38 weeks from my perspective

What does it feel like to be at 38 weeks?

Since I did a lot of "panic n' prep" in weeks before, I feel pretty calm this week. But, I feel every time I go to the grocery store, it will be the last time, and I buy crazy amounts of food so we're stocked up. It's like a late winter hibernation mindset.

The head colds I've been having the past few weeks have dried up a bit. Sleeping is not so great. Turning over is an ordeal I never anticipated. Dreams are weird. I'm getting more uncomfortable in general, like I can't be in one spot for a long time. I need to move about. But I don't feel terrible.

Wish it was warmer outside so I wouldn't have to zip my coat. It barely fits and the baby always pushes against it. I basically wear four outfits nowadays, which really isn't that far off from the norm for me.

Most of baby's movements are on the left side of my belly as if the baby's trying to kick its way out the side door (someone should tell this kid there is no side door).

Our hospital bag is mostly packed.

And now, waiting we are...

Voila!

Maybe the baby won't be so concerned about the state of the room...but I'm glad it's in better shape.

Catching him saying "cute"

Seems that everything related to baby things are "cute." Despite my aversion to the word, we both keep saying it. But here is proof of cute!


Our coaching friends made the baby a few volleyball outfits...cute outfits. And many of our volleyball family, friends, and players gave us many gifts and have promised babysitting time (already) to help get us on our way. (Only a few have volunteered to change diapers.)

We really appreciate everyone's love and support and excitement for us!

Belly Bonanza!

Guess which belly holds the baby...










Nope, it's the other one.

Less than a month (or so)

We're inside of one month until the due date (which is Feb 18). But due dates are guesses and we have lots of guesses from people we know about when they think baby will arrive. Paul thinks the date could be as early as Feb 2 (yikes!). I'm erring on the side of late and think we'll be well beyond Feb 2oth or so. Maybe that's the difference between the one who is wildly awaiting the arrival and the one who has to usher in this new person. But you'd think it would be the other way around and I'd want the arrival sooner. I guess I don't want to think it will be sooner and then have to wait out each day beyond my expected guess. That would be harder to deal with than just setting my sights on a later arrival date. And maybe Paul's just preparing himself for "any day now" so he's ready to put on his most important coaching cap ...

Not quite ready...

So, this is the baby room.



Yep, not sure where baby will sleep just yet. And yes, that's a stereo with a turntable in the corner of the room. We're hoping that the baby would consider a career as a d.j., or since it seems so ancient, an anthropologist.

Not me.

Despite Hwy 51 being close to us, and the mother being my age, this is not me...in case anyone caught this story and wondered.

MON., JAN 12, 2009 - 8:57 PM

Baby born in car pulled off Highway 51

Wisconsin State Journal

MCFARLAND — A 33 year-old woman gave birth to a girl in a vehicle on the side of Highway 51 near Siggelkow Road in McFarland on Monday morning, according to Dane County officials.

Dane County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Elise Schaffer said emergency units were dispatched to the vehicle at 7 a.m., but the baby arrived before the deputy could.

Mother and daughter were taken to a hospital and are reportedly in good health.

The Hand of Fate

Well, while at the store a while back, I came across a magic 8-ball.

I decided to see if it had any insight into the sex of the baby.

"Is it a girl?", I asked.

MOST DECIDEDLY SO -- it read.

"Is it a boy?", I asked mainly to confirm my earlier findings (I am a social scientist after all.).

THE ANSWER IS NO -- it read.

So, the Magic 8-ball has weighed in on the intrigue that will come to fruition in just over a month.

The first of many parenting blunders....

We made the big parenting step of putting together our new crib that we purchased from IKEA (we always buy Swedish when we get the chance.). It looked great.

However, when we tried to move it into the baby room, we realized that it was too big to fit through the door.

ARGH!!!!!

Luckily, we were much better at putting it together the 2nd time. :)