PS22

A video originally posted by my friend Beka--these kids are so talented (adjust your volume, you'll want to hear the harmony)!

Thought Fragment Post

37 weeks and 2 days into the pregnancy--thought fragments:

• On paper, I have 11 days of work left.  ELEVEN days--that's not a lot of time, and I have plenty to keep me occupied until the end of the month, but I am really struggling to stay focused and compartmentalize all of my thoughts about the baby in order to crank out the products I need to produce in the time I've been given.  If only I were paid to take naps and nest...

• Our trip to the doctor's office today managed to ease some of the deep, psychological resistance I've felt in terms of actually thinking about the process of bringing another life into the world.  Don't get me wrong, I still haven't really allowed myself to think about it.  Instead, I just focus on the outcome: we'll have a baby in 22 days or less: 

• Jon is a saint.  Really.  One example of saintly behavior: his sacrifice of decompression time over his fall break in order to study ahead for his classes, pick up last-minute baby items, install baby items, prepare his presentation for the upcoming symposium, etc.  I don't know how single parents do it. 

•  Pregnancy has really stirred my compassion toward people with overactive bladder...

• I've developed a most sincere appreciation for cheese cake.  And by that I mean that sometimes I feel like I would back over someone with our car in order to satisfy a craving for it.

• On an emotional level, if I were being completely honest, I would admit that the idea of being charged with shaping and influencing another little life is overwhelming.  The idea of making mistakes as a parent, combined with the pregnancy hormones, has made for some pretty interesting emotional situations whereby I dissolve into tears and Jon reassures me that a) God is taking care of our family, b) children are physically resilient and don't require four different types of helmets.  

• On a physical level, if I were being completely honest, I would admit that I love the fact that I get to carry our son around 24/7.  I love the gentle reactions people have toward him/my giant belly--it's like it can diffuse even the most tense situations.  It's great.  Then, I would admit that sleeping is becoming more of a challenge, and that he is starting to feel very heavy, and that I am starting to feel very heavy, and that I cannot wait to hold him in my arms (or in the sweet Moby wrap--thanks Jer and Kel!), as opposed to my belly. 

• I'm pretty sure that aqua moms (aqua aerobics class for pregnant ladies--fitting name, right?) has saved my back from much achiness throughout the pregnancy.  It's been so nice to feel weightless a few times a week and hang out with other expectant moms--very encouraging.

19 days left until you're scheduled to make your entrance, little man!  In spite of this stream of consciousness post, please know that we're so excited to meet you! 

Babe-E-Shower

Hey everybody!  I'm sorry that it's taken several days to post, but here is the video we took for the "Babe-E-Shower":

I appreciate your patience with my ridiculous hand gymnastics, disorganized paper disposal tactics and abuse of the word "items."

I don't think we can convey how thankful we are for all of you.  Really, you don't understand how much you have blessed our family through your generosity.  This kiddo is SET to enter the world!  As you can see from the belly size, that could be any time now:)

Again, thank you for all of your gifts and words of wisdom--more updates to come in the near future! 

*Update!  A few more gifts/thank-you's that didn't make it onto the video--either because they came super early or came after October 8th, when we took the video:

• Pack-n-Play!  From my mom
• Tiny library of children's books--Adrienne and Danial
• Awesome dinosaur/boyish receiving blankets--Ben and Jen

Thank you, thank you, thank you!