On the Baby Front

So, I am 1 week away from my due date and here's what's going on:

We are completely ready for this baby to get here!!!! The house has been cleaned, the birth supplies have been purchased and organized, the newborn outfit has been laid out, the nursery is stocked with all essentials! We are officially just waiting now.

I saw Merrie on Thursday and she said all looks good ... as usual, of course. I had her do an exam just because I was curious about what was happening. The results were: 2 cm, 80%, and +1. She says there's nothing to indicate I'll go into labor any time soon ... she predicts I'll have at least 1, but probably 2 more prenatal appointments before this guy arrives. I have to admit I was hoping that I might have him a little early, but who was I kidding??? He will probably be late just like the other two.
Everything else is very normal and routine ... I'm gaining about a pound a week, which is good, and I'm measuring right on schedule. I've been very tired lately and have been trying to take it easy. Joel has been so great about coming home from work and taking over the household and the kids so that I can rest. I'm not sleeping very well, but have been given the OK to drink a wine cooler before bed and that helps tremendously (when I do that I sleep all night long, it's FABULOUS!!!). My back pain is pretty much completely gone thanks to twice-weekly visits to the chiropractor. I am actually very comfortable considering I'm 9 months pregnant!!
I'm still having Braxton-Hicks and some real contractions, but it has been much more "quiet" this time than it was last time. Merrie checked my chart from when I was pregnant with Gabe and I was having so many contractions and Braxton-Hicks that she was sure I would have him early and she was doing exams at every visit for a month to check my progress. I'm happy to know that I'm making progress with this one and enjoying a much more peaceful uterus! :)
Merrie advised me to have some plans for myself over the next couple of weeks to keep me busy so that I'm not just sitting at home waiting to go into labor. I had the same thought a month or two ago and signed the kids up for swimming lessons (that end the day before my due date) and have also been planning some playdates so we don't get bored. We have been enjoying our summer days so far! My parents and sister have been coming over often and helping with things like bathing the kids or just playing with them so that I can relax and Joel doesn't go crazy trying to handle everything. I'd love to go on at least one more date before the baby arrives and I want to get a pedicure so we'll try to make that happen too. I think we'll be ready and well-rested when this baby gets here!!

I know I never posted that picture I promised last time ... if you can believe it, I haven't even taken the picture! Homework for this week!!!!! I'll try to get one on here.