This Crazy Wonderful Justice Life: FULL TERM!

37 Weeks is here! We went to the doctor on Thursday (2 days ago) and learned that I am now 2 CM dilated, 80% effaced, and at -2 station. For those of you who have no idea what that means - essentially it just indicates that Hannah is on her sweet little way. While Dr. Bland thinks she could come any time now, only the Good Lord knows exactly when she will make her arrival! How cool is that? Even with all of today's medical knowledge and technology, some things are still a mystery. No one is REALLY positive of what induces labor (naturally of course). So, Steve and I are just waiting patiently and trusting that our little girl will surprise us at just the right time.

As most of you know, Steve and I have been preparing from day one to do all of this naturally. Of course I am not opposed to anything that will be best for our health. However, we found out that my platelet count is pretty low (the scientific term is gestational thrombocytosis). This is no big deal for Hannah or my health - all it means is that I will not be able to get an epidural even if I wanted to (as my blood may not clot and I would bleed into my epidural space)! I could choose to take a mega dose of Predisone (a steroid) to up my platelet count (like 3 times the amount Steve took for his back), but we have decided against that. So if you could please pray for me and Hannah - that everything we have learned and prepared for until this point to have a natural birth will enable us to achieve that goal, we would be blessed!

Matty Jones (Steve's best friend from Florida) came up to visit this weekend! He is always so much fun. And last weekend we had Doug and Erin stay with us for about 4 days which was also a blast. Steve Hale also came over two nights ago for some yummy turkey burgers. It is such a gift to have wonderful friends and family! I have been on a baking kick and made some homemade whole wheat chocolate chip cookies and biscuits from scratch! Here are the recipes if you are interested in making them - they are super yummy and as healthy as they can get.

Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yield: 3 dozen cookies

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup light olive oil butter

1 teaspoon vanilla
2 egg whites
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 package dark chocolate chips

About 15-20 Dark Chocolate Reece's Cups

3 TBS Natural Peanut Butter (Chunky)

Heat oven to 375 F.

Mix sugars, butter, vanilla and egg in large bowl. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt (dough will be stiff). Stir in chocolate chips, Reece's cups, and peanut butter.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until light brown (centers will be soft). Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack.

Whole Wheat Biscuits

Yield: About 12 biscuits

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1.5 tablespoon Splenda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup light olive oil butter
1 cup milk

Heat oven to 450 F.

In a medium bowl, combine flours, baking powder, sugar, and salt; mix well. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk just until moistened. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface; knead gently 8 to 10 times. Roll to 3/4-in. thickness; cut with a 2-1/2-in. biscuit cutter and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 450 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm.

I hope you will participate in our Facebook challenge to guess Hannah's birth date, length, and weight. The winner will get a prize!

LOVE YA'LL! May I leave you with a great verse that we will be praying and claiming for many months to come...

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall...but as for me, I trust in You.

Psalm 55:22-23

Car seat and hospital bag are ready to go!