32 weeks

32 weeks. 8 weeks to go. The doctor's office called on Thursday and told me to schedule another ultrasound for a month from now since "the baby's so big already."

The baby shower was yesterday and was fun and wonderful. No games (yay!). Just a lot of people arriving late (but safely) because of the snow, food, and presents (more than we ever expected). I am so grateful for our generous friends and family!

My carpal tunnel eased up yesterday. I could still feel slight tingling, but it wasn't as painful. Could it be that the steroids are finally kicking in? Whatever the case, I took full advantage of the fact and worked until 1 am on various projects.

Last night, another dream: People kept asking me how I am going to give birth, as they do in real life. "I'm going to try to do it naturally," I replied.

Laura F. piped up. "Do a water birth," she urged. "Trust me, I've done it all three ways--naturally, c-section, and water birth, and water's the best." I was stunned, not even knowing that was an option in a hospital like the one to which I'll be going. Confused and not knowing what to do, I turned to ask my mom her advice. It hit me suddenly that I couldn't ask her that, couldn't ask her anything anymore; she's dead now. I started crying in frustration and grief.

In the next scene, I was in the hospital being helped into a tub of warm, warm bath water that had the perfect seat and the perfect support for my aching body. I felt more comfortable than I had in months. The two nurses began praying over me, asking God to grant me a safe delivery. I thought for a moment that the doctor was about to join in, but he kept walking around the room writing on his clipboard. I didn't get to give birth, though; instead, I woke up.