I had my final pre-delivery doctor’s appointment on Tuesday. The ultrasounds have shown that the baby’s head has been down where it should be for a few weeks now, and I’ve been feeling little twinges in my lower abdomen—kind of like those I felt upon first becoming pregnant—for the past week or so. I was surprised when, after a brief internal exam yesterday, the doctor said nothing’s happening; my cervix isn’t showing any signs of preparation for labor yet. He added that this could change overnight, but so far—nada.

No matter what, we’re going in for induction next Wednesday night. It’ll probably be an all-night (and then some) affair, which is cool. I’ve been told I’ll definitely have my baby in my arms by lunch time next Thursday—how exciting! I’m glad to have a definite end date; I know some of you have gone far past your due dates— that must be torture.

I’m confused, though; I was sure that the twinges I’ve been feeling were the result of my cervix thinning or opening or doing whatever cervixes do to get the process rolling. I’m a total novice at this, obviously. Aaron and I dutifully watched a childbirth class DVD and I know all about the “mucus plug” (they’ve gotta give that a new name), the sudden bursts of energy, and the other early signs of labor—which according to the instructor don’t give you much more than a 2-week ballpark indication that you’re going to have a baby (um… duh?). So I want to know from those of you who’ve done this before: Did you know it before you went into labor, or did the contractions start—and not stop—and that was that? Did you experience any physical symptoms or, hell, inexplicable premonitions that clued you in sometime in the day or two before game time? Or was labor, to some degree, a surprise? And what’s up with these twinges?

I’m down to the final week of my pregnancy! The all night pee-a-thons have picked up the pace, and sleeping on my sides continues to be anything but comfortable; I am, in general, quite tired and achy. But, after powering through the nine-month obstacle course that is regular life PLUS pregnancy, I’m finally getting down to business and doing things my way in this home stretch.

In an ideal world (or certain places in Europe), I’d have stopped working a month ago and spent the time doing prenatal yoga and getting pedicures… I’ve gotten a pedicure and I’ve done yoga throughout my pregnancy, but I’ve also continued working. I have friends who started their mat leave a week or two in advance of delivery, but I know how much that week or two will matter to me on the other side, with the kid, so I’ve resisted the urge to follow suit.

I give you... The baby station!

You tell me—am I prepared? Any ideas or tips on finishing touches, on things I’ll want to include but haven’t thought of? (More pics within!)

Once I have my healthy, beautiful baby in my arms, I’m sure my memories of pregnancy will all be delightful. It’s such an exciting time, filled with celebration and anticipation, of individual and collective evolution (woman to mother, couple to family). Physically, pregnancy’s been fascinating, and far easier than I expected. Sure, I’m tired, and my back hurts… and yeah, I have that varicose vein in my right leg, but I’m almost there, so I don’t care.

I’m gonna state for the record, because in some way this is part of what makes pregnancy so personal, real, and even special, that the experience has also been intermittently terrifying, and pretty reliably nerve-wracking (not to a level I can’t handle, but nervewracking nevertheless). From initial screenings for weird genetic disorders, to bizarre symptoms prompting suggestions of other weird and dangerous maladies, I’ve felt for most of this ride like the end is far from sight, and like I ultimately don’t have a ton of control over its outcome. Of course I’ve taken care of myself and the baby inside me in every way I can. But ultimately, I don’t have a lot of control over this process. Perhaps coming to terms with that is a part of the journey, too.

Imagine my surprise (I wasn’t) when a nurse called last week to let me know I’d tested positive for GBS (Group B streptococcus), which they routinely screen for at 35 weeks.

We have a crib beside the bed, and a changing table against a wall (its shelves are stocked with canvas storage boxes, which contain the baby’s accoutrements). I’m proud of how organized and cute our setup is! We can roll the crib into the office if we want some time alone. Our baby will need his own room eventually, and I look forward to decorating it, but I figure that for the first stretch it’ll be nice to have everyone and everything essential within easy reach.

Do you have a nursery, a teepee, a family bed? Something in-between? Do you ever sleep with your baby in your bed, even if you have a separate crib? I’d love to hear the different ways you’ve integrated your new, noisy roommates into your lives and homes.

My second baby shower was this past Sunday. It was a brunch party, complete with cupcakes and champagne. Our friends Brad and Heather (two of our hosts) put together a playlist of every song under the sun with the word ‘baby’ in it, and about twenty friends helped us celebrate; everyone talked and ate (and drank—of course I stuck to sparkling sodas and the like) and drummed up a dull roar. It was perfect.

Here I am pointing out my giant belly (like you could miss it?) like a gangsta: 

And here we all are getting our celebration on: 

How did you pass the time in the final month of pregnancy? Seriously, I’m impatient! What should I be doing now that I’ll be glad I did once I’m barely sleeping? What final preparations did you make?

 More pics after the jump (plus new 3D shots of my little man)!

I tend to arm myself with knowledge in the midst of change, or in contemplating it. I’m a library book junkie, and my book-borrowing record reflects the subtext of my life. I have received as gifts and borrowed a huge variety of pregnancy and parenting-related books in the months since becoming pregnant. Here are a few of my favorites...

What are your favorite pregnancy and parenting books? What’s indispensable to you? What can you do without? Can’t wait to hear your suggestions and get myself all stocked up! 

Hey guys! Nora Jane is officially one day old so I figured it was time to take a break and post the birth story. First, I should say, that she is awesome and super cute and so far really likes to sleep (love that!). And she is breastfeeding like a champ. But I know you want to hear how it all went down and let me tell you, it’s a CRAZY story (and a long one, so bear with me)….

Nora Jane Ruddy born at 10:54 this morning--7 pounds, 10 ounces, 21 inches long.

Editor's note: Erin will post her birth story and photos soon!