Coming soon!

So much to talk about, -oh- and time to do it!! I am now officially on maternity leave. This starts my second week of time to "rest" before baby comes. (Can you believe that I'm due in 5 weeks!) And I'm finding that I needed this rest more than I thought I did. I was planning on working at least two or three more weeks, but my OB wanted me to get more rest. Now that I'm "relaxing" at home, I feel totally wiped out. I think that I was just pushing myself at work and telling myself to suck it up and be strong. Now, I go to the grocery store and come home for a much needed 2 hour nap! I feel very out of my element and am not used to all this. I go to clean the bathroom, and end up taking 10 minute breaks inbetween the toilet, sinks, and mirrors. Since when does it take me 30-40 minutes to clean one bathroom?!?!? I keep my list of things to do as short as possible and in small steps so that I don't get too winded. It usually works, but sometimes I push myself and just finish a project (and then crash). I don't do that too often though- I promise- - really- - - seriously. Anyways, I don't care if you believe me or not, it's true. Seriously.

Anyways, I still have this little, wiggly, constantly moving, up in my ribs baby in a breach position. A what?! Yes, he is butt down and not making much of an effort to turn around. So for now the doctor plans on doing a c-section- I'm apparently not delivering him like this. :) (by the way- his feet are by his face--- in my right rib cage- yeah- not really comfortable, but I figure at this point no one is comfortable- whichever way the little bundle is sitting.) So, I'm going in for weekly checkups, and they watch his heartrate and do a mini ultrasound to check my amniotic fluid levels each time. I love my doctor, and although he is very laid back and calm, he also knows when to put a little extra concern and observation in use. I have one more dose of chemo before baby comes. (Yeah!) So my OB wants to make sure that baby is ok. Since I'm in the last month, he feels comfortable getting the baby out if there is any inkling of a sign of distress. So, I am in constant wonder of how the kid is doing, will he stay in or come out this week? Ah, the excitement! I've been getting the baby's room ready, and organizing and washing everything. In small steps of course, and with help. So I feel pretty good about bringing the newbie home- can you ever really be fully prepared? Bill is so excited he can barely stand it, but he's been asking me to have the baby early for about two months now. Silly daddy-to-be, I keep telling him to be patient and get sleep, but he can't help wanting to squish the baby NOW.

I had the most amazing baby showers. One at work and one for all my family and other friends. They were so fun and busy, and I was blessed beyond my wildest imagination. I was able to fully stock the baby room-thanks to everyone being beyond generous, and best of all I got to see people I love and celebrate the new addition! I was surprised- very easily by the way- with family visitors. Bill loves to surprise me and had one fantastic weekend of TWO surprises. His mom Tab and her husband Kent drove up from Arizona to see us and feel my wiggly baby bump. It was so fun to hang out with them!! Also My Aunt Rolane and cousins Cara and Riva came up too!! We were able to meet Lynnea for the first time and stayed up late talking all weekend.- well the girls did, not Bill. What great memories! I am so spoiled!

We also got our backyard put in. I still have to plant pretty things and trees and vegetables, but the yard is laid out and ready for planting. I may not get to it until fall, but for now, to look outside and see a real backyard is wonderful. I was getting sick of dirt and weeds. It's simple, and perfect for us! I am so thankful for God's blessings in my life. I feel like His peace and joy flood over me each day. Even something silly like a new lawn reminds me of His provision and beauty.