Closer and closer

I had my home visit Saturday and things seem to be moving right along. My bp was fine, I have gained a bit more weight. Rich and I decided not to test for GBS, but to just handle things as they come our way. MF will drop off the tub this week. My sweet girl, Amber will plan on being here for the birth, to take pictures and to be a stand in mama for my babies if any of them wind up awake during the labor or delivery.
Most of the time I don't feel super pregnant, but there are moments when I am sure labor will start within the next couple of weeks. My feet are swelling more. There is much more discomfort when I bend over the wrong way or just push myself too hard. I am thankful that there is not a ton to be done. I am going to try and focus my energies into moving forward with schoolwork with the other children and getting some food stashed into the freezer. I wish I had a more organized plan as far as menus for the month after baby, but it just seems that it is not within me to do that right now. We are also still toying with the garden trying to figure out the simpliest method for a productive and cheap garden. There is no time for HUGE nesting projects. Although... :O) I would like to fill in some holes in Justus and Izzie's room and put a fresh coat of paint in there. As time allows.

Nasal spray dilema

I started a few nights ago using Afrin nasal spray right before I go to bed. I have hesitated using this because of quite a few documented cases of addiction and destruction to your mucous membranes. Well, I decided last night after 2 very sweet sleeps that I was willing to risk being addicted to nose spray and at the moment, could care less about my mucous membranes. I am only using it once each evening and it has allowed me to sleep through the night so peacefully. I have not had peaceful sleep in over 3months. Once this sinus stuff is over after delivery, I may need someone to remind me that I did voluntarily addict myself to Afrin. I may also need help with a recover program. :O)

Dropping

Pretty sure the baby has dropped a bit this morning. I have been having mini contractions on and off since about 6:30am. It kind of has me down in the dumps. I always feel so icky when this time comes and life in general becomes challenging. I have had Dante and Rich running my "basement errands" to avoid the stairs and plan on doing a total leftover dinner so that I can get off of my feet a bit. I am thankful that I have had another super 32 weeks of pregnancy (aside from the sinus issue) and will try to focus on keeping consistency with the kids for the next few weeks.
Please pray that the end of my pregnancy will go smoothly and allow me to continue to accomplish all that I need to in order to be a good mama to my 5 sweeties. Also, that God's grace rains down upon Rich and I as we muddle our way through some difficult choices that come along with having babies at home under the care of midwives. We do not feel God wants us to prepare for a hospital transport, but rather to prepare our home and family for the arrival of another sweet, precious blessing. Rich assured me that we are to prayerfully take each step as it comes. Gosh, I love that confident man.
Amy