Just a few more weeks!

Well, I've reached THAT stage of pregnancy . . . you know the one . . . The stage at which you hop out of bed and pull your clothes out of the dryer because you know that they fit and you don't want to have to guess which ones in the drawer you have outgrown . . . the stage at which simple tasks like washing the dishes require a stool because standing at the sink for 10 minutes is simply too exhausting . . . the stage at which perfect strangers pat your belly in the grocery store and say things like "Oh you must be due any day now. It' is so exciting." And you know what? It is! ~ In just a few weeks our family will be joined by a newborn baby girl!!!

My sweet husband had today off and for some reason (probably those unceasing braxton-hicks) I had an enormous urge to nest, so the day was full of simple projects to get ready for our newest family member. 

I packed three suitcases - one for me and hubby at the hospital, one for baby, and one for the kids who will be sleeping at their Nana and Grandpa's house when our little girl arrives. There are a few things that I'll need to toss in at the last minute, but it is nice to have them mostly ready to go. Uh oh, late night thought . . . the dog will need to go somewhere too . . . well, I guess I'm not as well packed as I thought.

We moved the exercise equipment out of our room so that there is now space for the cradle.  I now need to figure out where we can fit a changing table. Until we finish the master bedroom baby is sharing the room with us, or more accurately, we are living in her room, so space is at a premium. Maybe it would work best in the playroom downstairs? Hmmm...

I scheduled some professional photos, haircuts, and other random appointments that I would like to get done before baby arrives and I did some last minute shopping. Okay, most of it was groceries, but who wants to run out of breakfast cereal or soap with a newborn in the house.

My closet got a thorough cleaning. I have learned that my tendency after bringing a new one home is to wear whatever is easiest to reach, regardless of fit. I tried to remove as much as I could. If I haven't worn it yet - it's out (I probably never liked it anyway). If it is poorly made, stained or still way too big - it's out.  If it is for the wrong season - it's out (I have no idea why I thought I would need a swimsuit during this winter pregnancy).  In general I got rid of as many of the boxy, baggy, droopy maternity clothes as possible.  There is still plenty to last me for the next few weeks, but two full bags are in my trunk waiting to be driven to my sister's house - she is in her second trimester so I'm sure a wardrobe revamp will be a welcome change in her closet too!

The kids went with their Nana for a special dinner at Bugaboo Creek (which by the way, my little boy thinks is very exciting because "that's my name!" - we have always called him by the nickname Bugaboo, I have no idea how or why we even started.) so the two of us had a nice sushi dinner and some quiet time to talk.  We discussed her name (yet again) and finally came to a conclusion that both of us are excited about.  At least, that is, until we discuss it again. We are slow decision makers when it comes to names.   The ongoing joke at our church is that we will be bringing the baby names book to the hospital with us.

Phew . . . it's been a busy day - and now, of course even though I'm completely exhausted, I am up at 4AM typing on the computer instead of sleeping.  Pregnancy does wacky things to my sleep cycle. Oh well, I guess I'll be right on schedule for those middle of the night feedings!


Please forgive the funny photos - I just couldn't stand to post pics of my puffy face. Stay tuned for professional shots!