38th week Update

I'm 4 cm dilated now, 70% effaced, and was told my cervix is "soft and ripe"..... interesting terminology, eh? Had my 38th week appointment yesterday and since labor is progressing my midwife did not "strip my membranes." She highly recommended I increase my daily number of red raspberry tea to 3-4 cups a day, I guess this really does strenghten the uterus and aid in contractions. She is on-call at the hospital today and tomorrow so how ideal would it be if he decided to be born now ;) I swear I lost my mucus plug yesterday too..... so just waiting on the contractions to start any time now! I feel cramping here and there throughout the day along with Jax's movement and pressure. Can you tell how incredibly impatient we are at this point?!! Taj's labor was much faster I remember, one week I was 1cm dilated then the following week I went into labor dilating to 4cm and in the hospital to greet him! Yup, instead of getting my epidural at 4cm like I did with Taj, I am walking around and going about my regular day..... I think Jax is just too comfortable! And I know he has another 2 weeks to technically "cook" but with Taji being born at 39 weeks and Jax being a second baby, my expectation is that he will come sooner?! I told you I scared him off when I found I was dilating two weeks ago! Oh well, nothing like good 'ole surprises..... everything definitely has its timing, no matter how much wishful thinking or preparation.

Dear Baby Jax,
This may be the last entry I write before you enter this world and I want you to know how much love, warmth, and excitement is awaiting you when you decide to make your entrance! Your big brother Taj loves to give you kisses on my belly and is contstantly pointing at my belly saying "Jax." When we ask him "Who's your brother?" He excitedly yells your name! He is just as impatient for you to come out and play as we are! Maybe I am feeding you too much good stuff...... the salmon, the spinach, the pomegranate seeds.(trying to pack all those in the last few days so your brain is well nourished!), but I promise you I have more goodies for you when you are born! I hope your delivery is fast and easy, we are going to try and video it too! I love you so much my little baby boy and cannot wait to introduce you to your dada and big bro, and the rest of our family that is excitedly anticipating your birth! We hope to celebrate your first Christmas with you as well, wait until you see our beautiful christmas tree and our warm colorful home! Please please come soon, I just don't know how many more hours and days I can wait to hear your cry, see your face, and hold you! Let my impatience and excitement encourage you to make your descend, and allow my love and joy to wipe away any fear or anxiety you may be feeling........ hope to see you soon! Love, Mama