Update

Yea! We did not have to leave home after all. Fortunately for us, but unfortunately for Louisiana residents, Gustav looks like it won't be an issue for our area. I can't describe the relief of being able to stay home and not stress about potentially giving birth in a strange city, in a strange hospital, with an unknown doctor. It does make me aware of the families in our same circumstance who are having to evacuate. They are most definately in our prayers.

Too Much at Stake, Cash versus Gustav!

We're probably going to evacuate on Sunday to San Antonio ahead of the hurricane. With Caitlin due on the 4th, it's definately poor timing I know. Although the current Huricane forecasts do not expect Gustav to hit Houston, the models have consistently shown it's predicted path migrating towards the west with a developing sharp left turn as it nears the coast. Considering what's at stake, the uncertainty associated with the forcast models, and the fact that it's already a cat 3 huricane, we're not going to wait to see what happens! The last thing I want is Caitlin going into labor while stuck on highway 10 in 100 degree weather with no place to go (remember Rita). Now, hopefully Cash will cooperate and wait until we are back home safely to come.

No Baby Yet

After our doctor's appointment this morning, there is unfortunately nothing new to report. She did say that this weekend would work well for her, as she is scheduled to be on-call, but that if we haven't delivered by Tuesday, we can consider induction. That's not really an option Mick and I want to exercise unless it's what's best for Cash, so hopefully he'll just make Labor Day weekend literal.

We are also keeping a close eye on Gustav, the tropical storm/soon-to-be-hurricane that could potentially be heading our direction right about the time Cash is due to arrive. How crazy would that be? My brother-in-law's sister had to evacuate for Hurricane Rita a mere 24 hours after giving birth to her daughter, so we know that the hospital will really kick you out if a big enough storm threatens. Chances are, nothing will come of this for us, but we did get instructions on what to do from the doc just in case.

Waiting, and waiting, and waiting

This past week, time seems to have s l o w e d to a c r a w l. I know Cash will, without a doubt, be here sometime within the next week or two, but it feels like the longest time of my life! Every little change or nuance makes me wonder if this is the beginning of labor and Mick calls me throughout the day to see "how I'm doing," which equates to "has my paternity leave started yet?" We are both so anxious to get moving forward!

At the doctor's appointment last week, they again stated he'd likely be a timely child, but I'm hoping for him to come early. Yes, I can't wait to meet him, but I'm also selfishly concerned about stretch marks, which I have been blessed to avoid so far. I know it totally speaks to the vanity in me, but what a bummer to then get them in the last couple of days. I'm sure many mother's reading this out there are laughing at me right now. Whatever, it's not pretty, but it's the truth.

I have another appointment on Thursday so hopefully there will be marked progress by then.

And the count down begins...

Well, I almost can't believe it but we are 38 weeks today. Even though I know that most first babies aren't early, I can't help but feel a bit like a ticking time bomb that could go off at any moment. Our doctor's appointment last week got me excited as there were some definate signs that things are moving forward, however as it goes with babies, that's not a sure sign that labor is approaching.

Mick and I have been busily preparing all the things that are still unfinished. We've now got a nursery full of pre-washed baby clothes and linens, decorations that are hung and strollers that are put together and functioning. There is still plenty to do, though, as we've yet to pack a hospital bag, put the car seat in the car or sterilize the bottles and pacifiers. My mom had a brilliant idea about pre-cooking meals and freezing them, so that is my project for this week. I am also desperately trying to finish the parenting books I started and Mick is focused on us getting together a birth plan.

I'd say the emotions are a bit all over the place right now. One minute I am crawling out of my skin with anxious anticipation of meeting our son, and the next I am selfishly introverted, realizing that very shortly I will be unable to park it on the couch for hours and answer only to my own whims. All of that and this overwhelming sense of gratitude to God for what He has provided for our family. There is a scripture that jumped out at me from a baby book my grandma gave us. "I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him." (1 Samuel 1:27) That is so true for us. We began this journey really unaware of how difficult it would be at times and how much we would need to rely on God throughout the process, but now being near the end of a healthy pregnancy, how can we not be incredibly moved by His grace, mercy and perfect timing?

We can't wait!

Texas Baby Shower

This past weekend, my sister and mom hosted another baby shower for Cash and it was so much fun! My Grandma and Aunt Jill flew out from Colorado for the party and we got to spend the past couple of days visiting and catching up. I must say that after both showers, Cash is not going to be hurting for anything. He is going to be a well-dressed, well-cared for little boy! I had been stressing out the past couple weeks about being uncertain on whether or not we had enough of the things we need, but after surveying the nursery today, I feel very relieved. Thanks to all who have blessed us with gifts for our little guy!

We are in our final few weeks and I can't really believe how quickly time has past! I have spent the past few days "nesting" by washing all Cash's clothing and bedding, as well as trying to figure out what we still need to do in order to prepare. Mick has been helping by putting together the stroller, bouncer and bassenet. Although our doctor assured us last week that I am probably not going to deliver early, one of the couples from our childbirth class had to be induced over the weekend three weeks early, so you never know. I can't believe that by this time next month, we will definately be in the full throws of parenthood!

Edouard

So Mick took off work yesterday amid all the hype of Tropical Storm Edouardo possibly turning into a hurricane and aiming right for us. This is our first experience with this kind of weather and the excitement of all the preparations and uncertainty.

Mick spent well over eight hours in the sweltering 100+ degree heat and humidity finishing up our hurricane shutters and helping some neighbors to do theirs. It was a long and laborious day and when all was said in done, we sat entombed in our home, awaiting what has turned out to be a pretty lame rain storm.

Don't get me wrong, we are soooooo grateful for some cooler weather and for the fact that we won't have to water the lawn for the next week, but we are dreading having to unscrew all 376 pins to remove the shutters in the upcoming days. It was a good run through, though, as we now know that we have enough panels, pins, and bolts to secure the whole house in the event of a real hurricane.