September 6

Today is September 6. Which means, for those of you not counting down days, that our little man is due in exactly one month...while realistically, he will come before then (because my doctor wants to induce the week before).

Hmmm....YIKES.


I am ready to meet the little guy and Jesse and I are both getting more and more excited. My belly moves most erratically these days, and still pretty constantly. Jesse can be sitting completely across the room and notice the entire contortion of the belly change and he'll say, "holy cow- that kid is strong!"

I did finally kick into "nesting"mode, when I panicked and realized I was completely NOT ready, should he decide to make an extra early appearance. I have since remedied that (for the most part), getting as much ready as I can. The nursery is functional, all clothing is washed/folded/hung, and the dresser is complete with newborn diapers and wipes. I washed the car seat insert, as well as the swing and bouncer cloths, and then took the Lysol to everything else. The bedding is all washed and in place, for the crib and cradle, and we now have a new sponge bath, blue wash cloths, and extra small hoodie towels. We're ready.

Yes, there are still some things on the wish list and a few things that should be done before he arrives, BUT, should he make a surprise entrance, we will not be in panic mode.

I think it is so strange that when you are pregnant the first time, the little one growing inside consumes your every thought. You count every day that you are pregnant, waiting in absolute mystery and enchantment for the baby to arrive. This time around, though I do think about the baby and I countdown to meet him (and no longer be pregnant!), it is not the same. The ironic part? I still think about Ryleigh. I worry about how the baby's arrival will affect her. I wonder about her response to him being in our home. I am nervous about learning how to properly divide the attention, so she does not resent him for taking away her Mama. I realize that people have multiple babies all the time, and these things more-or-less work themselves out. I also truly think she is excited and as much as she can understand what is happening, she does. I know she will be Mommy's little helper and be a sweet big sister...at least most of the time. I guess this time, she is again the "unknown." This time, we have a much better idea of what to expect from a newborn, but no idea what to expect from a 2-year-old adjusting to a newborn. Once again, we'll try to take it all in stride and learn right along with her. It's just interesting to me how perspective changes.

So, there ya have it. We are in the final countdown, and I'm ready to meet my little man. We're still trying to come up with a name, and something tells me we will not have a clue until he arrives. I guess I'm okay with that. Maybe we will look into his face and just know.

Oh yeah- want to see a picture of the massive belly? I know you do. No comments please, I already know it is huge.
My prayer requests for these last few weeks include:

• Jesse having the time, energy, and effort to really focus on the golf course right now. I want him to be in a good peace of mind when the baby arrives, so he can at least allow himself a couple days away, while we're in Houston, to just focus on our new family. Hopefully, getting things in a place where he feels comfortable will enable him to do that.
• Ryleigh getting lots of lovin' and special attention these last few weeks. I don't intend to stop the attention once the baby arrives, but right now, during our last month as a family of three, I want to make it special and really remember this time together.
• Hopefully get the house in working order. This especially includes finding, ordering, and receiving a kitchen table. Yes, you read correctly. We have no table. Currently, we eat off two tv trays and some folding chairs. We need a table. Please pray we get this situation remedied ASAP, so we don't have to worry about it once the baby arrives.
• I would like to get my work load in a place that it is manageable for my replacement. I'm going to be in major crunch mode this week and next wrapping up a big project, and from then on, I will just be trying to get everything in order.
• My uncomfortableness is not fun. The heartburn and acid reflux are killing me, as well as all the other weird uncomfortableness that comes from the last month. Pray for patience as my body finishes up this stage of the process.

Well, there you have it. We're close, but not there yet. We're ready, but still nervous about what to expect with two. We're busy trying to prepare, though knowing you can never fully prepare. All is well, and we are so thankful for all the kindness, encouragement, and support everyone has provided throughout this pregnancy. Thank you all!