up to what I thought might've been a contraction. I felt a lot of pressure, like a bad menstrual cramp, and then it went away. I had about 3 of those episodes in the space of 45 minutes, at which point I snagged the iPad and opened the app I downloaded previously to help time contractions. It was tricky deciding when they started and ended, but the general pattern of being about 15 minutes apart and lasting about a minute and a half continued.

At 6:45 I got up to use the loo and noticed some bright red bleeding. I was pretty sure that was a symptom my doctor told me to call about, so I turned on the ol' lappy, verified the instructions to call OB Emergency Services in that circumstance, and proceeded to make the call. The midwife wasn't terribly concerned, but said I should probably come in and get checked out "just in case." I woke up Jacob at that point by shaking him and saying "We need to go to the hospital." He was a little out of it at first, but quickly snapped to action.

I wanted to eat breakfast since I knew I wouldn't be allowed to eat once we got checked in, so I had some cereal while Jacob hopped in the shower. We packed the hospital bag (if by "packed" you mean "threw in a bunch of random clothes and the camera and some other odds and ends") and got ready to leave. By this point, contractions were coming about 6 minutes apart and I was more convinced this was the real deal. This did not, however, stop me from apologizing to Jacob in advance if this was a false alarm and made the trip for no reason.

During the car ride, contractions were coming three to four minutes apart and I really had to focus on breathing through them. Fortunately, since it was Sunday morning, there wasn't any traffic on the ride to the hospital. Unfortunately, the valet service was closed, so we had to find a spot in the parking garage. Jacob tracked down a wheelchair and proceeded to take me for a whirl as we attempted to find the entrance to the hospital from the garage. (It was trickier than anticipated.)

We made our way up to the labor and delivery unit and then wandered the halls for a bit, unsure of where to go since nobody was around. Jacob ended up calling the Labor and Delivery unit again, effectively saying, "Uh, my wife is in labor and we're at the hospital . . . where do we go?" When we finally checked in, I told the woman in charge that I'd been having contractions about four minutes apart and had experienced some bleeding. When they checked me, we were told that I was 7 cm dilated.  I ventured to ask, "Does this mean we're not getting sent home?" No, no, we were not. Later, one of the nurses said prior to getting checked they didn't think I was in actual labor because I was so calm about describing the frequency of contractions.

We were taken to our labor and delivery room and I requested an epidural. Jacob went back to the car to get our things, so he missed out on the whole process. At this point I was kind of out of it. I could hear the anesthesiologist speaking, but I wasn't really processing his words. Getting the epidural wasn't too bad, but I think it may have been too late to be super effective. I think he was finished by 9:20 and said it should start taking effect by 9:30. My legs and bum got tingly, but I still felt incredible amounts of pressure. I kept grabbing onto the side of the bed and trying to switch positions to cope with the pressure better, but nothing really seemed to help. The contractions were piling on top of one another, and I didn't get much of a break in between. I remember kind of whimpering and saying, "It hurts," to Jacob at least twice. I did a lot of heavy breathing and kept asking for water. Around 9:55 I asked Jacob what time it was, and when I asked again at 10:10, I said, "It's only been 15 minutes?!" More power to the women who have to endure long labors.

A short time later, I was checked again and was found fully dilated with the baby's head super low. They called for some doctors, and by the time they got there, one held up his fingers maybe an inch and a half apart and said that was the distance between her head and the opening. They got me into position, with Jacob holding one leg and a nurse holding another, and told me to push when I felt pressure. I wasn't really sure how to control my breathing at first, and someone put an oxygen mask on me. After maybe three contractions and a total of 14 minutes of pushing, our daughter made her entrance into the world.

Marie Elizabeth, welcome to our family. We couldn't be more thrilled that you're here!

How far along?  I am 39 weeks. . . or I would be, if I were still pregnant. She is 5 days old.

Size of baby: At her appointment yesterday, she was 6 pounds 8.5 ounces and 19.5 inches long.
Sleep: I have been sleeping much better since my parents are in town and are taking the night shifts while she's awake and fussy. The first two nights with this little one were rough. Jacob and I basically took turns holding her all night because she would cry every time we set her down. She sleeps really well in her swing (or in someone's arms) during the day and is much more alert at night. 
Total weight gain: I haven't been on a scale since my last OB appointment, but I imagine I've lost at least 6 pounds since last week. She lost an ounce in the hospital, but is already back up to her birthweight, give or take half an ounce.
Unglamorous body changes: I have accumulated a second degree tear and a tendency to leak fluid from various orifices. She is just as beautiful today as the day she was born. Maybe more so, since she's not so squashed looking.
Best moment this week: I had the chance to meet our baby girl and have been soaking up every moment ever since. She has been loving the attention from her parents and grandparents. Or at least I like to think so.
Movement: I have been waddling like a penguin, though it's getting easier to walk around and stand from a sitting position as time goes by. She is pretty squirmy and continues to get the hiccups several times a day, just like her momma.
Food cravings/aversions: I had a delicious milkshake last night. She can't get enough of the good stuff.
Symptoms: I haven't had heartburn since her birth, for which I am grateful. (And perhaps there is something to the whole "heartburn = hairy baby" wives' tale.) I've also been incredibly hungry and thirsty. She doesn't have a sign of jaundice!
Currently looking forward to: I am looking forward to snuggling with my baby, General Conference, and possibly seeing my cousin this weekend. She probably doesn't have a care in the world right now.
Realization of the week: We have a baby! And we get to keep her!

Milestones: I am starting to get the hang of nursing and diaper changes. She had her umbilical cord fall off yesterday.
Other tidbits: I'm not so sure what to do with this blog now that our daughter has arrived. Also, this:

How far along? 38 weeks. 

Size of baby: She's probably put on another four ounces or so since last week and is the same length as before. She may be the size of a pumpkin, which I find hard to believe. My doctor said she's measuring around the 47th percentile for most of the measurements from the ultrasound, except for her abdomen, which is in the 20th percentile, and her head, which is in the 74th percentile. So we're going to have a skinny baby with a big head? 
Sleep: Aaaand we're back to waking up in the middle of the night to use the loo. Also, waking up at 5:30 for work is a thing of the past. These days I'm lucky to roll out of bed by 6:10.
Total weight gain: About +22 pounds.
Unglamorous body changes: I've noticed some skin tags in a couple spots on my body that definitely weren't there a few months ago. Fingers crossed that they go away on their own.
Best moment this week: This week has kind of dragged, to be honest. Does making it to the weekend count as the best moment? Oh, yesterday Jacob and I watched Cool Runnings, which was fun. I requested it from the library before the Olympics started in hopes of celebrating even further, but apparently everyone else in the library system had the same idea, so we didn't get the movie until this week.
Movement: I think she had the hiccups earlier today. No other changes from before, really.
Food cravings/aversions: Perhaps ice cream. I wish I had some right this moment!
Symptoms: My stomach has been itchy and I've been more tired lately. On a happier note, heartburn hasn't really been much of an issue this week. I thiiink I've been having some contractions on and off, but I'm not exactly sure what those are supposed to feel like. Sharp cramps in the nether regions? Lower back pain? If so, I've got 'em. My fingers have been swollen; I haven't been able to take off my ring all week.
Currently looking forward to: A snack of sorts. I'm feeling peckish. 
Realization of the week: This baby could come any day now! I've been counting down the days of school in terms of how many "wake ups" there are -- this morning, I thought "ten more wake ups (of school days) until my due date!", since waking up is the hardest part of the day. And then I realized that I'm going to be waking up a lot more frequently and feeling a lot more tired in the very near future. 

Milestones: I've finished most of my sub plans! I've had to stay at school until almost 5 the last two days, I met with the sub after school today and went over how I generally run things and the locations of my teacher manuals and copies and such. He should be able to cover for me in a pinch, even though I'm not completely finished with plans.
Other tidbits: At my doctor's appointment on Wednesday, I was 3 cm dilated, 80% effaced, and baby girl was at a -2 station. He said I might not make it to my next appointment. We'll see if that's the case! I keep thinking things like, "If I'm like my sister, I'll have this baby by Wednesday. If I'm like Sister So-and-So, I'll be a week overdue." I suppose we ought to pack our hospital bag just in case. 

How far along? 37 weeks. 

Size of baby: Yesterday I had an ultrasound which estimated that she's 6.2 pounds (or possibly 6 pounds, 2 ounces). I asked the tech if she could tell how long she is, but apparently that isn't possible since she's all curled up. What I should have asked is how big her head is. (And she should be the size of a winter melon, whatever that means.)
Sleep: I get tired relatively early. The quality of sleep has been about the same, but I've had a hard time waking up in the morning this week. 
Total weight gain: +21 pounds.
Unglamorous body changes: Half of my belly button seems to pop out, depending on how I'm sitting. 
Best moment this week: Quite a few good things happened this week, actually. Monday Jacob and I had dinner with my former roommate and her family. Wednesday was our Pinterest party, which we altered into a movie night with lots of delicious snacks and a chick flick. Yesterday we had an ultrasound, and while we weren't able to get the clearest images since baby girl is so crowded, we were able to see that she has a fair amount of hair and that everything still seems to be developing correctly. Today my work threw me a baby shower and we received a baby swing in addition to some other great things. 
Movement: She doesn't kick so much as squirm these days. She's running out of room, and I often try to push her out of my ribs. 
Food cravings/aversions: Just food in general. Junk food, when it's available. 
Symptoms: Heartburn, of course. An achey back now and again. Pain in the nether regions which makes me suspect I am very much going to take them up on that epidural, given the chance. 
Currently looking forward to: A slice of leftover baby shower cake. I don't even usually like cake. But here we are. 
Realization of the week: I continue to be amazed by the generosity of others. I hope one day to be in a position where I can be just as generous to somebody else. 

Milestones: I'm now considered full term! This baby could potentially come any day now. Though I do hope she'll wait until my sub plans are finished. (I have started them, finally. But just barely.)
Other tidbits: Everyone keeps asking if we've picked a name yet. No, no we have not. I was under the impression that we had narrowed it down to two names, but yesterday Jacob suggested that we think of other names to consider. I don't think we'll have a name until after she's born. 

How far along? 36 weeks. 

Size of baby: Now the size of a honeydew, she's anywhere from 17.2 to over 19 inches long and 4.2 and 6.5 pounds. It depends on which source of information you trust. And, you know, variation among babies at this stage. 
Sleep: Through the power of a Christmas miracle (and possibly through limiting fluid intake in the evening), I've actually been able to have a few nights this week where I didn't have to get up to go to the bathroom. Of course, those nights I still woke up at least once or twice to roll over. Apparently I no longer have the ability to shift positions in my sleep.
Total weight gain: Still about +20 pounds. Maybe more like +20.5.
Unglamorous body changes: Oh, the hangnails!
Best moment this week: Today I had the day off work to compensate for staying late Wednesday and Thursday for Parent Teacher Conferences, so that was glorious. And just a little while ago we had some friends over to celebrate Pi Day. We sang "American Pie" (well, the wives did; afterward the husbands sang along to the Weird Al Star Wars version) and had some delicious definitely-not-homemade chocolate pie. 
Movement: Last night in bed I had my stomach against Jacob's back as we were falling asleep. After a while, Jacob told me to tell the baby to stop kicking because he could feel it and it was keeping him awake. The impressive (?) thing is that I hadn't even noticed she was moving until he mentioned that. I suppose I'm getting used to her movements if that's the case. 
Food cravings/aversions: Cookie dough. I've found a couple of eggless recipes for cookie dough and I'm so tempted to make a batch and eat it straight.
Symptoms: Nesting has kicked into gear. Today we set up the Pack 'n' Play, installed the car seat (although we still need to get it inspected by a car seat technician), assembled the stroller, and did a fair amount of cleaning. And I still ended up getting angsty about how much work we still have to do before the baby room is ready. I've also been a little more tired and my lower back has been hurting off and on. 
Currently looking forward to: Cleaning out the closets and finishing the baby's room. As well as finishing (which requires starting) my sub plans. When those things are done, I'll feel much more prepared for this baby's arrival!
Realization of the week: The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. (Why yes, I did have to Google that quote to remember its entirety.)

Milestones: We have four weeks left until my due date. Which means only 20 days of school (assuming I don't go over). That's crazy talk! At my doctor's appointment today, we discovered that baby girl is indeed head down, and I'm about 50% effaced and 1/2 centimeter dilated. So it doesn't look like I'll be going into labor anytime soon, which is fine by me.
Other tidbits: My coworker gave me a gift on March 11th to celebrate the fact that my due date was exactly one month away. One, that was very thoughtful and generous of her, and two, I'm impressed she remembered I only had a month left on that date!

How far along? 35 weeks 1 day. 

Size of baby: Now the size of a coconut, she may be up to 18 inches and 6 pounds. 
Sleep: I've given up on the idea of getting a full night's sleep until after baby girl arrives and is also able to sleep through the night. Which might not be for ages. My bladder just doesn't have the capacity to make it more than five or six hours without being emptied.
Total weight gain: +20 or so pounds.
Unglamorous body changes: I've been in denial, but I think my linea nigra (the darkening vertical line of skin on the belly) is starting to make an appearance. Also, this isn't necessarily unglamorous, but I do believe I'm producing colostrum (TMI?). 
Best moment this week: Not having school yesterday was nice. And I think I've finished report cards, so that's good. 
Movement: Oh, nothing new to report in this area. I've noticed increased movement after eating cold foods and beverages, and she still moves mostly while I'm laying down. And she still crowds my ribs several times a day.
Food cravings/aversions: Nothing, really.
Symptoms: I'm a little more tired than usual. Sometimes I get a little light-headed and/or headache-y. 
Currently looking forward to: Being done with Parent-Teacher Conferences. Wednesday and Thursday are going to be long days. 
Realization of the week: Recently Jacob has been asking more questions about baby girl's pending arrival, such as what we need to bring to the hospital and what else we need to get ready before she comes. I'm glad I have such a supportive husband, and I know he's going to be a great dad!

Milestones: Last Saturday Jacob and I parked in a "Reserved for Expectant Mothers" parking spot for the first time. I was wearing a sweatshirt and made an effort to stick out my stomach just in case other patrons suspected us of abusing the privilege.
Other tidbits: We assembled our crib last weekend! If we have time today, we might work on the baby's room some more and possibly install the carseat. 

How far along? 34 weeks 2 days. 

Size of baby: She may be about 17.5 inches long and up to 5.5 pounds. She's the size of a butternut squash.
Sleep: The quality of sleep has definitely declined this week. I'm sure part of it has been due to my cold, but every night I've woken up at least once (which means more like two or three times) because I couldn't breathe or because I was thirsty or because I had to relieve my bladder. A couple times I've been in bed by 9 or 9:30, and at least I did feel more rested the following mornings. Last Saturday night was the worst of all, though -- I started getting heartburn around 7:30 in the evening, and antacid tablets didn't help at all. It lasted basically until 6:30 in the morning, and I slept maaaybe two or three hours because of it. Jacob gave me a blessing when he got home from work, and I was able to sleep another few hours afterward. But it was pretty miserable.
Total weight gain: I haven't been on a scale in at least two weeks.
Unglamorous body changes: My face has been extra oily this week. 
Best moment this week: Friday Jacob and I went on a date to Pizza Pie Cafe and then came home and watched How to Train Your Dragon. It was delightful.
Movement: I now feel her moving more towards my back than my belly, which makes me suspect she's turned around somehow (I still can't visualize her location in relation to me). It's a little strange feeling movements along my intestines. This also means I don't see her movements from the outside as often. 
Food cravings/aversions: Nothing in particular. 
Symptoms: Oh, you know. Heartburn. Thankfully, it hasn't been as bad the last few days. My lower back gets achey more often, and I've had some intermittent pain in the right side of my stomach, which kind of feels like a pulled muscle or something. I've been getting some mild headaches in the afternoons, but they haven't been too bad. And I've been getting hot flashes. Lest anyone get the wrong idea, overall I'm doing really well. I don't want to seem like a whinerpants when really this pregnancy has been quite easy.
Currently looking forward to: Going to bed early tonight. And I'm crossing my fingers that I can actually sleep through the night.
Realization of the week: A few weeks ago I had a dream that I went into labor while on a field trip. This week I learned that we're now signed up for a field trip on April 8th -- 3 days before my due date. Oh, how I hope this dream doesn't come true! Jacob thinks I should opt out of going. I don't think I have that power unless I've already given birth. But I definitely need to get a plan in place "just in case".

Milestones: During the Worst Heartburn Episode Ever, around 3:30 in the morning, I had the thought "I don't want to be pregnant anymore!" for the first time. And then I felt immediately guilty because I'm incredibly grateful to even have this opportunity to be pregnant, and I know of others who desperately wish that they had this chance, too.
Other tidbits: Baby girl can now start recognizing and reacting to songs that I sing. Apparently, she may find some of those songs soothing after birth. Which makes me reconsider singing along to the radio when gems such as "Poker Face" come on.