Anytime now

Well I am 38 weeks :) My baby is full term, mostly baked and could go at anytime. I have started my family tree scrapbook that I am making for him and am pretty much ready to go on most things. I went yesterday to the Womyn's Center where I will be delivering in hopes of getting a nursing bra and getting more info about breast pumping etc. But they said I was to early!! I really hope to get some time to pump instead of solely baby on breast b/c I think that I will want that "me" time and I want someone else to feed the baby by bottle. Maintaining breast feeding is often a problem b/c the mothers breast milk doesn't come in for a couple of days and/or breastfeeding could hurt. So if I can pump enough or just pump for a bit each day it can build up a reserve and he could drink off the bottle not only me. I think that would be more helpful. Even if its only a day or two of reserve..

But there are costs of either renting or buying the pump. Renting is abt $60/month, whereas buying is about $300... So I think I will rent the first month, see how it works out then if it works out then I will either buy it or figure out how long I want to breastfeed for. Since I, g-d willing, plan to have a 2nd child, I will most likely want to breastfeed again. Plus in addition, you have to buy special attachments for the pump, breast cream, nursing pads, etc. However in the long run its healthier for the baby, provides a good attachment to your child and is all natural. I don't like the idea that my child will be eating out of a can till he goes to solids.

My breastfeeding goal is till about 6 months when the switch to solids starts. I don't want to do it forever, but I think the beginning months are critical and since I have no plans to fulltime work until Spring, I think its a doable thing.

So what else is left before baby arrives? I still need a swinging chair for baby... But if I don't get that on my registry I will just find one somewhere. I have a stroller, carseat (2 of them actually), diapers, bassinets (pack n' plays), a high chair, a baby tub, etc.

I'm excited! I have started to up my walking levels to encourage him to move on down and out :) But only when he's ready- I will not rush him, of course once they induce me, they want him out. But I will be 1 day short of 40 weeks when thats happens and thats okay w/me. Thats appropriate :) Also I am cordblood banking so I have that set up. I need to doublecheck on a couple of other things, but mostly I am good to go at anytime. My bag is 90% packed and I'm practicing my labor breathing..

I hope one day soon to have a labor and delivery story for you guys/gals!! :)

~38 weeks :)