Dear Pooh Bear,

Welcome to full term little one!! Can you believe we are this far? I have been waiting for long, but it still surprises me to think that you could come any day now. I think I have passed the nervous stage, and am just excited for your arrival.

The countdown clock I have says 16 days till our due date. Wow…when put that way it doesn’t seem so long does it? I had my weekly appointment yesterday and things have yet to start to progress. I’m still closed up tight with a soft cervix. The doctor reminded me that it really means nothing, that I could walk out of the office and my water could break, and as helpful as that is, it just reminds me how unpredictable this baby having thing is. No rhyme or reason what so ever! I guess that’s the theme of anything regarding a baby…from TTC to actual birth. It’s all a wild card! And as you will soon see, your mommy doesn’t handle “what if’s” very well.

I’m not the only one waiting to meet you! Your grandparents are just waiting for that phone call from us saying that we are in the hospital. Baby watch 2010 has finally begun. That means your daddy too. I have reminded him that it’s time for him to be responsible and to be ready for anything. You see, he’s trying to get in as many nights out as possible since once you are here he won’t be able to bare to leave you (isn’t that right daddy?) .

This week starts the holiday season! We have Thanksgiving on Thursday, and then your daddy and I are going to decorate for Christmas! We even get our Christmas tree. Don’t worry, we have some ornaments for you, but they won’t go on the tree till you get here. Our house will be nice and festive by the time you arrive. You get to spend your first Christmas here in our home with your mommy and daddy. We will be sure to send Santa your Christmas wish list.

Pooh Bear: 37 Weeks

Your baby is now considered “full term,” even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, his lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb. (Some babies need a bit more time, though. So if you’re planning to have a repeat c-section, for example, your practitioner will schedule it for no earlier than 39 weeks unless there’s a medical reason to intervene earlier.)

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don’t be surprised if your baby’s hair isn’t the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

Braxton Hicks contractions may be coming more frequently now and may last longer and be more uncomfortable. You might also notice an increase in vaginal discharge. If you see some “bloody show” (mucus tinged with a tiny amount of blood) in the toilet or in your undies, labor is probably a few days away — or less. (If you have heavier spotting or bleeding, call your caregiver immediately.) Also be sure to ask your caregiver about the results of your Group B strep culture. That way, if the result isn’t yet on your chart when you get to the hospital or birth center, you’ll be able to give the staff there a timely heads-up if you need antibiotics.

It may be harder than ever to get comfortable enough to sleep well at night. If you can, take it easy through the day — this may be your last chance to do so for quite a while. Keep monitoring your baby’s movements, too, and let your caregiver know immediately if you notice a decrease. Though her quarters are getting cozy, she should still be as active as before.

While you’re sleeping, you’re likely to have some intense dreams. Anxiety both about labor and about becoming a parent can fuel a lot of strange flights of unconscious fancy.

Will you have hair little one? I am dying to know what you look like. What color will your hair be? How about your eyes? Sleep has become a thing of the past, and I am accepting that it’s gone for a long long time…your worth it little Pooh Bear, but be sure to remind mommy of that ok?

Love, Mommy