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.

Nursery/Baby in Progress

Here are some updated pictures of the nursery. It's really coming together with the bedding and draperies. We have some decals to put up still, but I haven't quite figured out the design of them. It's so fun to think Cash will be in here in the very near future!



I'm 35 weeks this week and that means I'm nearly in my ninth month. Although I have started to get uncomfortable (as I type, I keep getting distracted by the sausage-like limbs that used to be my fingers), overall I'm still able to carry on most activities as normal. I was laughing the other day as I was on my hands and knees, scrubbing the bottom of the shower - this is not the picture I had of myself at eight-and-a-half months pregnant, but I am grateful that the pregnancy has been so blessed this far. I will say, however, that I could do without the severe heartburn that wakes me from a dead sleep feeling like my chest might rip open. Yeah, that part's not so fun.

Mick has been keeping busy working on building a shelving unit in the alcove in the living room. It's really coming along and it will be so nice to have it done before Cash comes. He's been missing the hands-on aspect of the work he did in California, so this has been a good outlet. The poor guy is getting less sleep than I am. He keeps claiming that I've developed a snoring habit, but I think he must be mistaken. I blame it on Bella. That's what dogs are for.

California Baby Shower

I spent this past weekend back in California for my first baby shower. It was so beautiful and so much fun! A huge thanks to everyone involved, especially Kim and Ashley, who managed to put it all together with a 4-week-old baby and the fun of being 4-months pregnant respectively. And I thought I was tired!

Independence Day

Happy 4th of July! We had quite the plan to enjoy our holiday by our brand new community pool, but a huge rain storm had other ideas for us. Instead, we had a low-key afternoon and then went to a yummy cook-out at my sister's in-laws house. Thankfully the rain stopped in time to have a really enjoyable evening. After dinner, we headed home to roast s'mores and watch fireworks, which we could see clearly from our front yard. We set off a few fireworks of our own, but were totally put to shame by the ones our neighbors had. Fun this year, but I'm not sure how much we'll appreciate the close-proximity booms with a sleeping baby at home in '09!

Cocoa Beach

Mick had a work trip to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida earlier this week and I was lucky enough to get to tag along thanks to some free Southwest Airline tickets that Reagan and Oscar gave us. It was a nice get away and likely the last one we'll have before Cash makes his debut.

On Monday, Mick went onto NASA to work, but he also received an up-close-and-personal-tour of the grounds. He got to see all sorts of things that are usually reserved for NASA personnel and astronauts, including standing directly underneath the launch pad. Apparently the grounds have a lot of preserved space on it, so he also got to see lots of alligators enjoying the land. The picture above is not one he took, but at the same location that he saw them.

I mostly hung out at the pool and walked along the beach picking up seashells. I tried to enjoy every moment free of parental responsibilty. There aren't a lot of them left.