38(+1) weeks

Well here we are. One bulbous bump, freely commented on by all and sundry, even shouted comments from strangers across the road (honestly).

Baby's head no longer engaged, hey ho.

No twinges.

Really would like the baby to be early but have sneaky suspicion she may even be late. Grr, feeling impatient at times.

Now officially aiming for a VBAC but all around me are guessing that it will end in a c-section again. Hmm, thanks guys. But actually I would not be one bit surprised at that outcome either. Don't care THAT much, just want a safe and healthy baby, with me in reasonable shape. And I used to be such a hippy as well. Best outcome for me would be actually feeling my body pushing the baby out by itself. But I am trying to be zen about whatever happens.

My hospital bag is packed. Little G is primed, and says daily 'is the baby coming out yet?'.

The cot has been built and 2 drawers cleared to make way for very small babygros, vests, bibs, cardigans, and the like.

The baby has hiccups around twice a day so I'm nervous she's going to be very sicky/a reflux baby.

I wish I had the energy to hoover the house, it is filthy. Just need to sit down a lot. Did actually hoover in desperation at the weekend but only managed half a room before I admitted defeat. And we have small rooms.

Sleeping still tricky, unsurprisingly.

None of my clothes fit, even the maternity ones.

Weighed in at 10st 11lb last night.

It's going to be alright, it's going to be alright, it's going to be alright.

37+3 weeks, except really this is all about the new haircut and the scrumptious daughter's hug.

36(+1) weeks

Doing OK over here, just scared of all the things that can go wrong, having got to this point! Am still pissed off about the hernias but what can I do? The baby's head was 2/5 engaged at my appointment with the obstetric doctor on Monday.

Still sleeping badly but that's not exactly newsworthy. Getting a few naps in thanks to Adriano so I'm surviving. Just hope he is! He's working so hard as usual.

G started preschool this week, 2 mornings a week. Nerve-wracking as she's only ever been left with me or Adriano or my mum. Apart from some tears at the end of the first day, she has had a great time. I'm so relieved, and proud. I'm sure there will be harder days but so far so good. I love hearing about the things she's done. Today's highlights were playing with the fairy wand, dressing up as a fairy, seeing the goldfish, singing and hearing stories. Other comments include 'I didn't like the shouting, there was a boy and girl shouting. The lady read a story about a shark. It was very sharky....and scary.' God I love that girl. What a feeling to collect her at lunchtime and see her little face recognise me and beam at me, shouting 'Hello Mummy!'. I am so lucky.