Well, here is the belly. The girl behind the belly is named Courtney. It's hard to see her much these days, though. Not that she minds the belly, seeing that it is holding her baby. But she does long for the day when her organs don't feel squished anymore.
In all seriousness, here I am with about two weeks to go. My midwife tells me this baby will not come early. I am going at least until my due date, or I fear, beyond. I pray this baby doesn't keep us waiting too much longer!
Today I got my pre-labor haircut. I made that term up, but I thought it was important to get my scraggly hair cut before this baby comes and I have no time for such things. It was definitely needed and made me feel really good at a time when maternity pants no longer want to stay up and I have only one skirt left to wear to church on Sundays.
Brian has come down with a sore throat/cough combo. When he gets these, they always wreak havoc on him, and usually only antibiotics do the trick. The timing couldn't be worse, because he certainly doesn't need to be sick when I'm in labor. I called the doctor today, trying to get him in as soon as possible, but unfortunately, the ear/nose/throat specialist we see is in high demand. Brian couldn't get in there until May 11! I told the receptionist, "That's too late. We're going to have a baby in a couple of weeks. I need him to get better." She was so nice, and she offered to describe Brian's symptoms to the doctor so that he could call in a prescription. I was able to pick up Brian's prescription today without any hassles, and so I pray Brian will soon be on his way to better health. We certainly don't need him coughing on our newborn!
Things are winding down. My focus now is on tidying the house and keeping things clean, washing my cloth diapers I just received (they must be washed several times before use), and continuing my prenatal visits. I have two more appointments before my due date; we'll see if I need any more.
We are excited, but also nervous for what is ahead. I'm not sure there is anything like coming labor that brings to the forefront such contrasting emotions at the same time. Yes, we joyfully anticipate the arrival of our child, but the fears of pain and the unknown are definitely there, too.
It won't be long now before this bassinet will be filled. It is at my bedside, ready to go.
Baby's window. I hung the banner my sister had used to decorate my baby shower. (Yes, those balloons are from the shower, too, which was a month ago today.)
My sister bought this cute creation, which is made up of baby washcloths, and in the center, a baby mitten, to use as the centerpiece at my baby shower. It is now in Baby's room as a decoration. (As you can see in the pic it is on the floor, but that is only because I put it there to get a shot out of the sunlight.)
Here is another shot of it, along with Baby's toy bin.
Baby's blankets are washed and ready to be used.
Don't look too closely at this dresser. It's been mine since my parent's bought it for my sister and me when I was in the third grade. It desperately needs to be painted, and we are hoping to get brave enough to try it in the near future. (And for the record, I don't want it to be painted white.) So imagine here a something like a taupe dresser instead.
Baby's changing station is fully operational. Yes, you see disposable diapers there. I will use them in the beginning, but I fully intend to be a cloth diapering mama. No, it is not for the faint of heart, but I am not afraid, and I will not turn back. I just can't see spending so much money on something my baby will be in barely five minutes, and then it is thrown away. It's funny to see people's reactions when I mention I will be cloth diapering. They are either bluntly or subtly cynical about the whole thing, and I have been warned that I will change my mind. I know there will be bumps in the road as I learn cloth diapering, after all, I've never changed a baby with anything other than a disposable. However, I will not let a bump in the road deter me from doing what I know is economically best for my family, as well as healthier for my baby. (Did you know there are chemicals in disposable diapers that often cause rashes in babies?) Good grief, disposable diapers have only been a recent thing when compared to how long mankind has been around. If my dad could wash his younger brother's cloth diapers using a scrub board, surely I can throw my baby's diapers in the washing machine and let that do the work.
That's where we're at! Please keep us in your prayers if you think of it. We want Baby to have a smooth and healthy transition into this world. We can't wait to see our little one!
