Just over two weeks to go (37w;6d)

"I'm accumulating meconium, and my belly is as big as my head now!"

The last two weeks have been great - although, having the time off work has let my body unwind and for the first week, I was quite tired simply because I think my body was adjusting to the 'rest' period. As I had hoped though, basically everything is now organised for the baby - only a couple of minor things here and there, but they will no doubt continue even after the baby has arrived.

I've been focussing my energy at the moment on breathing and hypnobirthing techniques for the labour, which are very relaxing and I hope to use when I give birth. I'm pleased to have started them as they certainly make me feel a lot more confident about what is to come, and what my body can do, before the time. I'm also allowing myself to remain completely positive about the lead up to the birth as well - I am absolutely convinced that my baby will come when it's ready, and so there is no point in me dwelling on due dates or getting myself worked up if the baby doesn't arrive 'on time'. I also want to focus on the fact that this pregnancy has gone so fast, and will so very shortly come to an end, so I want to enjoy it for as long as possible. I'm also happy with the possibility that if I do go over my due date, and end up having to be induced, then that is what is meant to happen for me and the baby.

Had another check up with my obstetrician today - I'm now down to weekly appointments so I go back to see her next week. Things are all looking good, although I definitely haven't dropped yet as I am still carrying quite high. This may also be another indicator that labour is still a fair way off - but who knows!

Lady of Leisure (35w;6d)

"I'm getting fatter and fatter, and could drop at any time!"

Now that I'm on my first official day of maternity leave (after the Easter long weekend), it's all starting to sink in a bit! I've decided to try and get a lot of the running around for bits and pieces as much as I can over the next week or two so that I can leave the last couple of weeks before my due date to try and relax, as much as possible.

I can't believe the final stretch is in sight now... it feels honestly like only yesterday when I found out I was pregnant, and now here I am a month (or there abouts) out from meeting our baby!

I also had an appointment with my obstetrician today - she doesn't want to see me again for another fortnight which I guess is a good sign. Baby is still head down and all other signs are looking nice, so hopefully things will remain that way. Getting very tired and still experiencing quite bad hip/pelvic/back pain but all in the name of a good cause!

Last week at work... (34w;5d)

"I'm five and a half pounds, and quickly running out of room in here!"

I can't believe it's arrived so quickly. I was driving to work this morning thinking that I could quite easily stay another week or two. My OB might have a different opinion (she's always tsk tsking me knowing I'm still at work) but I think a part of me is a little scared about not working. This weekend is Easter so it seemed like the perfect time to stop working at this point, and to not return on Tuesday after the long weekend.

Since the day I turned 15 I have had a job in one form or another. I have never not worked, unless I've been on annual leave and the biggest break I had was the couple of months I took off in 2000/2001 to go backpacking overseas with Deb. This transition is quite scary - up until now, I suppose I've been so excited at the prospect of having a break from work, it's only now starting to hit me that I won't be back for a very long time. I'm sure this feeling will pass (very quickly! I'm sure I'll be laughing about how stupid I felt in no time) but it's this feeling of uncertainty and not being in control of my working life that bothers me.

In any event, the reason I'm doing this is obvious - for bigger and better things in this world, and with just over a month to go until I'm due (that's right... a month!) time will no doubt continue to pass extra quickly.

Our anniversary was lovely - Miss Saigon was fabulous! Although, I must admit I had a small heart attack when I found out they changed most of the words to the opening number and thought I would be watching the musical afresh, but luckily it was mostly only the first song!! It was so lovely to get out and see the show, I really missed doing so! And I'm sure I'll miss it even more once the baby is here (no more splurging on show tickets, that's for sure!).