37 weeks

From Pregnancyweekly.com:
"Your baby is now considered full term even though the 40-week mark is still 3 weeks away. He or she is probably about 6.5 pounds and measures approximately 21 inches in length, and has developed enough coordination so that he or she can grasp an object with his or her fingers."

From Babycenter.com:
"Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.

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.

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.

Surprising Facts: Signs of labor
There's no way to predict when labor is going to start. Your body actually starts "preparing" for labor up to a month before you give birth. You may be blissfully unaware of what's going on or you may begin to notice new symptoms as your due date draws near.

Here are some things that may happen in the weeks or days before labor starts:

• Your baby drops. If this is your first pregnancy, you may feel what's known as "lightening" a few weeks before labor starts as your baby descends lower into your pelvis. You might detect a heaviness in your pelvis as this happens and notice less pressure just below your ribcage, making it easier to catch your breath.

• You note an uptick in Braxton Hicks contractions. More frequent and intense Braxton Hicks contractions can signal pre-labor, during which your cervix ripens and the stage is set for true labor. Some women experience a crampy, menstrual-like feeling during this time.

• Your water breaks. Most women start having regular contractions sometime before their water breaks, but in some cases, the water breaks first. When this happens, labor usually follows soon. (If contractions don't start promptly on their own, you'll be induced.)

How can I tell if I'm in false labor or true labor?
Sometimes it's very hard to tell false labor from the early stages of true labor. Here are some things that might help you sort it out:
• False labor contractions are unpredictable. They come at irregular intervals and vary in length and intensity. Although true labor contractions may be irregular at first, over time they start coming at regular and shorter intervals, become increasingly more intense, and last longer.
• With false labor, the pain from the contractions is more likely to be centered in your lower abdomen. With true labor, you may feel the pain start in your lower back and wrap around to your abdomen.
• False labor contractions may subside on their own, or when you start or stop an activity or change position. True labor contractions will persist and progress regardless of what you do."

Well news update on Mr Bennett is that he definitely has dropped - I noticed this over the night of the 23rd and day of the 24th. I really noticed this while in the grocery store shopping for food for Christmas. I just felt a heaviness on my pelvis (just as they described it above) and physically felt like he was lower. It is also visual enough that everyone else can tell as well. I still am not having contractions or anything, but am hoping that this is just another sign that Bennett is on his way! I am so excited I can hardly stand it. Stephen and I both are having the crazy baby dreams - about what he looks like, what he will act like, how WE will act, etc. So much to think about!

Rachel and Stephen's brothers Michael and David will all be out of town (whether for school or work) during Bennett's new due date (January 8th), so I am hoping maybe he will just surprise us all and decide that the weekend before (January 5th) sounds better in his mind for his bday?? Michael will still be out of town, but at least 2 of the 3 will be included then. I think we are all just so ready to see him!

Dr.'s appointment tomorrow at 3 - Sonogram then check up.

One week 6 days left. WOW